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Jagannath Temple The name Jagannath literally means “Lord of the Universe.” It is said that the present temple was begun by King Chora Ganga Deva and finished by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, during the 12th century. The main temple structure is 65m (214 feet) high and is built on elevated ground, making it look more imposing. The temple complex comprises an area of 10.7 acres and is enclosed by two rectangular walls. The outer enclosure is called Meghanada Prachira, 200m (665 ft) by 192m (640 ft). The walls are 6m (20 feet) high. The inner wall is called Kurmabedha, 126m (420 ft) by 95m (315 ft). The walls were built during the 15th or 16th century. This temple is said to have the largest kitchen in the world, and feeds thousands of devotees daily. The kitchen can prepare food for 100,000 people on a festival day and 25,000 is not unusual on a normal day. There are thirty-six traditional communities (Chatisha Niyaga) who render a specific hereditary service to the deities. The temple has as many as 6,000 priests. There
is a wheel on top of the Jagannath Temple made of an alloy of eight
metals (asta-dhatu). It is called the Nila Chakra (Blue Wheel), and
is 3.5m (11 ft 8 in) high with a circumference of about 11m (36 ft).
Every day, a different flag is tied to a mast attached to the Nila Chakra.
Every Ekadasi, a lamp is lit on top of the temple near the wheel. The Narasimha Temple, adjacent to the western side of the Mukti-mandapa, is said to have been constructed before the present temple. In front of the main gate is an 11m (36 ft) pillar known as the Aruna Stambha. This pillar was once in front of the Sun Temple in Konark. It was brought to Puri during the 18th century. The figure on top of the pillar is Aruna, the sun-god’s charioteer. In the passage room of this gate is a Deity of Lord Jagannath known as Patita Pavana (“Savior of the Most Fallen”). This Deity is visible from the road, so non-Hindus may take his darshan. There are four gates: the eastern Singhadwara (Lion Gate), the southern Ashwadwara (Horse Gate), the western Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate), and the northern Hastidwara (Elephant Gate). There is a carving of each form by the entrance of each gate. The Lion Gate, which is the main gate, is located on Grand Road. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to regularly visit the Jagannath Temple. In front of the altar of Lord Jagannath is a column on which the statue of Garuda is situated called the Garuda Stambha. This column is revered because Sri Chaitanya usually saw Lord Jagannath from behind this column. Behind
the column is also a moat-like kund or ditch which was sometimes filled
with Sri Chaitanya’s tears. Also, an impression of Sri Chaitanya’s
handprint is imbedded in the column. “Being
absolute, Lord Jagannath is identical with his name, form, picture,
qualities, and pastimes. If one thinks that the form of Lord Jagannath
is an idol made of wood, he immediately brings ill fortune into his
life. A pure devotee who knows the science of Krishna consciousness
makes no distinction between Lord Jagannath and the actual form of the
Lord. He knows that they are identical, just as Lord Krishna and his
soul are one and the same.” (Cc. Antya 5.146–152) 1. Mukhasala—Next to the main temple is the hall of audience, which can be entered through four separate doors. The Kalaghata door leads to the sanctum sanctorum. The southern door leads out of the temple and the northern to the Ratna Bhandar (Treasury house). 2. Nata Mandira—This is a spacious hall, 21m (65 ft) in length and 20m (61 ft) wide. This is where the Garuda Stambha is located, where Sri Chaitanya used to stand. It is believed that the potency of a devotee’s prayers to the Lord is increased when he stands near this sacred pillar. 3. Bhoga Mandap—Next to Nata Mandir is this spacious hall, 18m (60 ft) in length and 17m (56 ft) wide. There are sculptures and paintings of Lord Krishna’s pastimes and other stories in this hall. How
to View the Temple Unless you are fond of rice, make it clear how much you want while ordering. Even if you say it ten times, you will probably be brought way too much the first time. Normally, maha-prasada means a few small pots of sabji (vegetables), dhal, and a pot of rice ten times the size of the small sabji pots. There can be a wide selection of items, and often what you receive will depend on the ability and connections of the person getting it for you. I have had as little as three preparations and at other times more than ten. If you know of a informationthat is not correct or if you would like to help update our listings, please e-mail us at:
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