Spiritual Oasis: Discovering the Timeless Charm of Jagannath Temple
The popular Jagannath Temple in Puri holds great significance for believers. In addition to being one of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, it is well-known for the yearly Rath Yatra or chariot festival. Jagannath Temple is distinguished by its exquisite architecture and remarkable Niraakara (shapeless) idols. Despite its mystique, thousands of worshippers travel from all over the world to this shrine. In this article, we are exploring this respected temple complex’s rich history, intriguing mythology, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance. So, book the best business class flights to India from USA and come along with us to discover the Timeless Charm of Jagannath Temple.
History of Jagannath Temple
Over a millennium of history precedes the Jagannath Temple, with records of its existence extending back to the 12th century. Building records indicate that it was constructed in the twelfth century, under the reign of Eastern Ganga dynasty monarch Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. An entirely new era in the religious and cultural panorama of the area began with the construction of the temple.
The temple is unique because of its connection to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Huge wooden statues are used to portray Jagannath, who is well-known for having an odd and mysterious shape. The main idols of Lord Jagannath are remade every twelve to nineteen years from neem wood, together with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. This activity forms a significant portion of the temple’s traditions.
Divine Figures of Jagannath Temple in Puri
At the Jagannath temple, you may see Lord Krishna, his sister Subhadra, and his brother Balarama. They’re all made from daru or neem wood. You can also find smaller carvings of the earth goddess Viswadhatri, the form of Lord Krishna known as Madanmohan, the ethereal discus, and the wife of Lord Vishnu, Sridevi. The trio of main deities are arranged on a pedestal called the “Ratnabedi.”
The idols are decked out in regal clothing, diamonds, and beautiful paintings. The gods were worshipped long before the Jagannath temple of today was built. You will notice that the eyes of Lord Krishna are big and dazzling, unlike the eyes of Balarama and Subhadra, which are like the eyes of an ordinary person. It is thought that the Lord can see every one of his disciples with wide eyes. This is the form of Jagannath called “Chakadola,” the one with big eyes. Furthermore, make sure to browse Flyopedia to book cheap flight tickets to India from USA.
Architecture of the Temple
The Jagannath temple was constructed in the well-known Kalinga architectural style, which is prevalent throughout Odisha and all of India. The temple occupies a sizable 37,000 square meter space. The statues and its curved structure are located in the main sanctum sanctorum. The Neelachakra is located at the summit of the temple’s main dome, which is built like a pyramid. This is an ethereal wheel with eight spikes composed of eight different metal combinations. Surprisingly, the wheel will always face you, regardless of where you look at it. In addition, there’s a flag next to the wheel that constantly flies against the wind!
There are 120 temples and shrines in the inner temple complex. In addition to the main sanctum sanctorum, or Garbhagriha, you may witness the offering hall, Natamandapa, or dancing hall, and Mukhashala, or front porch. The temple rises to a height of 210 feet and is constructed on a stone platform. The wall enclosing the inner complex is called the kurma bedha. The whole compound of the temple is surrounded by the Meghanada Pacheri, an outer wall that is twenty feet high. The Jagannath temple is the tallest in Odisha and among the highest temples in the world!
Temple Timings and Entry Tickets
There is no charge for ordinary admission to the Jagannath temple. However, on specific days of the festival, the temple administration charges INR 10 to each person for darshan. With the special darshan, you can pray in private and in solitude to Lord Jagannath for blessings. This ticket costs INR 100 for each individual. Also, you can visit Flyopedia.ca to grab the cheapest flights from Canada to India.
Jagannath Temple’s Rath Yatra
Known by various names, including Rath Yatra or Rath Jatra, it is one of the largest chariot festivals in the nation. It usually occurs on the second day of the lunar calendar month of Ashada in June or July.
Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra are escorted out and given a chariot ride, or rath yatra, after departing from their shrine. People travel from all around to witness Lord Jagannath’s beautiful appearance during a week-long event dedicated to his meeting with his devotees.
The chariots are made of wood from traditional woods like dhausa and phassi. The carpenters, who have been making chariots for generations, believe it is their inheritance to serve the Lord.
The Sudarshan chakra is carried by the gods as they make their way from the Jagannath shrine to the Gundicha temple. They leave and return to Jagannath Puri, their home, after a week. On the way back, they stop at the aunt’s house, the Maa Mausi shrine, where they are served Poda Pitha, a pancake made with rice flour. It appears as though they set off on a journey, stopped to greet their aunt, and then returned to their home.
Thus, grab last minute flight deals to India from USA with Flyopedia, plan a trip to Jagannath Temple, and enjoy the peaceful tunes and inspiring chants of the “Lord of the Universe.”
Also Read: 9 Mysterious Temples in India Where Science Fails
