One of the principal Hindu temples constructed in the Kalinga architectural style, as far as plan, front elevation, and structural details go, is Jagannath Temple Puri. It is a Pancharatha (Five Chariots) type, made up of one ratha with a well-developed pagas, two anurathas, and two konakas. The rekha deula, a temple tower, is constructed over a rectangular base of pidha temples, with its roof composed of pidhas, which are horizontal platforms arranged in descending order to form a pyramidal shape. Vimana, also known as Deula, is the sanctum sanctorum where the triad (three) deities are deified on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls).Devotees congregate in the Jagamohana mandapa, which is in front of the sanctum sanctorum, to give homage.The spire-topped temple tower soars to a height of 58 meters, and a flag is flown above it and positioned over a wheel (chakra).The Nata Mandir, a sizable hall housing the Garuda stamba (pillar), is located within the temple complex. Here was where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to stand in prayer. There are numerous sculptures and paintings inside the Bhoga Mantap, which is next to the Nata mandir, that depict the life of Lord Krishna.

The temple is situated 20 feet above the surrounding surroundings on an elevated platform that is roughly 420,000 square feet (39,000 m2) in size. The temple is situated 214 feet above street level. The total size of the temple complex is 10.7 acres (4.3 hectare).The temple complex is surrounded by a double-walled enclosure that is rectangular in shape and rises to a height of 20 feet. The outer wall of the enclosure is called Meghanada Prachira and measures 200 by 192 meters (656 feet * 630 feet). Kurmabedha, the inner walled enclosure, is 126 meters by 95 meters in size. At the center of the walls, in each of the four outer circle directions, are four access gates that go to the temple in the four cardinal directions.These are the following: the northern gate is named the Hathi Dwara or (elephant gate), the western gate is called the Vyaghra Dwara (Tigers Gate) or the Khanja Gate, the southern gate is called Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate), and the eastern gate is called Singhadwara (Lions Gate). The four gates stand for the four main tenets of Dharma, which is righteousness; Jnana, which is knowledge; Vairagya, which is renunciation; and Aishwarya, which is prosperity. Pyramid-shaped constructions atop the gates. The Aruna Stambha, also known as the “Solar Pillar,” is a stone pillar located in front of the Singhadwara. It is built of chlorite stone and is 11 meters (36 feet) tall with 16 faces. An exquisite figure of Arun, or the Sun, in a prayerful position rests atop the pillar.This pillar was moved from the temple of Konarak Sun. According to the name and order of the gates, guardian statues in the shapes of tigers, elephants, horses, and lions adorn each gate. Lamps are placed as offerings on a fossilized wood pillar. The primary entrance of the temple is the Lion Gate (Singhadwara), which is watched over by Jaya and Vijaya, two guardian deities. The main gates are reached through the famous Baisi Pahaca, a 22-step ascent known for its “spiritual animation.” It is the purpose of these stairs to impart spiritual enjoyment to children by having them roll down from top to bottom.The enormous kitchen, which is located on the left after entering the temple, is where food is made in such a hygienic manner and in such large amounts that it is referred to as “the biggest hotel of the world.” Article Sponsored Find something for everyone in our collection of colourful, bright and stylish socks. Buy individually or in bundles to add color to your drawer!

THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE JAGANNATH TEMPLE

According to mythology, King Indradyumma was given instructions to build a temple for Lord Jagannath in a dream, and he carried them out. However, historical records state that King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty founded the temple at some point in the 12th century. Nonetheless, Anangabhima Deva, his descendant, finished it in the twelfth century. Here, Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra’s wooden images were later elevated to godhood. Up until 1558, the Hindu kings ruled over the shrine. The Afghan General Kalapahad then took charge of Orissa after it was taken over by the Afghan Nawab of Bengal. The temple was a part of the Mughal empire till 1751 AD after Raja Mansingh, the general of Mughal emperor Akbar, defeated the Afghan ruler. It was then ruled by the Marathas till 1803. Following Orissa’s conquest by the British Raj, the Puri Raja was given supervision of the region until 1947.42]

The three figures at the temple are an incomplete set of wood (neem) and represent Lord Krishna as Jagannatha, his younger sister Subhadra, and his elder brother Balabhadra. The wood stumps that represent the brothers have arms made of human flesh, but Subhadra’s stump is armless. The heads are painted, big, and lack carvings. The big, round eyes give the faces their distinctive features.