Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha

The Jagannath Temple is located in the city of Puri, Odisha, and is dedicated primarily to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As an integral part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, which marks the four cardinal points of India, it invites scholars and pilgrims alike to explore its historical depths and cultural resonance, all contained within its sacred precincts.

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Table of Content

• About Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
• Historical Background of Jagannath Temple
• Architectural Style of Jagannath Temple:
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha:

• The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, stands as a monumental piece of religious and architectural heritage, deeply rooted in Hindu culture.
• Often referred to as the “White Pagoda,” this temple is not only a visual marvel but also a central pilgrimage destination for Hindus worldwide.
• It forms a crucial part of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, which also include Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram, located at the four cardinal points of India—north, west, south, and east respectively, with Puri marking the eastern point.
• The Jagannath Temple is part of Odisha’s “Golden Triangle,” along with Bhubaneswar and the Sun Temple of Konark.
• It is dedicated primarily to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and also venerates his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra, forming the sacred trinity.
• This trio is worshipped within the sanctum of the temple and during major festivals such as the Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Rath Yatra, and Sayan Ekadasi.

Rath Yatra:

• One of the temple’s most significant events is the Rath Yatra, during which the deities are paraded from the temple to the Shri Gundicha Temple on massive chariots, a journey covering 3 kilometres.
• This festival allows not just the pilgrims but also the general public, including non-traditional Hindus, to view the deities, which is otherwise restricted within the temple premises.
• Typically, only traditional Hindus are allowed inside the temple, while others can view parts of the enclosure from the top of the Emar Matha building located near the east-facing gate.

Historical Background of Jagannath Temple

Early Developments:

• The temple gained significant spiritual importance after the visit of Sri Shankaracharya around 810 CE, which led to the establishment of the Govardhana Matha in Puri.

• The deities within the temple, including Lord Jagannath and his siblings, are believed to be traced back to the Satya-yuga, associated with the mythical ruler King Indrayumna, a nephew of Lord Ram.

The Ganga Dynasty:

• Historical records like the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription from Narasimhadeva II indicate that the temple was rebuilt during the 12th century by the Ganga dynasty.
• It was originally constructed by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the founder of the Ganga dynasty, in the early 12th century.
• Further enhancements and developments continued under subsequent rulers from both the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties.

King Anang Bhim Deo

• In 1174 CE, King Anang Bhim Deo took to the throne and expanded the temple complex significantly as a form of penance for unintentionally killing a Brahmin.
• This expansion included the construction of ancillary shrines and temple walls, completed in 1198 CE.
• He also organized the temple servitors into a group known as Chattisanijoga, to efficiently manage the temple established by his father.

Invasions and Plunder:

• The temple suffered from 18 recorded invasions, notably in 1568, when General Kalapahad, under Sultan Suleiman Karani of Bengal, led an invasion that destroyed the temple deities.
• The deities were restored in 1575 by Ramachandra Deva I of the Kingdom of Khurda, who was thereafter honoured as ‘Abhinav Indrayumna’.

Period of Maratha and British Control:

• Control of the temple shifted between various powers, including the Marathas in 1751 and the British in 1803.
• Despite these changes, the local Rajas of Khurda retained the trust and management of the temple rituals.
• In 1809, the British East India Company officially returned the charge of the Temple to the Rajas, who maintained control until the end of British rule in India.

The Archaeological Survey of India:

• In 1975, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) initiated a significant conservation project to remove layers of lime plaster and uncover the temple’s original designs, which lasted two decades, ensuring the preservation and integrity of the temple for future generations.

Current Status:

• Today, the ASI continues to maintain the Jagannath Temple, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance for both devotees and scholars alike.

Architectural Style of Jagannath Temple:

• Architecturally, the temple is a prime example of the Kalinga style, notable for its intricate sculptures and carvings.
• It stands approximately 214 feet above ground level, making it one of the tallest structures in the Indian subcontinent.
• The temple complex is built on an elevated stone platform covering about ten acres and is enclosed by two compound walls—
  • The outer wall known as Meghanada Pracira and
  • The inner wall is called Kurma Pracira.
• The outer walls feature intricate carvings of Vishnu’s 24 forms, such as Keshava, Madhava, Damodara, and Narayana.
• The Jagannath Temple is characterized by:
  • Rekha Deula: The curvilinear tower known as “sikhar” that defines the temple’s silhouette.
  • Pidha Deula: Features primarily in the Jagamohana, characterized by a pyramidal roof.
• The Neelachakra (an eight-spoked wheel of Lord Vishnu) crowns the top of the temple, made from Ashtadhatu and revered as sacrosanct.

Components of the Temple:

• Vimana (Deula/Garbhagriha): Sanctuary that houses the deities, built in the Nagara style as a Rekha deula.
  • Divided into five principal parts: pishta (base), bada (vertical wall), gandi (trunk of the body), and amalaka (head/crowning element).
  • Positioned on a Pancha Ratha ground plan, enhancing its vertical aesthetic through projected columns.
• Jagamohana: Front porch with diminishing platforms, built in the Pidha style.
• Natamandapa: Audience or dancing hall, aligned east-west for axial symmetry.
• Bhogamandapa: Hall for residual offerings, continues the alignment with the Natamandapa.

Jagannath Temple Gates:

• The temple features four strategically placed gates, each facing a cardinal direction:
  • Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate) – East: Main entrance adorned with two crouching lions, associated with attaining moksha (liberation).
  • Hastidwara (Elephant Gate) – North: Symbolizes the bringing of wealth.
  • Aswadwara (Horse Gate) – South: Linked with shedding kama (lust).
  • Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate) – West: Represents adherence to dharma (righteous duty).

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)