Introduction to Jagannath Dham
This write-up aims to explore Jagannath Dham/Puri Dham and provide a Visitor’s Guide to the readers to facilitate them to set sail to the Eastern coast of India on a pilgrimage to Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham.
Lord Jagannath Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Jagannath Temple is called by different names such as Jagannath Temple, Jagannath Temple Puri, Puri Temple, Jagannath Dham, Puri Dham, Char Dham Puri, Puri Jagannath Temple Puri Odisha and Jagannath Puri Char Dham.
Pilgrims are eager to find out the astrological Implications of the Rath Yatra and Other Festivals at Puri Dham.
Jagannath Puri Char Dham:
At the Char Dham Puri or the Jagannath Puri Char Dham or the Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham, a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, where the waves from the Bay of Bengal hurriedly advance to the shore to seek blessings of the Lord Jagannath Temple and then recede reluctantly, leaving ripples on sand, as if they don’t wish to go away from the endearing fold of Puri Dham.
The Chatur dhams are across the 4 cardinal points or corners in India including include-Puri Dham in the East, Dwarka in the West, Badrinath in the North, and Rameshwaramin in the South.
Chota Char Dham also are the abodes of Lord Shiva and Vishnu in the Himalayas in the State of Uttarakhand. These include Kedarnath Dham & Badrinath Dham. Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams are the ones where the sacred Ganga and Yamuna respectively originate.
For the purpose of harnessing the Power of Puri Dham rituals and to seek Astrological Remedies to their problems, the pilgrims undertake pilgrimage, starting from Eastern end i.e. Puri Dham and, thereafter, the rest of the 3 dhams in a clockwise direction so as to worship Gods and Goddesses in a circumbabulation (परिक्रमा ) of a sort.
Puri Jagannath Temple History:
As far as the Puri Jagannath Temple History is concerned, the Pandya King Indradyumna of Avanti, a Malava King which finds mention in Mahabharata and Purana, with the help of the Kings of Utkala, Kalinga and Kosala built the Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham.
Further, in the 12th century AD, the sacred temple was constructed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga. The Kingdom of Kalinga remained under the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty for a very long period from the 5th to 15th Century AD. In ancient times, the Odisha was called ‘Utkala’.
The Cosmic Importance of Puri Dham: An Astrological Perspective
The Cosmic Importance of Puri Dham from an Astrological perspective is very much as Shri Krishna who was born in Rohini Nakshatra with the Moon as the ruling planet, bestows unparalleled knowledge, wisdom, and prowess with which Krishna was endowed.
For his extraordinary persona, valor, and courage, not only He is revered eternally but pilgrims seek to align their horoscopes with the energies of Jagannath Temple.
About Jagannath Temple or the Jagannadha Puri Dham, it is said that the deity of Jagannath is ‘Patita Pavana’ (पतित पावन) meaning thereby the savior of the downtrodden and the fallen or in other words- Purifier of the fallen. Pilgrims endeavor for harnessing the Power of Puri Dham rituals for Astrological remedies as beloved Krishna is the savior of all, including the downtrodden, suppressed, weak and infirm.
Jagannath Temple Story:
According to the Jagannath Temple Story, it is said that at about the end of Dvapara Yuga, an image of Jagannath manifested near a banyan tree at the shore in the form of Indranil mani, the blue jewel.
It was sparkling and dazzling to such an extent that it could bestow instant salvation to the beholder. Dharma God hid it in the earth.
Indradyumna did penance for locating the blue jewel. Lord Vishnu guided him to look for a floating tree at the seashore of Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham and carve the image in wood.
Indradyumna found a floating log, did Yagya where Lord Narasimha appeared and instructed that 4 fold idol of Narayana, the Lord Jagannath be carved i.e. Paramatma- Krishna; Samkarshana- Balbhadra (elder brother of Krishna); Yogmaya-Subhadra; and Sudarshana Chakra.
Vishwakarma, the divine artisan appeared and upon instructions from Indradyumna, agreed to carve the deities from wood. Vishnu appeared in the guise of a carpenter and began work with a pre-condition that he will not be disturbed a bit, until he finished the work.
King Indradyumna’s wife got anxious about the health of the carpenter as no sound of using tools and implements was heard for quite long. She requested Indradyumna to check the place and on his orders, the door was opened.
They found Vishnu working and thus, owing to the breach of condition, Vishnu abandoned the work leaving the carving of deities as such. Thus, the deities at Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham temple are without hands.
Pilgrims constantly endeavor to harness the Power of Puri Dham rituals for Astrological remedies.
Puri Jagannath Temple Idols Story:
As per the Puri Jagannath Temple Idols Story, the idols of the sacred deities viz. Lord Jagganath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra have been carved out of the logs of the giant trees and not from stone, unlike other Temples in India.
Puri Dham is a Gateway to Spiritual and Astrological Healing of devotees. Millions of pilgrims enter through the Singhdwara at the specified Jagannath Temple Timings as they firmly believe that Puri Dham is a Gateway to the Spiritual and Astrological Healing of devotees.
Jagannath Temple Height or the Height of Jagannath Temple:
Jagannath Temple Height or the Height of Jagannath Temple is 65 meters, (214 ft). The Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham is constructed on an elevated platform above the sanctum sanctorum.
Puri Railway Station to Jagannath Temple Distance:
Puri Railway Station to Jagannath Temple Distance is about 3 km. Pilgrims can take a taxi or walk Puri Railway Station to Jagannath Temple Distance. Walking to Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham may take 30 minutes or so.
Puri Railway station is very well connected with the other major cities in India. It has direct express and superfast trains to major cities in India.
Khurda Road Junction to Puri Railway Station distance is about 44 km and Bhubaneswar Railway Station to Puri Railway Station is about 65 km.
The nearest Airport to Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham is Bhubaneswar Airport which is located at a distance of about 65 km. Bhubaneswar Airport is well-connected with major cities in India.
Jagannath Puri Temple Facts:
As far as the Jagannath Puri Temple Facts are concerned the Jagannath Dham or the Puri Dham is intricately designed and has been constructed in Kalinga style of architecture.
Puri Jagannath Temple Puri Odisha has a grand entrance. In all, there are four Gates of Puri Jagannath Temple. Singhadwara, facing East, is one of the main gates out of the four Gates of Puri Jagannath Temple. The two sculptures of Lion add grandeur and beauty to the entrance of the Jagannath Temple or the Jagannath Temple Puri or the Puri Temple.
The four Gates of Puri Jagannath Temple are named after the sculptures of animals installed at each of the 4 Gates in East, West, North and South directions.
Besides the Singhdwar, there is Haathi Dwar(Elephant Gate), Vyaghra Dwara(Tiger Gate), and Ashwa Dwar(Horse Gate).
Jagannath Puri Temple Mystery:
As far as the Jagannath Puri Temple Mystery is concerned, there are many unique phenomena associated with the Jagannath Temple Puri. The idols of the three deities viz. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are made of wood and devoid of hands as these were left unfinished.
Aruna Stambha, a 33 ft tall, 16 sided monolithic pillar, having an idol of Aruna, the charioteer of Sun atop is installed at the Singhdwar, the main gate of Lord Jagannath Temple. Aruna Stambha has been brought from the Konark Sun Temple.
Atop the temple, the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Jagannath oversees the devotees harnessing the Power of Puri Dham rituals for Astrological remedies as the Sudarshan Chakra appears to be facing you from any direction.
The Nila Chakra or the Sudarshan Chakra is a 3 metres (11’ 8”) high disc made up of Ashtadhatu (8 metals) including iron, copper, zinc, mercury, lead, brass silver and gold having a circumference of about 11 meters (36 ft).
Pilgrimage to Puri Dham affords the opportunity for aligning your horoscope with the Energies of Jagannath Temple. Puri Dham: A Gateway to Spiritual and Astrological Healing enables people residing in all directions as the Nila Chakra or the Sudharshan Chakra of Ashtadhatu affords opportunities to one and all for harnessing the Power of Puri Dham Rituals for Astrological Remedies.
Another unique feature is the huge Bhandara or the Kitchen where the pots are placed one above the other while cooking.
About Jagannath Temple:
During the Rath Yatra, from the Singhdwar, the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out of the Jagannath temple. On returning from Shree Gundicha Temple Puri, a ritual is performed to placate Goddess Lakshmi for not taking her along, as her deity is carved atop the Singhdwar.
Puri Jagannath Temple or the Shri Jagannath temple is intricately constructed in Kalinga architecture. The deities are comfortably seated in Garbhagriha, the sanctum sanctorum.
Jagannath Temple Timings or Puri Temple Timings or the Puri Jagannath Temple Opening and Closing Time:
Jagannath Temple Timings or Puri Temple Timings or the Puri Jagannath Temple Opening and Closing Time are as follows:
The temple opens at 5:00 am.; & Closes at 10:30 pm every day.
Jagannath Puri Temple Darshan Timings:
Jagannath Puri Temple Darshan Timings for Summer – 5:00 am to 12:30 pm & 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm;
Jagannath Puri Temple Darshan Timings for pm Winters- 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 to 9:00 pm.
Shree Gundicha Temple Puri:
During the month of June – July, the world-famous Rath Yatra or the chariot festival is organized. This spectacular festival which includes a procession of three huge chariots bedecked with garlands and flowers, carries the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra until the termination point of Shree Gundicha Temple Puri. Worship is mainly performed by the tribal priests.
Pilgrims are fully aware of the Astrological Implications of the Rath Yatra and Other Festivals at Puri Dham. The three Raths are pulled on the streets to enable the people to have Darshan of the deities.
Puri Jagannath Temple Parikrama:
Puri Jagannath Temple Parikrama is held along the Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor. Shree Mandir Parikrama is a 75-meter-long stretch around the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India.
Conclusion: Embracing the Spiritual Journey to Puri Dham.
Summary: Just to recapitulate the religious and spiritual significance of the Puri Dham, it is reiterated, albeit at the cost of repetition that the presiding deities at the world-famous Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham are of Lord Krishna, his elder brother Balram and their sister Subhadra. One historical fact of the Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham is that the deities here are not carved in Stone but made of Neem wood.
Prasad is prepared six times a day and is offered to the deity as
Gopala Vallabha Bhoga, Sakala Dhupa, Bada Sankhudi Bhog, Madhyanha Dhup, Sandhya Dhup and Bada Singhara Bhog. All the 56 preparations are without onions and garlic and are purely vegetarian.
Pilgrimage to Puri Dham offers opportunities for aligning your Horoscope with the Energies of Jagannath Temple. As Puri Dham: A Gateway to Spiritual and Astrological Healing, the devotees can plan to visit Char Dham to worship the deities and connect themselves spiritually to reach higher echelons.
FAQs About Jagannath Temple
Q.1. Who built the Jagannath Temple?
Ans. 1. King Indradyumna of Avanti built the Jagannath Temple at Puri. The temple was rebuilt by King Anantavarman Chodaganga.
Q.2. Where is Jagannath Temple located?
Ans. 2. Jagannath Temple is located at Puri in Odisha State at the eastern coast of India.
Q.3. What is the history of Jagannath Temple?
Ans. 3. Pandya King Indradyumna of Avanti, a Malava King which finds mention in Mahabharata and Purana, with the help of the Kings of Utkala, Kalinga and Kosala built the Jagannath Dham / Puri Dham. Later King Anantavarman Chodaganga built it.
Q.4. What are the major festivals celebrated at Jagannath Temple?
Ans.4. Following festivals are celebrated:- Chandan yatra – Chaitra Mas arambha; Sneha yatra – Jyestha Purnima; Rath yatra – Shravan Shukla; Jhulan yatra-Dashami to chaturdashi; Krishna Janmashtami; Ganesh Chaturthi – Bhadraba; Dasahara – Ashwini; Anant Chaturdashi.
Q.5. What are the unique features of Jagannath Temple architecture?
Ans.5. The Jagannath temple is built in Kalinga style of Architecture. There are four magnificent entrances, the main being Singhdwar.
Q.6. How does the Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple take place?
Ans.6. The world famous Rath Yatra is organized on huge chariots by placing the deities in these chariots. The Rath Yatra goes upto Shree Gundicha Temple Puri.
