About Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage destinations in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. It is famous worldwide for the annual Rath Yatra, during which the deities are placed on massive chariots and pulled through the streets. The temple is also known as the 'White Pagoda' for its towering white-washed structure visible from miles away.
Historical Significance
The present temple was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple compound was expanded over the next few centuries by rulers of the Ganga and Gajapati dynasties. The wooden deities inside the sanctum are ceremonially replaced every 12 to 19 years in a ritual called Nabakalebara. The Rath Yatra tradition dates back centuries and is the origin of the English word 'juggernaut'.
Architecture
The temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture, rising to a height of 65 metres (214 feet). The main structure consists of four sections — the Deul (sanctum), Jagamohan (assembly hall), Nata Mandir (festival hall), and Bhog Mandir (offering hall). The walls are adorned with sculptures of dancers, musicians and mythological scenes. The compound spans 10.7 acres with over 30 smaller temples within.
Spiritual Significance
Lord Jagannath is considered the Lord of the Universe. The temple is one of the four Char Dhams and also a Vaishnavite Peeth. The Mahaprasad served at the temple's Ananda Bazaar feeds over 100,000 people daily, making it the largest kitchen in the world. The Neela Chakra (blue disc) atop the temple is considered sacred and visible from great distances.
How to Reach
Temple Offerings & Pujas
Mahaprasad
₹25Sacred cooked food offering from Ananda Bazaar — the world's largest temple kitchen
Puja
₹500Special puja performed in the sanctum by temple priests
Abadha
Daily food offering to the deities during mid-day worship
Seek Divine Blessings
Book an authentic online puja at Jagannath Temple, performed by expert Acharyas.
Quick Facts
- Best Time to VisitOctober to February, or during Rath Yatra (June-July)
- Entry FeeFree (Only Hindus allowed inside the temple)
- Dress CodeTraditional Indian attire required.
Temple Timings
- Dwara Phita (Opening)5:00 AM
- Morning Darshan5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Madhyahna Dhupa1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Evening Darshan4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Bada Shringar Aarti8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
Grand Road, Puri, Odisha 752001
