Jagannath Temple, Puri
ଶ୍ରୀ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର
One of the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites: this roughly 65-metre Kalinga-style temple, built in the 12th century, sends three deity images on a procession through the town during the annual chariot festival.
The temple was built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty and is dedicated to Jagannath (an incarnation of Krishna), his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra. The wheel emblem atop the temple and the flags, changed daily, can be seen from afar. Only Hindus may enter; phones, cameras and leather goods must be left in storage. Non-Hindus can pay to view the temple from the library rooftop opposite. The temple kitchen cooks vast quantities of sacred food every day, which can be tasted at Ananda Bazaar. During the Rath Yatra chariot festival, three giant wooden chariots are pulled by devotees to the Gundicha Temple.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–23:00 (Hindus only may enter)
Nearby sights
- Swargadwar
- Markandeshwar Temple & Tank
- Puri Beach
- Narendra Pokhari
- Lokanatha Temple
- Atharanala Bridge
- Gundicha Temple
- Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village