Puri Jagannath temple:
The Puri Jagannath temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in India. It is located in the city of Puri, in the state of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu.
The temple is famous for its unique architecture and its annual Ratha Yatra festival. The Ratha Yatra is a chariot festival in which the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out on procession in three chariots.
The Puri Jagannath temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.
What is the Puri Jagannath temple?
The Puri Jagannath temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. The temple is located in the city of Puri, in the state of Odisha.
The temple is said to have been built by King Indradyumna in the 12th century. The temple is a massive structure made of sandstone and granite. It is one of the largest temples in India.
The temple is divided into three parts: the Jagamohan, the Natamandira, and the Bhitara Ghar. The Jagamohan is the main hall of the temple. It is where the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshipped.
The Natamandira is the dancing hall of the temple. It is where the deities are taken out on procession during festivals.
The Bhitara Ghar is the inner sanctum of the temple. It is where the deities are kept when they are not being worshipped.
Why is it famous?
The Puri Jagannath temple is famous for several reasons. First, it is one of the most important Hindu temples in India. Second, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Third, it is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.
The temple is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra festival. The Ratha Yatra is a chariot festival in which the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out on procession in three chariots. The Ratha Yatra is one of the largest festivals in India.
History of the temple:
The Puri Jagannath temple is said to have been built by King Indradyumna in the 12th century. The temple is a massive structure made of sandstone and granite. It is one of the largest temples in India.
The temple was originally built in the Kalinga style of architecture. However, it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current structure of the temple dates back to the 17th century.
The temple has been damaged several times by natural disasters. In 1672, the temple was destroyed by a cyclone. It was rebuilt by King Ramachandradeva. In 1897, the temple was damaged by an earthquake. It was rebuilt by the British government.
The temple has also been damaged by human activity. In 1984, the temple was attacked by a group of Hindu extremists. The extremists damaged several parts of the temple.
Despite the damage it has sustained, the Puri Jagannath temple remains one of the most important Hindu temples in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.
Architecture and design:
The main temple is a five-story structure with a curvilinear roof. The roof is topped with a golden dome. The temple is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The Jagamohan is the main hall of the temple. It is a rectangular structure with a high ceiling. The hall is supported by 124 pillars. The walls of the hall are decorated with paintings and murals.
The Natamandira is the dancing hall of the temple. It is a square structure with a domed roof. The hall is used for religious dances and performances.
The Bhitara Ghar is the inner sanctum of the temple. It is a small, square room. The room is home to the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The deities are made of wood and covered in sandalwood paste.
Rituals and festivals:
The Puri Jagannath temple is home to a number of rituals and festivals. Some of the most important rituals include:
- The Snana Yatra: This is a bathing festival that takes place in the month of June or July. The deities are bathed in 108 pitchers of water.
- The Ratha Yatra: This is a chariot festival that takes place in the month of July or August. The deities are taken out in procession in three chariots.
- The Chandan Yatra: This is a sandalwood festival that takes place in the month of December. The deities are anointed with sandalwood paste.
Significance of the temple:
The Puri Jagannath temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in India. It is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus every year. The temple is also a major tourist destination.
For Hindus, the Puri Jagannath temple is a symbol of devotion and faith. The temple is believed to be a gateway to heaven. Pilgrims who visit the temple are said to be cleansed of their sins.
For tourists, the Puri Jagannath temple is a fascinating place to visit. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in India. The temple is also a great place to learn about Hindu culture and tradition.
Conclusion:
The Puri Jagannath temple is a unique and important religious and cultural site. It is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Hindus every year and is also a major tourist destination. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in India. The temple is also a great place to learn about Hindu culture and tradition.
FAQs:
- Q: What are the times for visiting the Puri Jagannath temple?
- A: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Q: What are the entry fees for the Puri Jagannath temple?
- The entry fees for the temple are INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for children.
- Q: What are the dos and don'ts for visiting the Puri Jagannath temple?
- Here are some dos and don'ts for visiting the Puri Jagannath temple:
- Do wear clean and respectful clothing.
- Do remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Cover your head with a scarf or shawl.
- Do not eat or drink inside the temple.
- Do not take photographs inside the inner sanctum.
I hope this article has been informative. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
