In the beautiful coastal town of Puri, Odisha, stands one of the most sacred temples of India — the Jagannath Temple. It is not just a place of worship but a living example of India’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna), this temple is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites that every Hindu wishes to visit once in a lifetime.

The Story Behind the Temple

The story of the Jagannath Temple is full of devotion and miracles. According to ancient scriptures, King Indradyumna, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, dreamed of building a grand temple for the Lord.

As per legend, the Lord Himself appeared in the King’s dream and instructed him to find a divine log floating in the sea. The king found that log and invited Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, to carve the idols. Vishwakarma agreed on one condition — that he would work behind closed doors and no one should disturb him.

However, the king’s impatience made him open the doors before the work was complete. As a result, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra remained unfinished — with large eyes and no hands or feet. Yet, these forms are considered the most divine and symbolic of pure devotion and the incompleteness of human understanding of God.

The current temple structure that we see today was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century (around 1136 AD).

Why Jagannath Puri Temple is So Important

1. One of the Char Dham Temples:

Puri Jagannath Temple is one of the four Char Dham shrines — the others being Badrinath (North), Dwarka (West), and Rameswaram (South).

2. Home of the Lord of the Universe:

The word “Jagannath” literally means “Lord of the Universe.”

3. Famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival):

Every year, the world-famous Rath Yatra is celebrated here. Gigantic wooden chariots carry the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets of Puri. Devotees from all over the world come to pull the ropes of these chariots, believing it brings divine blessings.

4. Mysterious Architecture:

• The temple’s flag always flies opposite to the direction of the wind — a mystery that still surprises scientists.
• The Sudarshan Chakra on the temple’s top always faces you, no matter from where you look.
• The shadow of the temple never falls on the ground at any time of the day!

5. Mahaprasad:

The temple kitchen is one of the largest in the world, feeding thousands of devotees daily. The Mahaprasad (holy food) is cooked in earthen pots and served with great devotion.

Jagannath Puri Temple Location

• City: Puri
• State: Odisha
• Country: India
• Pin Code: 752001

The temple is located near the eastern coast of India, just 2 km from the Puri Beach.

How to Reach Jagannath Puri Temple

1. By Air:

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar — about 60 km from Puri. You can take a cab or bus from the airport to reach the temple in around 1.5 hours.

2. By Train:

Puri Railway Station is well-connected with all major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. The temple is just 2 km from the station.

3. By Road:

Regular buses and taxis are available from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and nearby cities. The road journey through green landscapes and coastal views is a beautiful experience.

Best Time to Visit Jagannath Puri Odisha

• October to February: Pleasant weather and ideal for sightseeing.
• June or July: To witness the grand Rath Yatra Festival.