Amazing Facts About Jagannath Temple Puri

We all have heard about the Jagannath Puri temple, right? Located in Puri in the state of Odisha, on the eastern coast of India, it is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The Jagnath Puri Temple is a historical structure built in 1078, millennia ago. It was built by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Although the temple is famous for its Rath Yatra, which takes place every year during June and July, it also holds other glorious facts. So, let us now continue uncovering more amazing facts about the Puri Jagannath Mandir and explore what makes this temple so sacred and magical. 

Overview of Jagannath Temple

If you have ever visited the southern part of India, you must have heard about the Jagannath Puri Temple. Shree Jagannath Puri is one of the remarkable temples in the Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the Chardham pilgrimages and is popularly known as Shrikshetra Dham. The three principal deities worshipped in the Jagannath temple are Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (his elder brother), and Goddess Subhadra (his sister).

Moreover, the wood idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in the Jagannath temple are ceremonially replaced every 12 to 19 years in a ritual known as “Nabakalebara.” The temple was believed to have been constructed to honour and worship Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It serves as a significant spiritual and cultural centre for devotees of Lord Jagannath.

So, that was a brief overview of the Shree Jagannath Temple. Now, we will look at some interesting facts about this sacred temple that attracts devotees from all over the globe. 

Also Read: Famous East India Temples You Must Visit

Surprising Facts About Jagannath Temple

These are some of the amazing facts inside Jagannath temple Puri that include information that you couldn’t have imagined. You must be aware of a few astonishing facts about Jagannath Temple. 

1. Jagannath Temple: Flag Direction

People observe the red flag at the top of the temple’s dome, which generally flows in the opposite direction of the wind flow. The devotees believe this is just one of Lord Jagannath’s miracles. Many scientists have tried to find a practical or scientific reason behind the flag flowing in the opposite direction of the wind. However, they all have failed.

Another interesting fact about the temple flag is that it is changed daily by a priest. But what shocked people the most was that the priest did not wear any protective gear while doing so. Also, for the last 1800 years, the temple flag has been hoisted at a height equivalent to a 45-storey building. Amazing, right? 

2. Jagannath Temple: The Sudarshan Chakra

Puri Jagannath Temple architecture is full of surprises. The Jagannath Puri Temple Sudharshan chakra is 20 feet high and weighs a ton. It is made of eight metals (Ashtadhatu) and is an architectural marvel.  It is installed on the top of the temple, symbolising dharma (righteousness) and justice.

Most interestingly, the design behind the chakra’s setting and positioning is still a secret because no matter your position, you can constantly feel that the chakra is pointing toward you. Moreover, the chakra seems to always be above you.

Devotees consider this as a sign of blessing directly from the lord. Moreover, people believe the Sudarshan Chakra protects the devotees from evil energies. 

3. Jagannath Temple: The Prasadam

The priests cook prasadam in the traditional way. They use seven pots mounted north to cook with firewood. Amazingly, the top pot cooks first, and all the rest follow. Lord Jagannath is also presented with a Chappan bhog every day.

Another thing to note is that the menu of the food presented to the lord changes every day. The devotees are further given prasadam as a direct blessing from the lord. 

4. Jagannath Temple: The 45-Story Ritual

Every day, a priest climbs the temple’s dome, which is about as tall as a 45-story building, and changes the flag. This ritual has been going on for 1800 years. Moreover, the tradition says that if it doesn’t change on any day, the temple should be closed for 18 years.

One thing to note is that the priest does this without wearing protective gear. The priest holds on to Lord Jgnath’s faith and climbs to change the flag every day. 

5. Jagannath Temple: Atal Rath

Atal Rath is a huge wooden chariot with a height of approximately 45 feet and a platform size of 34 feet square with 16 wheels each. Devotees worldwide take part in pulling the Atal Rath, which is seen as a sacred ritual that provides blessings from Lord Jagannath.

The Rath Yatra represents Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, travelling from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple, where they spend several days before returning.

6. Jagannath Temple: A No Shadow Temple

The Jagannath Puri temple is one of the largest temples in India. It is known for its unique architectural phenomenon, which has no shadow at any time of the day. The temple does not cast any shadow at any time of the day, be it early morning or noon. Many people have tried to provide an explanation behind it but have somehow failed to do so. Moreover, this again becomes an amazing fact of the temple.

Also Read: Siddhi Vinayak Temple And Its History

Jagannath Temple: Attacked 18 Times 

The Jagannath Puri Temple has been robbed 18 times. It was regularly targeted because it was a wealthy and well-known holy place. Attackers, particularly Muslim monarchs such as Aurangzeb and others from Bengal and Delhi, tried to take the temple’s treasures and destroy Hindu power.

Worshippers repeatedly repaired the temple and restored its valuables, indicating their dedication and trust in God. This cycle of attack and repair emphasises the temple’s value and the believers’ commitment to protect their sacred site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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