About Shree Jagannath Temple
Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra. Located on Grand Road in coastal Puri, it is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and famed for its annual Rath Yatra. Built in the 12th century in Kalinga architectural style, it features a towering shikhara, vast walled complex and sacred kitchen, attracting millions of devotees and visitors annually.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large walled temple complex built in Kalinga style with a towering curvilinear shikhara, pillared halls, and subsidiary shrines. The main sanctum houses wooden deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The surroundings include Grand Road, Ananda Bazaar for Mahaprasad, and crowded pilgrim pathways. Inside, visitors experience darshan queues, daily rituals and aarti, while non-Hindus view the temple from outside the main entrance. The atmosphere is devotional and busy, especially during festivals.
Key highlights
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12th-century Kalinga architecture with 65-metre high shikhara and Nilachakra on top
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Sacred wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in the sanctum
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Ananda Bazaar - temple kitchen considered one of the largest, serving Mahaprasad
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Annual Rath Yatra with massive wooden chariots carrying deities to Gundicha Temple
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Four gates (Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Vyaghradwara, Hastidwara) and Aruna Stambha pillar
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One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites revered across India
History of Shree Jagannath Temple
Constructed in the 12th century CE by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, with later additions by Anangabhima Deva and other rulers. Built in the Kalinga architectural style, it has been a major centre of Vaishnavism for centuries. The temple is known for the periodic Nabakalebara ritual where the wooden deities are renewed.
Culture & Context
One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and the central shrine of Jagannath culture in Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu/Krishna, it hosts the famous annual Rath Yatra where deities are carried on huge chariots to Gundicha Temple. The temple's daily rituals, Mahaprasad tradition and association with saints and scriptures hold deep religious importance.