Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple is situated on the eastern cost of India in Puri, Odisha. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath in the form of  Vishnu in Hinduism, along with its his sibling Balabhadra and Subhadra. It is one of the Char Dham Piligrimage sites along with Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameswaram.  

How to Reach Jagannath Puri

• Nearest Railway Station :- Puri Railway Station (approx 3 km) 
• Nearest Airport :- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (approx 60 km )
• From Bus, Taxes and Private Vehicles to Puri

Best Time to Visit 

• October to February, when the weather is cold and pleasant

Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival)

The Rath Yatra is one of the most famous and important festival of the Jagannath Puri because on that day, Jagannath prabhu, Balbhadra prabhu and subhadra devi came out of the temple to saw their devotees. At the time of Rath Yatra Millions of devotees gather for this event. and this Festival is celebrate all over the world. 

They are taken out of the temple and placed in giant wooden chariots, these chariots are pulled by the million of devotees to the Gundicha Temple about 3 km from Jagannath Temple and  After completing of 7 days the Lord return to their temple, when they came to the temple this ride is known as bahuda yatra (Return Car Festival).It is usally take place in june to july

There was a Name of the Rath called:

Nandighosha of Jagannath prabhu

• 45 Feet Tall with 16 wheels, each with 7 feet in diameter
• Color of the Rath is Red And Yellow 

Taladhwaja of Balabhadra prabhu

• 44 Feet Tall with 14 wheels, each with 7 feet in diameter
• Color of the Rath is Red And blue 

Darpadalana of Subhadra devi

• 43 Feet Tall with 12 wheels, each with 7 feet in diameter
• Color of the Rath is Red And black 

Mahaprasad

Mahaprasad is the divine food offered to Jagannath prabhu, and than distributed among the devotees. The Prasad was prepared in the temple kitchen.

Fact about Mahaprasad

•  Prasad was cooked in a clay pots over a wood fire, using traditional Odia Recipes.
• The prasadam never goes waste, irrespective of the number of visitors.
• The food for the deities is prepared in a unique way, with the multiple clay pots stacked on the topmost pot is said to cook first, followed by the lower pots.

Type of Maha Prasad

• Sankudi Mahaprasad :- Rice, dal, vegetable curries, and sweets.
• Sakhila Mahaprasad :- Dry sweet like khaja, gaja, ladoo   

Mystical About Jaganath Temple

• The Statue of the prabhu are made of wood and are replaced every 12 to 19 years ina secret ritual called Navakalevara.
• The Temple shadow is said to be invisible at any time of day
• The flag of the temple, flow opposite in the direction of wind.
• No bird flies over the temple.

Nearby Places to Visit 

Puri Beach

Puri Beach is one of most popular and beautiful beaches situated on the eastern cost of India, it is about 3 km approx from the Jagannath Tempel. Puri Beach is also known as the Golden Beach, because of its distinct golden hue when the sunlight falls on it the entire beach glows with a Golden Shine.

Puri Beach is famous for its stunning Sunrise and Sunsets, Clean and Safe (Certified with Blue Flag), you can see traditional fishing boats, nets and local fisherman, Sand Arts and Vibrant Beach Market whcih are selling Shell Crafts, Handicrafts, Pearls and Local Snacks.

Things to do

• Camel and Horse Ride
• Taste seafood
• Take a Dip
• Visit the Evening Beach where Carnival had done
• Photography and sand Sculpture Viewing

Gundicha Temple

Gundicha Temple is located about 3 km from the Jagannath Temple, The Temple also known as the garden house of Lord Jagannath because it is surrounded by lush Greenery. 

The Gundicha Temple is the part of Rath Yatra because the Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra travel from main Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple through their rath and stay here for 7 days, after that they return in the festival called Bahuda Yatra and this makes Gundicha Temple as the heart of the Rath Yatra Festival.

Thing to do

• Explore the Temple
• Walk Through Gundicha Garden
• Photography
• Witness the Rath Yatra Activities (during the time of Yatra)

Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary

It is about 10 km (approx) from the Jagannath Temple, It is famous for its unique natural and wildlife features that makes it one of the most special coastal sanctuaries in India. Here, we found Deer, Monkeys, Jackals, Hyenas, Reptiles of various type and Variety of Coastal and Migrated Bird. 

Thing to do

• WIldlife Spotting
• Nature Photography
• Forest Walk in Limited area

Some Rules to Follow

• Avoid Entering in Deep forest without the Permission
• Allowed only on the road and designated safe zone

Narendra Tank 

Narendra Tank is about 1 km from the Jagannath Temple, it is also known as the Narendra Pokhari or Narendra Sarovar. The area of the tank is about 3.5 hectares (approx). It is famous because it is the main venue of the Chandan Yatra, one of the important festival of lord Jagannath. 

During the festival Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra are taken to the tank and given a ritual bath with a sandalwood paste and their was a beautiful decorated boat that carry them around the tank.

Thing to do

• Enjoy Peaceful Atmosphere
• Visit the Central Island Temple
• Watching rituals and Puja
• Attend Chand Yatra (during the time of Yatra)
• Photography

Lokanatha Temple 

Lokanatha Temple is an one of the ancient and highly revered temple dedicate to Lord Shiva in Puri, it is about 1.5 km (approx) from Jagannath Temple. The Temple hold deep spiritual importance especially for devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple.