Jagannath Temple

About Jagannath Temple:

• It is a Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha.
• It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
• It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century.
  • However, the completion of the temple happened in 1230 AD under Anangbheema Deva III, who also installed the deities in the shrine.
• Architecture:
  • It is a striking example of Kalinga architecture, a distinct Nagara style prevalent in Odisha.
  • The temple complex includes shrines, gardens and sacred tanks, creating a serene atmosphere for devotion.
  • The main temple is located at the center of the inner courtyard on a raised platform.
  • The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.
  • The temple’s main structure, the sanctum sanctorum, or the garbhagriha, houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
  • At the pinnacle of the temple, there is a 20-foot-high chakra (wheel) that is positioned in a way to be visible from any part of the city.
• Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath temple.
• It is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as the Char Dhams, that hold great significance for Hindus.
• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.