“At the heart of Puri stands Lord Jagannath—not just a deity, but a living tradition, a festival of faith, and a timeless symbol of divine love.”
History of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in India and a key part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The present temple was built in the 12th century CE by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and later completed by his successors.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, worshipped along with Balabhadra and Subhadra. What makes this temple unique is that the deities are made of sacred neem wood, not stone or metal. They are ritually replaced in a rare and secret ceremony called Nabakalebara, which occurs every 12 to 19 years.
Historically, the temple became a major religious and cultural center of eastern India. It attracted saints like Adi Shankaracharya, who established the Govardhan Matha at Puri. Over centuries, the temple endured invasions and reconstructions but remained central to Odia identity and devotion.
Ancient Origins & Divine Legend
Ancient Origins & Divine Legend
According to ancient tradition, Lord Jagannath is worshipped in a tribal form known as Nilamadhava, revered by the Sabara chief Visvavasu in the forests of Odisha. King Indradyumna later discovered this divine form through sacred guidance. The deity was believed to manifest as a mysterious darubrahma (divine wooden essence), from which the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were carved. Unlike other temples, the wooden form symbolizes the Lord’s eternal cycle of creation and renewal. These legends blend tribal faith with Vedic tradition, making Jagannath a uniquely universal deity.
Rath Yatra – The Festival of the Ages
The world-famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is an integral part of the temple’s history. During this annual event, Lord Jagannath and His siblings travel in grand chariots to the Gundicha Temple, allowing devotees from all walks of life to have His darshan. This festival embodies the belief that God Himself comes to meet the people.
