Tag: history

The Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, Odisha, on the eastern coast of India. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha but not the temple's location. Cuttack and Paradip are other Odisha cities but don't house this famous temple.

King Chodaganga Dev of the Eastern Ganga dynasty initiated the construction of the Jagannath Temple in the 12th century. Anangabhima Dev completed it later, while Kapilendra Dev ruled much later in the 15th century.

Anangabhima Dev completed the construction of the Jagannath Temple. While Chodaganga Dev started it, the completion occurred under Anangabhima Dev's rule. Pratap Rudra Dev and Kapilendra Dev were later rulers of the Ganga dynasty.

The Jagannath Temple complex has four main entrances (Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Vyagradwara, and Hadidwara) representing the four cardinal directions, which is traditional in Hindu temple architecture. Six, seven, and ten are incorrect numbers.

Singhadwara (Lion Gate) is the main entrance of the Jagannath Temple, located on the eastern side. The name Singhadwara comes from the two lion statues guarding this entrance. Sankhadwara, Swargadwara, and Martyadwar are other entrances but not the main one.

Bada Danda (Grand Road) is the name of the grand road in front of the Jagannath Temple. This road is used during the Rath Yatra festival when deities are taken to the Gundicha Temple. The name comes from the local Odia language meaning grand road.

Baisi Pahacha (meaning 22 steps) is the flight of steps leading to the Jagannath Temple. Devotees climb these 22 steps while praying to their ancestors. It is believed to be the path to heaven or salvation.

The pillar in front of the Jagannath Temple at Puri is called Aruna Stambha. It was originally located at the Sun Temple, Konark. Garuda is the mount of Vishnu, but this pillar is dedicated to Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god.

The temple complex is called Bedha and its area is approximately 400,000 square feet. Bedha refers to the temple boundary or enclosure wall area.