You would surely be amazed by these interesting 15 facts about Jagannath Puri Temple. The Jagannath Puri Temple is located in Puri, Odisha and it is a very old yet important temple in India. The temple is also amongst the best Puri tourist attractions. It is a religious place and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple gets into everyone’s attention because of the Rath Yatra where big carts carry the gods through the streets. Another amazing thing about the temple is that it has the World’s largest kitchen which feeds thousands of people everyday.
The temple has some very special things like a flag that always flies against the wind and no shadow at any time. The top of the temple has a Sudarshan Chakra that looks the same from every direction. People who belong to only Hindu religion are allowed to enter the temple. The temple has a very unique architecture combines with its religious importance make it a amazing and interesting place to visit.
Here are the 15 most amazing facts about Jagannath puri temple
Number 1 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
One of the Char Dham Pilgrimage Sites
The Jagannath Puri temple is one of the Char Dham Pilgrimage sites which are four very religiously important places in India for Hindus. Visiting these temples is a very special religious journey. Each of the temple has their own importance and it is believed that these temples help people spiritually. The temple is also famous for its Rath Yatra festival in which big carts carry the gods through streets.
Number 2 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
World’s Largest Kitchen
The Jagannath Puri Temple also has the World’s largest kitchen. Isn’t it fascinating that it cooks food for thousand of people every single day. The kitchen is very big in size and it is world wide famous for preparing a huge amount of food daily effectively and efficiently. The kitchen is also a very important part of the temple’s daily rituals and attracts attention of everyone because of its huge size and capacity.
Number 3 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Famous Rath Yatra
The temple celebrates a very unique and big festival known as the Rath Yatra. During the festival huge wooden carts carry the statue of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra through the streets of Puri. Thousands of locals as well as tourists gather to pull these carts and celebrate the festival to the fullest. It is a very joyful event that attracts visitors from all around the country and the festival is also an important part of the temple’s traditions.
Number 4 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Mystical Flag
Mystical flag is amongst the most interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple. The temple has a mysterious flag that always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind. Isn’t it interesting that no matter in which direction the wind is flowing the flag always seems to blow the other way. This unusual thing make the temple more mysterious and even more special for its visitors.
Number 5 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Sudarshan Chakra Mystery
At the top of the Jagannath Puri Temple there is a Sudarshan Chakra which is a very special symbol. The mysterious thing about the Sudarshan Chakra is that no matter where you stand or which direction yo face the Chakra always looks the same. This unique thing adds a mysterious touch to the temple and make it a very important part of the temple’s design.
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Number 6 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Mahaprasad Tradition
The Jagannath Puri Temple has a very special tradition of making Mahaprasad which is a religiously important food. The Mahaprasad is cooed in huge earthen pots using firewood. The food is considered to be very religiously important and it is offered to the God to seek blessings from them. The tradition of making Prasad is very unique and important as it follows all old customs and traditions and serves thousand of people every single day.
Number 7 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
No Shadow
No shadow is amongst the most interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple. It is very mysterious that no shadow of the temple is visible at any time of the day. This means that no matter where you look the shadow of the temple never appears. This mysterious thing make the temple more interesting and fascinating place to visit.
Number 8 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Ever-Fresh Food
The jagannath puri temple offers Mahaprasad to its visitors, it is a special kind of food that always stay fresh and never get bad in taste. No longer how long it is kept, food always remains fresh and tasty. This characteristic of the food is seen as a blessing and makes the temple even more amazing.
Number 9 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Neem Wood Idols
The statues of God at the Jagannath Puri Temple are made from neem wood. In a time period of 12 to 19 years these wooden Gods are replaces in a grand ceremony. The temple is following this tradition from a very long time which make it a very unique and important ritual. The use of neem wood in making the Gods statues adds a special touch to the temple which make it a very unique and fascinating place to visit.
Number 10 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Kalinga Architectural Style
The Jagannath Puri Temple is build in the Kalinga architectural style. This means that the temple has a unique design and it is decorated with beautiful carvings and textures. The Kalinga architectural style is very ancient and shows how talented ancient people are. The temple’s beautiful architecture attracts visitors from all around the world and adds more value to its historical importance.
Number 11 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Entry Restrictions
At the Jagannath Puri Temple only people who follow Hindu religion are allowed to enter. This rule is strictly followed to maintain the temple’s sanctity. Non-Hinuds can only view the temple from outside but they are not allowed to go inside. This restriction plays a vital role in preserving the religious purity and traditions of the temple and make it a very unique and respected temple in India.
Number 12 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Holy Pillar
The Jagannath Puri Temple has a holy pillar called the Aruna Stambha at its entrance. The interesting thing about the pillar is that it originally came from the Sun Temple in Konark. Now it is a very important and holy part of the temple. The pillar even adds more charm to the beauty of the temple. Many visitors love it because it has a lot of history and is very important for religious reasons.
Number 13 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Sea and Temple Connection
One of the most interesting facts about the Jagannath Puri Temple is that once you enter into the temple, you can’t hear the sound of the sea even though the sea is very close by. This mysterious silence creates a peaceful atmosphere inside the temple and it is also considered a very special feature. Many people find this thing very surprising which make the temple visit more unique and memorable.
Number 14 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Wooden cart Construction
Every year new cart which is made up of wood are build for the Rath Yatra festival at the Jagannath Puri Temple. These carts are made up from special tress and people follow all old traditions while constructing them. The cart are used to carry the gods through the streets and these carts also play a big and important part in the festival.
Number 15 interesting facts about Jagannath puri temple
Daily Rituals
The last but amongst the most interesting facts about the Jagannath Puri Temple is that it follows a strict daily routine of rituals. The interesting thing is that everyday 24 special ceremonies are performed to honor the Gods. These rituals include religious activities like offering food and singing prayers. The daily rituals are very important part of the temple’s religious practices and helps in keeping all ancient traditions alive.
What is the Jagannath Puri Temple famous for?
The Jagannath Puri Temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra where huge carts carry the statues of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra through the beautiful streets of Puri.
Why is the temple’s kitchen special?
The temple’s kitchen is famous because it is known as the World’s largest kitchen. A holy food (Mahaprasad) is being prepared at the temple and served to thousands of people daily.
What is unique about the temple’s flag?
The flag at top of the temple always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind, which is an unusual phenomenon.
What is the Sudarshan Chakra?
The Sudarshan Chakra is a disc-shaped ornament on top of the temple. The interesting thing about the Chakra is that it appears the same from every direction which adds a mysterious touch to the temple.
Why can’t you hear the sea inside the temple?
Despite the temple is very close to the sea, the sound of the sea waves is not audible inside the temple which creates a very peaceful atmosphere inside.
Who can enter the temple?
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. Non-Hindus can view the temple from outside but cannot go inside.
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