About Jagannath Temple, Baripada
Jagannath Temple in Baripada, also known as Haribaldev Jew Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Located in the centre of Baripada town, it was built in 1575 CE by Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanj. The temple is notable for its Kalinga-style architecture and for hosting the second largest Ratha Yatra in Odisha after Puri, where deities are taken on chariots to the Gundicha Temple.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a whitewashed Kalinga-style temple complex with a main sanctum housing wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, along with a large courtyard, boundary wall and Gundicha Temple nearby. The setting is urban and accessible within Baripada town. Visitors can observe daily rituals, darshan, and architecture featuring a curvilinear spire. During Ratha Yatra, large decorated chariots are pulled through the streets by devotees.
Key highlights
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One of the oldest Jagannath temples, built in 1575 CE by Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanj
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Hosts the second largest Ratha Yatra in Odisha after Puri, with chariots pulled to Gundicha Temple
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Built in Kalinga architectural style with whitewashed spire and stone structure
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Deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra enshrined in wooden form similar to Puri
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Only temple where the Ratha Yatra is held where female devotees are allowed to pull the chariot of Subhadra
History of Jagannath Temple, Baripada
The temple was constructed in 1575 CE by Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanj of the Bhanja dynasty of Mayurbhanj. Built as a replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple, it reflects the royal patronage of Vaishnavism in the region and has been a major religious centre for over 400 years. The temple complex has been renovated over time while retaining its original Kalinga style.
Culture & Context
The temple is a major centre of Vaishnavite worship in northern Odisha and is culturally significant for its annual Ratha Yatra, considered the second most important after Puri. The festival draws large numbers of devotees and features the unique tradition where only women pull the chariot of Goddess Subhadra. The temple is central to religious life in Baripada and Mayurbhanj district.