Jagannath Temple, Puri

Significance

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, on the east coast of India, is one of the four Char Dham. Jagannath, the lord of the universe, is worshipped with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The temple is world-famous for its annual Rath Yatra, when the three deities are pulled through Puri on huge decorated chariots.

History and legend

Temple records credit King Indradyumna with building the first temple. The present complex was begun in the 11th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, and holds at least 120 temples and shrines within a high fortified wall.

Unlike the stone or metal images of most temples, the images of Jagannath are carved from neem wood and are ceremonially replaced from time to time. Some of the temple’s servitors, the daitapatis, trace their descent to the tribal communities of Odisha.

Before you go

• Non-Hindus other than Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, and foreign nationals, may not enter the temple.
• Phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed inside; deposit them before you enter.
• The Rath Yatra draws enormous crowds; book accommodation well ahead if you plan to attend.
• The mahaprasad cooked in the temple kitchen is sold within the complex.