The Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu–one of the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism. King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple of Jagannath at Puri.
The Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu–one of the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism. King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple of Jagannath at Puri. The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated raths, or temple cars. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is also famous because many legends believe that Krishna’s heart was placed here, and the material that it is made from damages the heart, so they have to change it every seven years.
The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated raths, or temple cars. The worship is performed by the Bhil Sabar tribal priests, as well as priests of other communities in the temple. Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath is made of wood, and is ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years by an exact replica. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is also famous because many legends believe that Krishna’s heart was placed here, and the material that it is made from damages the heart, so they have to change it every seven years.
The temple is sacred to all Hindus, and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions. Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple. Ramanuja established the Emar Matha in the south-eastern corner of the temple, and Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas. It is also of particular significance to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years.
5 Unmissable Experiences at Puri’s Jagannath Temple
1. Witness the Majestic Rath Yatra
Held annually in June or July, the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is one of the world’s grandest religious processions. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is carried in massive chariots through the streets of Puri. Watching lakhs of devotees pull the colossal wooden chariots with ropes, chanting with fervour, is a deeply moving spiritual experience.
2. Partake in the Mahaprasad at Ananda Bazaar
The Mahaprasad served at the Jagannath Temple is not just food — it is divine blessing. Cooked in traditional clay pots over firewood, the 56-item offering (Chhappan Bhog) is distributed at Ananda Bazaar, one of the world’s largest open-air kitchens. Devotees believe that eating this sacred offering purifies the soul. Don’t miss the opportunity to share a simple, soulful meal with fellow pilgrims.
3. Admire the Mysterious Temple Architecture
The Jagannath Temple, built in the 12th century, is an architectural marvel full of mystical features. The most famous: the temple’s flag always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind, and the shadow of the main dome is never visible at any time of the day. These unexplained phenomena continue to intrigue both devotees and scientists.
4. Explore the Spiritual Rituals and Sevas
Every day at Jagannath Temple follows a fixed ritual schedule — from Mangala Aarti at dawn to the Pahuda (retiring) ritual at night. Watching the Gopal Ballav, Sandhya Dhupa, or Chandan Lagi ceremonies performed with centuries-old traditions can offer deep insight into the spiritual fabric of Odisha. If you’re lucky, you might witness special rituals like Snana Yatra or Nabakalebara, held on rare occasions.
5. Shop the Sacred: Pattachitra, Shell Crafts & Handlooms
No trip to Puri is complete without exploring its vibrant markets. Bring home a piece of devotion with hand-painted Pattachitra scrolls depicting stories of Lord Jagannath, or pick up conch shells engraved with sacred symbols. The nearby village of Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village, is a must-visit for art lovers. Odisha’s famed handloom sarees, especially Sambalpuri and Bomkai, also make treasured keepsakes.
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