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Home / IAS Preparation / The Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple: History, Architecture, Deities & More| UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Jul 17, 2024
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The Puri Jagannath Temple, located in the holy city of Puri in Odisha, India, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. Known for its rich history, unique rituals, and architectural grandeur, the temple attracts devotees from all over the world. The Jagannath Temple stands as a testament to the profound spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. 

Source: Odisha Tourism

In this article on Shree Jagannath Temple UPSC, we will explore the remarkable facets of the Jagannath Temple, from its construction and history to its architecture and relevance in the lives of UPSC aspirants.

Read about Jagannath Temple architectural style, Rath Yatra 2025 and significance for UPSC CSE Exam aspirants. Join the UPSC coaching today.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper I

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Ratha Yatra Festival, UNESCO Heritage Sites

Topics for UPSC Mains

Cultural and Religious Importance, Influence on Regional Architecture, Role in Bhakti Movement

In News | Jagannath Temple Puri​

The Jagannath Temple Puri is in news because of the ongoing Rathyatra or the ‘Festival of Chariots’ which is one of India’s largest and most significant festivities performed annually in Puri, Odisha to worship Lord Jagannath. The 2025 Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, faced significant challenges. On June 29, a stampede near the Gundicha Temple resulted in three deaths and over 50 injuries, attributed to overcrowding in a space meant for 5,000–6,000 people but occupied by approximately 20,000 devotees. The Odisha government responded by suspending senior police officials and initiating a high-level inquiry.

Earlier, on June 27, over 500 devotees were injured during the chariot-pulling rituals, primarily due to difficulties in maneuvering Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot and an unexpected surge in the crowd. Despite deploying over 10,000 security personnel and AI-enabled surveillance, these incidents highlighted lapses in crowd management. The newly inaugurated Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor, opened in January 2024, aims to enhance pilgrim experience but underscores the need for improved administrative planning during large-scale events. 

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About Puri Jagannath Temple

Shree Jagannath Temple, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, is located in Puri, on the eastern coast of India in the state of Odisha. King Indradyumna of Avanti initially constructed the main temple. Rebuilding commenced in the 10th century on the site of pre-existing temples within the compound, initiated by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Despite various rumors, there is no concrete evidence supporting them. The temple holds a special place as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram in the Vaishnavate tradition.

Puri Jagannath Temple History

The history of Shri Jagannath Temple Puri dates back centuries, intertwining myth, legend, and historical accounts. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, is believed to have descended from the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha to Puri. This divine narrative sets the stage for the temple's significant importance in Hindu culture.

Initially, the temple was constructed as a simple wooden shrine, but subsequent rulers and devotees devoted themselves to its expansion and enhancement. Over the centuries, the temple underwent various renovations and reconstructions, each marking a new chapter in its history. One remarkable aspect of Jagannath Temple's history is the resilience it showcased in withstanding numerous invasions and natural calamities, emerging stronger and more revered with each passing challenge.

Who Built the Puri Jagannath Temple?

Shree Jagannath Temple Puri was constructed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, a ruler of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, in the 12th century. King Chodaganga Deva played a pivotal role in the establishment and expansion of this sacred place of worship, which stands tall as a testament to his devotion and architectural prowess.

Study the Article on Mahabodhi Temple here!

When was the Puri Jagannath Temple Built?

The construction of the Puri Jagannath Temple began in the year 1135 CE and was completed in 1150 CE, during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. This historical timeframe situates the temple within the context of India's medieval period, highlighting the cultural, artistic, and religious developments of the time.

Architecture of the Puri Jagannath Temple

The Puri Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, India, follows the Kalinga architectural style.

  • It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
  • The main temple structure consists of a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), a porch (mandapa), and a towering spire (shikhara) that rises above the sanctum.
  • The temple complex is surrounded by a high fortified wall with four gates, each facing different directions.
  • At the center of the complex stands the main temple, known as the Vimana or Deula, which houses the deities.
  • The temple is constructed using sandstone and laterite, with intricate carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
  • The height of jagannath temple is about 65 meters (214 feet).
  • The main temple is surrounded by smaller structures known as gopurams, which serve as gateways to the inner sanctum.
  • A flag atop the main spire is changed daily, indicating the presence of the deity inside.

Read the Article on Lingaraja Temple.

Height of Jagannath Temple & Taladhwaja Rath

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a prime example of Kalinga architecture, standing at 65 meters (214 feet) tall. Constructed in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the temple's towering spire is a significant feature of the region's architectural heritage.

During the annual Rath Yatra, Lord Balabhadra's chariot, known as Taladhwaja, is a prominent element. This chariot measures approximately 13.5 meters (44 feet) in height and is mounted on 14 wheels, each about 2.1 meters (7 feet) in diameter. Adorned with red and green canopies, Taladhwaja is distinguished by a palm tree emblem on its flag and is drawn by four black wooden horses .

Deities of the Puri Jagannath Temple

The Puri Jagannath Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and houses several other deities as well.

  • The main deities of the temple are Lord Jagannath, his sibling Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. They are worshipped collectively and are popularly referred to as the "Holy Trinity" or the "Jagannath Triad."
  • Lord Jagannath is depicted as a dark-colored wooden idol with large round eyes and a smiling face. Balabhadra is depicted as a tall, muscular figure, while Subhadra is depicted as a smaller idol with a feminine appearance.
  • The deities are adorned with elaborate clothes, jewelry, and flower garlands according to specific rituals and festivals.

The worship of Lord Jagannath at the Puri Jagannath Temple Odisha is deeply rooted in religious traditions. It is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees from all over the world.

Rituals and Festivals of the Puri Jagannath Temple Odisha

The Puri Jagannath Temple is renowned for its elaborate rituals and festivals, with the Rath Yatra being one of the most famous.

  • The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, draws millions of pilgrims globally, involving a ceremonial procession of deities on grand chariots through Puri's streets.
  • The massive and ornate chariots include Lord Jagannath's towering Nandighosa, reaching an impressive height of 45.6 feet, along with chariots for Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
  • Beyond being a spectacle, the Rath Yatra is a deeply spiritual event, believed to grant spiritual merit and cleanse the soul for participants and observers.
  • The chariots' pulling is a collective endeavor, with devotees coming together to participate in this sacred act.
  • Another significant festival is the Snana Yatra, where the deities undergo a public bath, marking the start of a fortnight-long ritual seclusion.
  • During this period, the idols, adorned in new outfits daily, undergo changes in appearance, highlighting the dynamic and unique worship practices at the Jagannath Temple.

Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival of Shree Jagannath Temple Puri, is one of the most iconic and eagerly anticipated events associated with the Jagannath Temple. The annual festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's journey from the main temple to the Gundicha Temple, located approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) away. During the Rath Yatra, the deities are carried in grand chariots, and millions of devotees gather to pull the chariots with ropes, seeking the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Also Read Chola Temple for UPSC Exam.

Conclusion

The Puri Jagannath Temple Odisha holds immense significance for UPSC aspirants due to its historical and cultural relevance. Aspiring civil servants gain valuable insights into the heritage, traditions, and religious practices of India by studying and understanding the Jagannath Temple. Exploring its architecture, history, and cultural significance can provide aspirants with a deeper comprehension of the nation's diverse religious beliefs and their impact on society.

Check out the test series for UPSC IAS Exam here. 

Major Takeaways

  • Located in Puri, Odisha, the Jagannath Temple is a vital part of the Char Dham, a revered Hindu pilgrimage circuit.
  • The temple houses the holy trinity of Jagannath (form of Vishnu), Balabhadra (his brother), and Subhadra (his sister).
  • The annual Ratha Yatra festival features massive chariot processions carrying the deities.
  • The temple's Kalinga style architecture, with its curvilinear towers and intricate carvings, exemplifies Odisha's rich architectural heritage.
  • Practices like the renewal of the icons (prati mandira) offer insights into the temple's unique traditions and beliefs, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.
  • The temple restricts entry only to Hindus, sparking ongoing debate about inclusivity and religious practices in contemporary India.
  • The ongoing Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor Project aims to revitalize the surrounding area while adhering to strict regulations for preserving the monument's historical significance.

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Shree Jagannath Temple UPSC FAQs

The Shree Jagannath Temple is special because it is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is revered for enshrining the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. It is also famous for its annual Rath Yatra.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The story of Lord Jagannath is closely associated with the legend of King Indradyumna .

The three primary idols worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple are Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

The construction of the Jagannath Temple Odisha was initiated by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century.

The absence of a shadow of the Jagannath Temple is attributed to a unique phenomenon observed during specific times of the day. According to popular belief, the temple's shadow does not fall on the ground due to its sacredness and divine presence.

The Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, stands at a height of about 214 feet.
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