Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is the eastern Char Dham and the centre of Odisha's religious life. Its presiding trio is unusual: Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra appear as painted wooden figures with large round eyes and stumpy limbs, not in carved stone.

Jagannath is worshipped here as a form of Vishnu or Krishna, but also as a deity who draws on tribal, Buddhist and Shaiva traditions, which is part of why the cult is open and eclectic. The Gajapati kings of Odisha ruled in the deity's name, regarding themselves as his servants.

Built by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The distinctive wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are replaced every 12–19 years in a ritual called Nabakalebara.

The main temple is a Kalinga-style structure whose spire rises to about 65 metres. A pillar and a wheel (the Nila Chakra) stand on top, and a flag is raised on it every day by a temple servant who climbs the tower. The compound is enclosed by two walls, with four gates that face the cardinal directions, the Lion Gate on the east being the main entrance.

Inside the compound are dozens of subsidiary shrines, the Ananda Bazar food market and the vast temple kitchen, said to be among the largest in the world. The Baisi Pahacha, the 22 steps up to the inner enclosure, is a ritual threshold for devotees.

The daily service is one of the most elaborate anywhere, with over a hundred ritual events, each handled by a specific hereditary group of servants (sevaks). Mahaprasad, the temple's cooked food offering, is prepared in earthen pots over wood fires and is shared among all devotees regardless of caste.

The Rath Yatra, in the monsoon month of Ashadha, takes the three deities in giant chariots along the Grand Road to the Gundicha Temple. The idols themselves are renewed in the Nabakalebara ritual, when new images are carved from sacred neem trees found by a search of specific signs.

• Rath Yatra
• Snana Yatra
• Nabakalebara

Non-Hindus are not permitted inside, a rule the temple has enforced for centuries; visitors can view the temple from the Raghunandan Library rooftop or from nearby viewpoints. Mobile phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed inside.

Puri also has a long beach, and the Chilika Lake and the Sun Temple at Konark are within day-trip reach. During the Rath Yatra the town is extremely crowded, so book accommodation months ahead.

Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (60 km). The Puri railway station is 2 km from the temple.

• Konark Sun TempleOdisha · about 30 km in a straight line
• Lingaraj TempleOdisha · about 48 km in a straight line

• Shree Govindaji TempleManipur
• Nagaland TempleNagaland
• Vithoba TempleMaharashtra
• ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Chandra TempleKarnataka
• Banke Bihari TempleUttar Pradesh
• ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govind TempleUttar Pradesh

Where is Jagannath Temple located?

Jagannath Temple is located at Grand Rd, Puri 752001, in Puri, Odisha, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Jagannath Temple?

The presiding deity at Jagannath Temple is Krishna (also known as Gopala, Govinda), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.

What are the timings of Jagannath Temple?

Jagannath Temple is generally open 05:00–00:00. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Jagannath Temple built?

Jagannath Temple was established 12th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Jagannath Temple?

Jagannath Temple is built in the Kalinga style, characteristic of Krishna shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Jagannath Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Jagannath Temple include Rath Yatra, Snana Yatra, Nabakalebara. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond.

How can I reach Jagannath Temple?

Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (60 km). The Puri railway station is 2 km from the temple.

Why is Jagannath Temple significant?

The eastern Char Dham, home of Lord Jagannath. The annual Rath Yatra in June–July draws millions.

What is the best time to visit Jagannath Temple?

October to March for weather; June or July for the Rath Yatra, with very heavy crowds.