Key Facts about Shree Jagannath Temple

About Shree Jagannath Temple:

• It is a Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha.
• 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. 
• Architecture: 
  • It is a striking example of Kalinga architecture, a distinct style prevalent in the Odisha region.
  • The temple complex includes shrines, gardens, and sacred tanks, creating a serene atmosphere for devotion.
  • The temple’s main structure, the sanctum sanctorum, or the garbhagriha, houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. 
  • At the pinnacle of the temple, there is a 20-foot-high chakra (wheel) that is positioned in a way to be visible from any part of the city. 
• Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath temple.
  • The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (aunt's home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri.
  • It 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.
• It is also one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as the Chaar Dhaams, that hold great significance for Hindus.
• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q1: What is Kalinga architecture?

It is an ancient Indian style of architecture that is characterized by an extraordinary diversity of styles and forms. The style is attributed to the region of Kalinga, which is located in present-day Odisha. It is known to have originated in Northern Andhra, Koraput, Ganjam, and Gajapati in the Southern region, and it later spread to the Mayurbhanja district in Northern Odisha. The style is known for its ornate, decorative and rich architectural design. Later phases of Kalinga Architecture feature simplicity, which is a result of the scarcity of resources and materials in the region. They use traditional Indian materials, including wood and stone. This architecture ranges from the 4th century BCE to the 17th century CE. The most notable examples of Kalinga architecture are the temples of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark.

Source: Opening of Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri fast-tracked