Jagannath Temple

About Jagannath Temple

• It is located in Puri, Odisha.
• It is one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples in the world.
• It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. 
• It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century. 
• This temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death, has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
• Architecture: The Jagannath Temple is a striking example of Kalinga architecture, a distinct style prevalent in the Odisha region.
• The temple’s main structure, the sanctum sanctorum, or the garbhagriha, houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. 
• Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in Odisha.
• The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (aunt's home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri.
• The most famous Rath Yatra festival begins on the second day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadha (June–July) and lasts for nine days.
• During this time, the deities are taken out of the Jagannath Puri Temple and placed on three massive chariots.

Q1) What is the Kaḷinga architectural style?

It is a style of Hindu architecture which flourished in the ancient Kalinga previously known as Utkal and in present-day eastern Indian state of Odisha. The style consists of three distinct types of temples: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula.

Source: Jagannath Temple corridor | An attempt to counter BJP’s Hindutva push ahead of elections