About Shree 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.
- Architecture:
- It is a striking example of Kalinga architecture, a distinct style prevalent in the Odisha region.
- The temple complex includes shrines, gardens and sacred tanks, creating a serene atmosphere for devotion.
- 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.
- The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (aunt's home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri.
- It begins on the second day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadha (June–July) and lasts for nine days.
- During this time, the deities are taken out of the Jagannath Puri Temple and placed on three massive chariots.
- It is also one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as the Chaar Dhaams, that hold great significance for Hindus.
- It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
