Jagannatha Temple

Jagannatha Temple

Jagannatha Temple is one of the four most sacred sites in entire India called the 'Char Dham'. The temple has made Puri, one of the most visited cities in Orissa. The main deities of the temple are Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Jagannatha Temple was build by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev in 12th century. It is said that the temple was not completed during his reign and was completed by his successor. Standing to a height of 214 feet, it is one of the tallest temple structures in India. Architecture of the temple shows a huge similarity to Kalinga temple architecture. The main attraction of the temple is the annually held Rath Yatra. This is the only festival in India where the idols of the deities are taken out of the temple. The images of gods are carried in three humongous and decorated chariots in a procession to Gundicha Mandir at a distance of 3 km. Millions of devotees line the street to get a glimpse of the gods in their chariots which is considered very auspicious. Only Hindus of Indian origin are allowed to enter the temple premises.