Jagannath Temple
Puri, Odisha
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha — one of the four sacred Char Dhams of Hinduism — is among the most ancient and spiritually significant temples in India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the 'Lord of the Universe,' a form of Vishnu.
Temple details
- About this temple
Built in the 12th century CE in the magnificent Kalinga architectural style, the temple's main shikhara soars over 65 metres above the ground and houses wooden idols of the divine triad: Jagannath (black), Balabhadra (white), and Subhadra (yellow) — unique in Hinduism for being crafted from sacred neem wood and ceremonially replaced every 12 to 19 years in the 'Nabakalebara' ritual. The temple is world-famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) held in June or July, when the deities are placed on massive handcrafted wooden chariots and pulled through the Grand Road by millions of devotees in a spectacle of faith and devotion that inspired the English word 'juggernaut.' The temple kitchen is one of the world's largest, preparing 56 varieties of vegetarian food (Mahaprasad) daily, believed to be supervised by Goddess Lakshmi herself. With over 24 festivals annually, Jagannath Temple pulses with spiritual energy throughout the year.
- Deity
Lord Jagannath (form of Vishnu / Krishna), Balabhadra, and Subhadra
- Temple type
Char Dham Pilgrimage Site, 108 Abhimana Kshetram
- Architectural style
Kalinga (Odisha)
- Established
12th century CE (current structure); ancient origins
- Festivals
- Rath Yatra / Chariot Festival (Jun–Jul, most famous)
- Bahuda Yatra (return of chariots)
- Snana Yatra
- Nabakalebara (every 12–19 years)
- Dola Yatra (Holi)
- Janmashtami
- Chandan Yatra
- Managed by
Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (Government of Odisha)
Location
Puri, Odisha, India