The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri

The Shree Jagannath Temple is one of the most important and revered pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, located in the coastal town of Puri in the eastern state of Odisha in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.

The temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and comprises four main gates facing the four cardinal directions. The temple's construction dates back to the 11th century, although it has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. The temple's architecture is a fusion of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with the main temple rising to a height of about 214 feet.

The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra or chariot festival, which attracts millions of devotees from all over India and the world. During the festival, the deities are taken out of the temple in procession on elaborately decorated chariots, pulled by thousands of devotees.

The temple is also renowned for its kitchen, which is considered to be the largest kitchen in the world. It is said that the kitchen can feed thousands of devotees every day without any shortage of food. The food prepared in the kitchen is known as Mahaprasad and is considered to be sacred by devotees.

Legend has it that the temple was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 12th century. According to another legend, the idol of Lord Jagannath was discovered by a tribal king named Vishwavasu, who handed it over to King Indradyumna, who then built the temple.

The temple has been associated with several stories and legends. One of the most popular legends is the story of Lord Krishna's avatar as Lord Jagannath. According to the legend, Lord Krishna wished to experience the love and devotion of his devotees, and thus took the form of Lord Jagannath, with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.

The Shree Jagannath Temple is not only a spiritual center but also a cultural hub. The temple's architecture, sculptures, and artwork are exquisite examples of Odishan art and culture. The temple's administration is also responsible for organizing several festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

In conclusion, the Shree Jagannath Temple is a significant religious and cultural landmark in India, attracting millions of devotees and tourists every year. The temple's rich history, architectural beauty, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in India's spiritual and cultural heritage.

Who is the makes Jagannatha temple in puri

The construction of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is attributed to King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, who ruled the region from 1078 to 1148 AD. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century during his reign, although the exact year of its construction is not known. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, but the original temple structure and design are credited to King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.

Architect

The architects of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri are not known for certain as the temple's construction dates back several centuries. However, it is believed that the temple's architecture is a fusion of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with influences from various dynasties and rulers that held power in the region at different times. The temple's main structure and design are credited to the Eastern Ganga dynasty, which ruled the region from the 11th to the 15th century. The temple's architecture and artwork are exquisite examples of Odishan art and culture and are considered among the finest examples of Indian temple architecture.

History

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. According to legend, the idol of Lord Jagannath was discovered by a tribal king named Vishwavasu, who handed it over to King Indradyumna. King Indradyumna then built the temple to house the idol, which is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu.

The temple's construction is generally attributed to King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, who ruled the region from 1078 to 1148 AD. However, the exact date of the temple's construction is not known. The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the most recent one taking place in the 20th century.

The temple has been the center of various religious and cultural activities throughout its history. It has served as a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus, particularly for followers of the Vaishnavism tradition. The temple has also been associated with several legends and stories, including the story of Lord Krishna's avatar as Lord Jagannath.

The temple has also witnessed various invasions and attacks throughout history. The temple was attacked and plundered by the Afghan ruler Kalapahad in the 16th century, and later by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. However, the temple and its traditions survived these attacks and continued to thrive.

Today, the Shree Jagannath Temple is not only a spiritual center but also a cultural hub. The temple's architecture, sculptures, and artwork are exquisite examples of Odishan art and culture. The temple's administration is responsible for organizing several festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the famous Rath Yatra or chariot festival. The temple attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over India and the world, making it one of the most visited temples in India.

Flourish of Jagannath temple

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has flourished in many ways throughout its history. The temple has been a major center of pilgrimage and worship for centuries, attracting millions of devotees and tourists every year. The temple's architecture, sculptures, and artwork are exquisite examples of Odishan art and culture and have been admired and appreciated by people all over the world.

The temple has also been the center of various religious and cultural activities, including festivals like Rath Yatra or chariot festival, Snana Yatra or bathing festival, and many others. These festivals and events have contributed to the temple's flourishing in terms of spiritual and cultural significance.

The temple has also been a hub of economic activity, with a thriving marketplace and many businesses catering to the needs of visitors and devotees. The temple administration has played an important role in the development of the surrounding area, with several social welfare programs and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the local community.

Despite facing many challenges and obstacles throughout its history, the Shree Jagannath Temple has continued to flourish and remain a symbol of devotion, culture, and spirituality.

Height of Temple

The height of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is around 214 feet (65 meters) from the ground level to the top of the main shikhara (tower). The temple's main shikhara is made of stone and is surrounded by smaller shikharas and other structures. The temple's architecture is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, and the temple is considered one of the tallest and most magnificent temples in India. The temple's height and grandeur are among the factors that contribute to its popularity among devotees and Tourists from all over the world.

How many stove in the Jagannath temple

There are multiple kitchens (locally known as "Roshangar") in the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri that are collectively referred to as "Mahaprasad Mandap". The Mahaprasad Mandap is responsible for preparing and cooking food for the temple's deities and the thousands of devotees who visit the temple every day.

There are four main kitchens or "Roshaghars" in the temple complex, known as:

The Anandabazar Roshangar

The Narendra Sarovar Roshaghar

The Emar Mutt Roshangar

The Srimandir Roshangar

Each kitchen has its own unique history and significance, and they collectively produce over 100 different varieties of vegetarian dishes daily. The Mahaprasad or the food offered to the deities is considered sacred and is distributed among the devotees as prasad after it is offered to the deities.

Anand Bazar glory

The Ananda Bazaar or "market of joy" is one of the four main kitchens (roshaghars) in the Shree Jagannath Temple complex in Puri. It is one of the oldest and largest kitchens in the temple and is responsible for preparing and cooking a significant portion of the Mahaprasad (sacred food) that is offered to the deities and distributed among the devotees.

The Anandabazar kitchen has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It is said to have been established during the reign of King Purusottama Deva, who ruled Odisha in the 15th century. The kitchen has since been renovated and expanded several times, with the most recent renovation taking place in the early 20th century.

The kitchen is run by a team of dedicated priests and cooks who follow strict guidelines and procedures to ensure that the food is cooked and served in a hygienic and pious manner. The kitchen has several large cauldrons or pots in which the food is cooked, including a pot that can hold up to 1,200 kilograms of rice at a time.

The Anandabazar kitchen is known for its delicious and unique preparations, including the famous "dalma" dish, which is made with lentils and vegetables and is a staple of Odia cuisine. The kitchen is also famous for its "Kotho bhoga" (special offering), which is a rare and highly prized dish that is offered to the deities on special occasions.

Overall, the Anandabazar kitchen is considered an integral part of the Shree Jagannath Temple's culture and tradition. Its rich history and contribution to the temple's Mahaprasad have earned it a special place in the hearts of devotees and visitors alike.

How many festivals celebrate in the Jagannath temple in a year

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, both major and minor. The temple is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, and festivals play a vital role in the temple's tradition and history.

Some of the major festivals celebrated in the Shree Jagannath Temple are:

Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival: This is the most famous festival celebrated in the temple, which attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. It is held in the month of June or July and involves the procession of the deities on chariots.

Snana Yatra or Bathing Festival: This festival is celebrated in the month of June and involves the ceremonial bathing of the deities in public view.

Anavasara or 'Rains Retreat': During this period, the deities are believed to fall sick and are kept in isolation for a period of 15 days. Devotees are not allowed to visit the temple during this time.

Chandan Yatra or Sandalwood Festival: This festival is celebrated in the month of April or May and involves the application of sandalwood paste to the deities.

Durga Puja of Navratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of September or October and involves the worship of Goddess Durga for nine days.

Apart from these major festivals, the temple also celebrates several minor festivals throughout the year, such as Makar Sankranti, Rama Navami, Janmashtami, and Diwali. In total, the Shree Jagannath Temple celebrates over 20 festivals and rituals throughout the year.

How to go Puri

The Shree Jagannath Temple is located in the city of Puri, in the Indian state of Odisha. Puri is well-connected by road, rail, and air to major cities in India.

By air: The nearest airport to Puri is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Puri.

By rail: Puri has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. There are several trains that run daily from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai to Puri.

By road: Puri is connected to major cities in Odisha and neighboring states by a network of well-maintained roads. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from nearby cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Kolkata to reach Puri.

Once you reach Puri, you can easily reach the Shree Jagannath Temple by taking a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station or bus stand. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible from all parts of Puri.