Jagannath Puri Temple: 7 Interesting Facts You MUST Know About The Abode Of Lord Jagannath

Jagannath Puri Temple: On Thursday morning, the four gates of the Jagannath temple in Puri were reopened to worshippers in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his ministerial council, following the 'Mangal Alati' rite of Lord Jagannath. The three gates of the 12th-century shrine were closed for a long time because of the COVID-19 epidemic. 

The Jagannath Temple in Puri situated in Odisha is a site rich in both cultural and spiritual history. The construction and installation of this magnificent temple nearly required three generations. Today, millions of devotees travel there each year as part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. This well-known temple is not only a representation of religious devotion but also the epitome of architectural genius. 

Let us check out 7 interesting facts about this sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath. 

Jagannath Puri Temple: 7 Interesting Facts About Abode Of Lord Jagannath

1. No Shadow Casts Upon The Temple 

The temple is believed to as "shadowless" because it manages to keep out of direct sunlight, which may be due to careful architectural design or one of Lord Jagannath's miracles. Many are curious as to why no shadow has been observed falling upon the temple thus far. 

2. Reverse Wind Flow In The Temple Premises

Not even the air at the shrine obeys the principles of science. The breeze moves from land to sea during the day and then in the other direction at night. According to coastal laws worldwide, this is yet unknown, which leaves many people perplexed and in awe of the natural world. 

3. Sudarshan Chakra 

Perched atop the temple is the gigantic, weight-bearing metal structure known as the Sudarshan Chakra, which is a monument to the technical prowess of ancient times. The mystery behind the installation of this enormous structure and why it seems the same from every viewpoint continue to confound specialists and pique the curiosity of onlookers. 

4. No Birds Fly Over Jagannath Temple 

Birds mostly inhabit the sky, and at any time of day, you may see a variety of them soaring above your head. But as an odd sign of reverence for the gods, no bird dares to soar over the Jagannath Temple. In addition, aircraft steer clear of passing straight overhead. This unusual occurrence is still mysterious and has no special explanation. Nevertheless, it strengthens the temple's aura of sanctity and contributes to its mystery and spiritual importance.  

Shri Jagannath Puri temple is one of the four prominent Char Dham Temples, dedicated to Lord Jagannath. (Image Source: Canva)

5. Mute Waters Alongside Puri Temple 

The sound of the ocean waves stops as soon as you enter the Jagannath temple through the Singha Dwara entrance, but it resurfaces as soon as you exit the building. The majority of the time, the occurrence occurs in the evening. Once more, though, there's no scientific reason for this. However, local legend states that the Subhadra Mayi, the sister of the two ruling goddesses, was the one who wanted total tranquillity and calm within the temple grounds. Thus, the occurrence occurs as a result of her will. 

6. Unique Approach Of Cooking 

The kitchen inside the temple uses a special technique called "seven pots on top of each other" for cooking. Using this approach, the firewood is used to cook seven containers piled one on top of the other. Here, the pot at the top is cooked first, and the other pots are cooked in the same order. This custom, rich in symbolism and ceremony, demonstrates the temple's dedication to maintaining historical customs. 

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7. Renewal Of Deities 

The wooden idols at the Jagannath Temple are changed out for new ones at the holy Nabakalebara festival that takes place every 14 to 18 years. The neem wood deities, representing the cycle of creation, preservation, and disintegration, are buried. This ceremony highlights the temple's enduring ties to Hindu spiritual beliefs. 

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)