The Jagannath Temple - Puri

The present Shri Jagannath Temple is the mystery of 12th century A.D. It was built by the king Ananta Barma Chodaganga Dev during 12th century A.D (1135) and was completed by his grandson Ananga Bhima Dev.The exact geographical location of the temple of Jagannath is lat. 19 18'17" and long. 85 51'39".Among the existing temples Orissa, the temple of Jagannath is the highest.The temple (214 ft. 8 inches high from the road level) is on a perfect pancharatha plan. All the paraphernalia of feudal pomp and splendour observed in the daily life of the emperors or potentates of old can be noticed in the daily worship of Jagannath.Shree Jagannath temple is a ‘Rekha Deula’ with curvilinear tower on a ‘Pancha Ratha’ plan. The height of the temple is 214 feet 8 inch from the ground level and 181 feet from inner base (ANTARVEDI). It stands on an elevated platform of stone measuring about 9.83 acres. The temple is bounded by two enclosures. The inner enclosure is 420' x 315 ' size and known as Kurma Bedha, which made between 1467-1494. The outer enclosure is of 665' x 644' size with the height varying from 20 ' to 24 ' and known as Meghanad Prachir.

There are four major temples in a row, named ‘Viman’ (The main temple where Lord Jagannath is worshipped with brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra and Sudarshan), Jagamohan (Audience hall), Natamandap (Dance hall) and the Bhoga Mandap (offering hall). The height of Jagamohan is 120 feet and the base area is 80 feet x 80 feet. The base area of Nata Mandap is 80 feet x 80 feet and the base area of Bhogo Mandap is 58 feet x 56 feet.

Bada Danda

Everything associated with Shri Jagannath is believed to be grand and big (bada in Oriya ),he is called Bada Thakua the temple itself is called Bada Deula. The sea with its wide and straight beach extendending for miles is called Mahodadhi,the Great Ocean. The food offering of the temple are known as Mahaprasad. The Bada-Danda, Grand Avenue is a wide road linking the great temple of Jagannath on the south to Gundicha Temple on the north, the latter the birth place of the Lord.Bada Danda wears a festive look through out the year and is typical grand Indian bazaar.

Aruna Stambha

In front of the entrance to the eastern gateway there is the beautiful Sun Pillar Aruna Stambha, which originally stood before the temple of the Sun at Konark Temple and was shifted here by the Marathas.It is a monolithic shaft of chlorite with sixtten sides.It is 25 feet and 2 inches in height,2 feet in diametre,and 6 feet and 3.5 inches in circumference.It stands on an exquisitely carved pedestal (made of chlorite) of 7 feet 9 inches square and 6 feet high,and has a capital on the top 2 feet high,over which squats the praying Aruna. The capital is formed of two rings surmounted by a series of lotus petals. The measurements thus give a total height of 33 feet & 8 inches from the ground to the top of the capital.In its present situation the pillar is about two part of the 13th century.

Dwaras
The temple has four gates at the Eastern – Lion Gate (Singha Dwara – The main entrance), Southern – Horse Gate, Western – Tiger Gate, and Northern – Tiger Gate at midpoints of the Meghanad Prachir (Outer Wall). Eastern entrance of the outer enclousure is called Simhadwara or the Lion Gate. The entrance on the Southern,Western and Northern sides of the out enclousure are known as Aswadwara, Vyaghradwara and Hastidwara respectively. They are also called as Purbadwara, Dakhinadwara, Paschimadwara and Uttardwara according to their directions.Worshipping the gates also forms a part of the daily ritualistic service of the temple.The eastern gate is beautifully ornamented.Navagraha reliefs are carved on the architraves of all the gates.
Simha Dwara
Two colossal lions flank the Purba Dwara (Eastern Gate) also known as Simha Dwara. This is a mini tower and the main entrance to the temple. One gets a view of Patitapabana facing east on the northwestern corner o inner walls of the gate. The image can be seen from outside the temple precincts. Those who are denied an entry into the temple can still get a glimplse of the single image of Lord Jagannath. In front of Patitapavana a small image of Garuda has been installed. the idols of phatya Hanumana,Radha-Krishna,and Nursimha have been installed in the inches of the side walls.
Baisi Pahacha
Inside the outer enclosure is the inner enclosure,approached by 22 flights of steps (Baisipahacha) from the eastern gateway of the outer enclosure.The width of the middle 15 steps varies from 5 feet and 10 inches to 6 feet 3 inches and the rise is 6 inches to 7 inches.The size of the remaining 7 steps are smaller both in length and width.The steps are made of felspar and Khondalite.The idols of Kasi-Biswanath,ramachandra,Nursimha, and Ganesh have been installed on the southern side of the Baisipahacha. As the devotee comes out of Gamuta, small tower of simha dwara, he climbs on to the Baisi Pahacha.
Aswadwara
The Aswadwara or the Horse Gate has on each side a galloping stallion of masonry work with the figures of Jagannath and Balabhadra on their back in full military array.These sculptures depict the legendary Kanchi expedition of Jagannath and Balabhadra,and have been installed recently.The inner enclosure is approached by ten flights of steps,made of khondalite,from the southern gateway of the outer enclosure.

The images of Sadhabhuja Gouranga, Ramachandra, Gopala, Barabhai Hanumana and Nursimha have been installed in small shrines in the outer enclosure.Towards the eastern direction of it is the kitchen of Lord which can feed thousands of people at a time. The process of cooking done in the kitchen has some peciliarities.In the same over nine earthern pots are placed and cooking is done simultaneously.There are 200 hearths in the kitchen and 400 supakars work here daily.The present kitchen building dates from the regin of Divyasimha Deva (1690-1713 A.D.) and was built by a private person.The colossal image of Mahavir Hanuman is installed outside the temple enclosure to the east of Aswadwara.

Vyaghradwara

The Vyaghradwara or the Tiger Gate has on each side a figure of a tiger made of mortar.The inner enclosure is approached by seven flights of steps,made of khondalite,from the western gateway of the outer enclosure.The deities of Rameswar-Mahadeva,Sri Jagannath Dwarakanath,and Badrinath are installed in the outer enclosure in a shrine known as Chaturdham.Flower garden have been set up both the sides from which flowers are collected for the daily worship. The shrines of Chakranarayana, Sidheswara, Mahabir Hanuman, and Dhabaleswar Mahadeva are located in this area.On the northern side, the Niladri Vihar has been constructed which depicts the popular legends on Jagannath through models and paintings.

Hastidwara

The Hastidwara or the Elephant Gate had on each side a colossal figure of elephant,which is said to have

been disfigured during the Muslim inroads.Subsequently,these figures were repaired and plastered with mortar and placed at he northern gate of the inner enclosure (Kurma Bedha).

The inner enclosure is approached by thirteen flights of steps made of khondalite,from the northern gateway of the outer enclosure.The deities of Lokanath,Uttarani,Lakshmi-Nursimha,Baraha and Sitala have been installed in the outer enclosure.There is also the sacred Suna-Kuan from which 108 pitchers of water are taken for the ceremonial bath of Lord Jagannath during the Snana Yatra.On the western side of the outer enclosure,near the gate of the kurma bedha,stands a banian tree,and on a raised platform,the favour Koili Baikuntha or Kaivalya Baikuntha.During the Nabakalebara,the images of Jagannath,Balabhadra and Subhadra are being constructed here.

Kasi Viswanatha,Surya Narayana,Kalpa-Bata

Immediately to the left of the first step adjacent to gamuta of simha dwara is the small temple of Kasi Viswanatha facing west. It is the temple of Lord Shiva.It is customary to visit Lord Shiva first before visiting Lord Jagannath. After climbing the twenty-two steps , the devotee reaches the inner walls of the temple known as Kurma Prachira. It is believed that Gajapati Kapilendra Dev Constructed this and the outer walls, Meghananda Prachira in fiftennth century. The eastern gate of the kurma Bedha has several exquisite sculptures.Notable among these are the ones Krishna and Radha and Shri Rama vanquishing the ten headed demon Ramana.

On turning left towards south the kitchen of Lord will come across. In the same corner of inner courtyard is the image of the Surya Narayana in a separate temple facing north. The black granite image of the four-armed Vishnu worshipped here is believed by some to be original of the presiding deity in his Nilamadhava manifestation.

Turning westward Kalpa-Bata, teh sacred banyan tree can be seen which ostensibly fulfills one's wishes. Devotees first offer prayer to Bata Krishna, a small image of child Krishna lying on a leaf of banyan tree,remniscent of apocalypse. Next facing North Bata-Ganesha is offered prayer. Turning furhther right devotee get glimpse of the mother goddess Bata Mangala and Shiva as Bata Mahadeva.

Dasa-Avatra on the inner walls of Nata mandira. (Here Buddha is identified as Lord Jagannatha).

Opposite to the southrn door of the Jagamohana Narasimha Temple is located, where a small image of Narasimha considered as Adi-narasimha is worshipped.Facing this temple is Mukti Mandapa, literally a covered platform that provides emancipation. This is an assembly of learned scholars well versed in sastras. The Shankara charya of Puri has the trditionl privileage of presiding over the learned assembly.

As the devotee moves towards the temple of Bimla, passes by Rohini Kunda. A small stone tub with image of the sacred crow (Kaka Bhusanda) and the chakra, wheel of Vishnu etched at the bottom. The temple of Bimla, a manifestation of the Mother Goddess and considered as shakti of Lord Jagannath. The holy food offered to Shri Jagannath is sanctified only after it is presented to Bimala and then acquires the character of Mahaprasad. Next is the temple of goddess Lakshmi known as kamala and Sri. Laksmi, daughter of the Ocean and goddess of wealth and prosperity. The sacred food in srimandiara is supposed to be cooked by none other than Mahalakshmi herself.

Garuda Stambha

The open and wide courtyard inside is called Pata Agana. Seven steps from there leads to the main temple through Nata Mandapa ( Dancing Hall). Garuda Stambha stands right infront of Bhoga Mandapa at the extreme eastern end of the Nata Mandapa. A beautiful chlorite image of Garuda, the celestial carrier-eagle of Jagannath sits with bent knees on the top of pillar in a small platform offering prayers to his lord.From Garuda Stambha, one can get a clear view of the presiding Many consider that getting a glimpse of the presiding deities from the this location is the best form of darshan. Infront of Nata Mandapa, on its west is the Jagamohana, the Audience Hall, via Jaya Bijaya Dwara.Jaya and Bijaya are the celestial doorkeepers of Vishnu. A round Wooden bar is normally placed across the entry to the sanctrum and is known as the Chandana Argali.

Ratna Simhasana

The sacred eleveted platform on which the deities are installed is known as Ratna Simhasana.For this Devotee has to cross Kalahata Dwara, the door of the innermost sanctrum of the Srimandira. On Ratna Simhasana , Lord Balabhadra, the elder Brother is manifest at right with Subbhadra in the middle and Jagannath to her left. At the extreme left of the platform stands Sudarshana, the celestial wheel of Vishnu-Krishna-Jagannath, represented here as short pillar.In addition to three principal deities and Sudarshana, three other small images that of Bhudevi,Sridevi and Nilamadhava are also placed on the Ratna Simhasana, are known as Saptadha Murti.

Neela Chakra

The metal wheel at the top of temple is known as Neela Chakra (Blue Wheel). The wheel is made of eight metals comprising of iron, copper, zinc, mercury, lead, brass, silver and gold. It's circumferance is about 36 feet and it is so designed that there is a wheel within the wheel. The circumferance of the inner wheel is about 26 feet. Eight hubs join together the inner and the outer wheels. There are decorative designs on the outer wheel. The thickness of the Neela Chakra is 2 inches.

Anand Bajara situated in the north eastern corner of the outer courtyard. Food that is offered to Shri Jagannath can be bought here. The variety and huge quantity of food offered are unique among any temple.As saying goes fifty-six tyoes of food items are offered to the deities and Jagannath. He is also known as Chappanabhogi.

The Kitchen

His kitchen is considered as the largest and the biggest kitchen in the world. It is situated south-east direction of the outer compound of Srimandir. The length of the kitchen is 150 feet, breadth is 100 feet and height is about 20 feet. It consists of 32 rooms with 250 earthen ovens within these. Around 600 cooks (Suaras) and 400 assistants serve here everyday for preparing Lord's food.

There are three types of hearths in the kitchen of Srimandir such as Anna Chuli, Ahia Chuli and Pitha Chuli. The dimension of hearths where rice is prepared are 4' x 2.5' x 2'. The rectangular space created between two rice hearths is called Ahia. All types of Dal and Curry items are cooked in Ahia Chuli. There are only ten numbers of Pitha Chuli in the temple kitchen which are made of cement. The fire of this kitchen is known as Vaishnava Agni, because it is the fire in the kitchen of Lord Jagannath and used to serve Vishnu Himself. It is never put out.

It is believed that Mahalaxmi cooks in the kitchen Herself; all are felt to be Her servants. As she is not attentive to the cooking on the days when Lord Jagannath is said to be sick before Rath Yatra, the food is less tasty. During Ratha Yatra when Lord Jagannath is in Sri Gundicha Temple, She is said to have no zeal to cook and so the food is tasteless. It is also said that if mother Laxmi is displeased with the preparations by the cooks, a dog will appear mysteriously on the temple grounds. If the dog is seen, all the food must be buried and prepared again. As no dog is allowed to enter the temple, this dog is said to be Kutama Chandi, a tantric goddess in charge of purification of food.

Four types of cooking are prepared in the kitchen of Srimandir. Those are Bhimapaka, Nalapaka, Souripaka and Gouripaka. The items of Bhimapaka consist Badatiana, Gudakhuara, Pakala Nadia Rasa, Purapitha, Biripitha and Gudakanji. In Nalapaka, items like Sakara, Tianalapara, Adanga and different types of sweet drinks are prepared. Souripaka items include Mahura, Deshialubhaja, Kadalibhaja, Adapachedi, Ghialabanga and varieties of cakes. In Gouripaka, Mugatiana, Leutia, Kosala and Madhura Lalita Saga items are cooked.

In the kitchen of Srimandir, four types of rice are prepared. These are Salianna, Khiraanna, Dadhianna and Sitalaanna. Sunakhila rice cooks along with ghee and Phalatabha Kharada Lavana to get Salianna. For getting Khiraanna alongwith Basumati rice; cow milk, ghee and Kharada Lavana are mixed and cooked. Similarly plain rice mixed with curd; Dadhianna is prepared and rice mixed with Tabharasa and Kharada Lavana; Sitalaanna is prepared.

The food in the temple kitchen is prepared in such a pure way and with deep devotion; great spiritual impact is felt, both by those who cook and those who eat. The unique feature is that, clay pots are placed in a special earthen oven, five in numbers, one on the top of another. Yet the one on the top is cooked first.

There are two wells in the temple complex for the purpose of supplying water to the kitchen. These are named as Ganga and Jamuna and both are near the kitchen itself. The radius of the wells is more than 10 feet and depth is 100 feet each.

All the necessary commodities for the temple kitchen are brought from Mahalaxmi Bhandar, which runs by Suara Nijoga Cooperative Society. The earthen pots used for cooking foods are provided by Kumbhakara Nijoga Society. The potters of Kumbharapara and nearby areas supply these pots the temple kitchen. The required timber for the kitchen was previously supplied from different forests of the State. But after nationalisation of forests, the State Forest Corporation is providing timbers for cooking purpose.

Daily 5,000 persons may be fed, but on big festival days, one to ten million may be accommodated. The temple kitchen of Lord Jagannath is therefore considered to be the biggest hotel in the world, serving all without reservation or previous notice.