A visit to Lord Jagannath Temple ,Puri (Odisha)
From time uncountable Puri and temples present there ,share a special bond.If you ask me I would only say that the true significance of this town lies in the presence of temples .These temples and pilgrimage sites make puri a special and is also believed as the earthly abode of Lord Vishnu also known by name Lord Jagannath.Hardly, one would find a place here where there is no temple .Almost, every corner has temples.But this sacred town warmly welcomes , both the pilgrims and fun seekers as is also blessed with good weather, splendid beaches apart from pilgrimage sites. Perhaps ,this is the reason every year hordes of visitors travel to these attractions to enjoy, offer prays and experience the ultimate mental peace.
Among Hindus ,Puri is famous for its Lord Jagannath Temple. The temple is so big and spacious that it is enough to keep one busy all day!. The huge temple is surrounded by fortified wall almost some twenty metres in height. But the main attraction lies in the carvings on the stone of which this temple is made of.To see this beautiful structure one thing always comes to mind how it would have been constructed.Each stone that has been a part of this temple weigh not less than tons and work of carvings is another unbelievable thing.All these features together, add a tag of uniqueness to this structure. Amid concrete buildings all around ,this heritage looks different and attractive.Four entrances in four directions named as Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara and Vyaghradwara.About Singhdwaram, it is said that while going in the temple one can hear the sound of waves on the beach but while returning the same sound is not heard.
In the sanctum sanctorum the deity which is worshiped is trinity i.e Lord Krishna, Subhadra and Baldev.These idols are not made of stone but are sculpted on neem's wood.On the top of the temple there is a wheel also called Nila Chakra made of an alloy of eight metals ( asta dhatu).It is said that during ancient times when untouchability was at its peak at that time untouchables were not allowed to enter the temple. So, from outside they used to pay obesiance to the chakra that also symbolises the God.This chakra when seen from outside appears facing the one who sees it no matter which direction one stares the chakra from.On top of the temple flag waves .Everyday around 4 pm a different flag is tied to a mast. The interesting part is that the man who climbs the temple to change the flag does not use any safety equipments and daily a crowd gathers around that time to see this courageous event.
Mahaprasad is offered to the deities of Lord Jagannath. Around fifty six food items also known as 'Chhapan Bhogs' is offered everyday. In a day six times bhog is offered to the deities here.The Prasad or bhog is prepared in a traditional way like water used to cook bhog is drew from well .Earthen pots are used as utensils ,firewood is used to cook food items. During preparations the earthen pots filled with raw food ingredients are placed one above the other on the traditional oven and it has been observed that the Prasad kept at the top gets cooked first .Here, Mahaprasad is treated as 'Anna Brahma' The temple kitchen is a mega kitchen which has the capacity to cook for a lakh of devotees .Mahaprasad is available at the An and bazaar which is present on the outer enclosure where devotees purchase the Mahaprasad. There is a belief that one who eats the bhog sitting in the Anand Bazaar their wishes get fulfilled.
Among Hindus ,Puri is famous for its Lord Jagannath Temple. The temple is so big and spacious that it is enough to keep one busy all day!. The huge temple is surrounded by fortified wall almost some twenty metres in height. But the main attraction lies in the carvings on the stone of which this temple is made of.To see this beautiful structure one thing always comes to mind how it would have been constructed.Each stone that has been a part of this temple weigh not less than tons and work of carvings is another unbelievable thing.All these features together, add a tag of uniqueness to this structure. Amid concrete buildings all around ,this heritage looks different and attractive.Four entrances in four directions named as Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara and Vyaghradwara.About Singhdwaram, it is said that while going in the temple one can hear the sound of waves on the beach but while returning the same sound is not heard.
In the sanctum sanctorum the deity which is worshiped is trinity i.e Lord Krishna, Subhadra and Baldev.These idols are not made of stone but are sculpted on neem's wood.On the top of the temple there is a wheel also called Nila Chakra made of an alloy of eight metals ( asta dhatu).It is said that during ancient times when untouchability was at its peak at that time untouchables were not allowed to enter the temple. So, from outside they used to pay obesiance to the chakra that also symbolises the God.This chakra when seen from outside appears facing the one who sees it no matter which direction one stares the chakra from.On top of the temple flag waves .Everyday around 4 pm a different flag is tied to a mast. The interesting part is that the man who climbs the temple to change the flag does not use any safety equipments and daily a crowd gathers around that time to see this courageous event.
Mahaprasad is offered to the deities of Lord Jagannath. Around fifty six food items also known as 'Chhapan Bhogs' is offered everyday. In a day six times bhog is offered to the deities here.The Prasad or bhog is prepared in a traditional way like water used to cook bhog is drew from well .Earthen pots are used as utensils ,firewood is used to cook food items. During preparations the earthen pots filled with raw food ingredients are placed one above the other on the traditional oven and it has been observed that the Prasad kept at the top gets cooked first .Here, Mahaprasad is treated as 'Anna Brahma' The temple kitchen is a mega kitchen which has the capacity to cook for a lakh of devotees .Mahaprasad is available at the An and bazaar which is present on the outer enclosure where devotees purchase the Mahaprasad. There is a belief that one who eats the bhog sitting in the Anand Bazaar their wishes get fulfilled.
