Among all the temples constructed during the Ganga period, the Jagannath temple in Puri is particularly noteworthy. As previously stated, Chodagangadeva may not have initiated construction of that temple. He most likely extended the construction of the Jagannath temple after 1147 A.D. and failed to complete it during his lifetime, as the Dasgoba inscription states that it was completed in 1198 A.D., which is undoubtedly after Chodagangadeva’s death. The temple was most likely completed by Anangabhimadeva III. Whatever the case, with the construction of the Jagannath temple, Puri established itself as a major centre of religion and culture not only in Odisha, but also beyond the state’s borders. However, numerous additions to this temple occurred during the Suryavamsi Gajapatis’ rule in Odisha.
Details of the Structure
The massive temple complex encompasses an area of more than 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2) and is encircled by a fortified wall. Meghanada Pacheri is the name given to this twenty-foot (6.1 m) high wall. Another wall, referred to as kurma bedha, encircles the main temple. At least 120 temples and shrines are located there. It is one of India’s most magnificent monuments due to the sculptural riches and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture. The temple is divided into four distinct sections, namely –
- The Deula, Vimana, or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) is the location of the triad deities on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In the style of Rekha Deula;
- Mukhashala (Porch in front);
- Nata mandir/Natamandapa, also referred to as the Jagamohan (Auditorium/Dancing Hall), and
- Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall).
The main temple is a curvilinear structure crowned by Vishnu’s’srichakra’ (an eight spoked wheel). Additionally referred to as the “Nilachakra,” it is crafted from Ashtadhatu and is considered sacred. The temple of Shri Jagannath is the tallest of all the temples in Orissa. The temple tower was constructed on a raised stone platform and towers 214 feet (65 metres) above the inner sanctum, which houses the deities. It dominates the surrounding landscape. Like a ridge of mountain peaks, the pyramidal roofs of the surrounding temples and adjoining halls, or mandapas, rise in steps toward the tower.
Vimana
Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandira, and Bhogamandapa comprise the imposing structure. Perhaps the last two structures were constructed during Suryavamsi Gajapati’s reign. The temple’s Vimana towers to a lofty height of 214 ft. and 8 inches over an 80 ft. square. The dense plaster covering the exterior of the temple obscured the sculptural decoration on the outer walls from the scholars. However, the recent removal of plasters from the temple’s outer walls by the Archaeological Survey of India revealed the temple’s decorative motif. The figures in the Vimana are evidence of Kalinga’s developed art. Among them are Astadikpa/a, a lion atop crouching elephants, an adult Krishna, a procession of horses and elephants, various sociocultural scenes, and erotic panels. The Vimana was built in the Pancharatha style.
Jagamohana
The temple’s Jagamohana, like that Vimana, is in the Pancharatha style. This structure’s roof is adequately supported by several iron beams. Its outer surface emits an erotic odour. It stands 120 feet tall. The temple’s Natamandira is pyramidal in shape. It is a square room measuring 69 ft x 67 ft. on the inside and an 80 ft. square on the outside.
Bhogamandapa and Natamandira
The Natamandira depicts the storey of the Kanchi-Kaveri expedition, which most likely took place during Gajapati Purusottamadeva’s glorious reign. The Bhogamandapa, like Natamandira, is a pyramidal structure that measures 58 ft. x 56 ft. The sculptures in this structure primarily depict stories about Sri Krishna’s life, such as his playing the flute while the cows listen with their heads raised, Krishna’s various poses, his interaction with the cowherd women in the boat, and the Dola yatra. Other deities of the Brahmanical pantheon are depicted quite interestingly in the Bhogamandapa. The scene of Indrasabha (Indra’s court), Ramachandra’s Rajyavisekha (investigation ceremoney), and God Siva sitting on his bull are all depicted magnificently well.
Nilachakra
The Nila Chakra (Blue Discus) is the discus mounted on the Jagannath Temple’s top shikhar. Each day, a different flag is waved on the Nila Chakra in accordance with tradition. The flag affixed to the Nila Cakra is referred to as the Patita Pavana (Purifier of the Fallen) and is equivalent to the deities’ images in the sanctum sanctorum.
The Nila Chakra is a disc with eight Navagunjaras carved around the perimeter, each facing the flagpost above. It is 3.5 metres (11 feet and 8 inches) high and has a circumference of approximately 11 metres. It is made of an alloy of eight metals (Asta-dhatu) (36 feet). The Archaeological Survey of India repaired and restored the Nila Chakra in 2010.
The Nila Chakra is distinct from the Sudarshana Chakra, which is located in the inner sanctorum with the deities.
In the Jagannath cult, the Nila Chakra is the most revered iconic symbol. The Nila Chakra is the only physical object whose markings are considered sacred and used as a sacrament in Jagannath worship. It represents Shri Jagannath’s protection.
Exterior Walls and Entrances
The entire Jagannath temple is encircled by what is known as the Meghanada Prachira, or outer wall. Historians point out that this wall was not included in the temple’s original design. It gave the temple the appearance of a fort with four entrances. The temple’s gateways undoubtedly added grandeur to the structure. Simhadvara is the popular name for the eastern gate. On either side of the entrance is a large crouching lion wearing a crown. On the pilasters of that door are two rubust figures, Jaya and Vijaya. This gate is known as Jaya Vijaya dvara among pilgrims. This is the temple’s main entrance. This gate is adorned with images of Patitapabana, Ganesha, and Hanumana, among others. Aruna Stambha (the Surya pillar) stands in front of the gate. It was brought from Konarka and installed during the Maratha rule. The southern gate, or Asvadvara, is the next most important gate. The gate is so named because it features two large horses (one black and one white) and their riders (Balabhadra and Jagannath, respectively) on its pilaster. This invokes memories of Purusottamadeva’s Kanchi-Kaveri expedition. The northern gate is flanked on either side by two colossal elephants. As a result, it is referred to as the Hastidvara. It is second only to the Asvadvara in importance. The Vyaghradvara is the final entrance gate to the temple of God Jagannath. This is because there are two large tiger images there. Their presence lends the gate an air of grandeur. The religious significance of these four gates is well known: the Simhadvara represents Dharma (piety); the Asvadvara represents Jnana (knowledge); the Hastidvara represents Aisvarya (material prosperity); and the Vyaghradvara represents Vairagya (peace) (renounciation).
Baisipahacha
Immediately upon entering the temple through Simhadvara, a pilgrim must cross Baisipahacha (22 steps), which represent the twenty-two sins of human life, according to Hindu belief. When a person completes these steps, he purifies himself of all sins and attains Punya (religious merit). The main shrines in this area are the Kurma bedha gateway and the Suras Saraghara. Kasivisvanatha, Ganesa, Nrusimha, and Ghantamundia Thakurani are the small shrines in this Baisipahachas area. A double wall divides the area at the top of the Baisipahacha into two sections: the outer and the inner. Between the Asvadvara and the inner inclosure, one can see the shrines of Nrusimha, Barabhai Hanumana, Gopala, Rama, and Budhima. Towards the western gate are four of India’s most important tirthas (places of pilgrimage), namely Vadrinarayana, Ramanatha, Krishanatha, and Jagannath. Punya is attained by visiting these four shrines.
After Hastidwara, the outer enclosure
After the Hastidvara, the outer enclosure is significant because it contains the shrines of Sitala, Uttarayani, Hanumana, Somanatha, Dhavalesvara, and Patalesvara. Four epigraphs by the illustrious Ganga monarch Anangabhimadeva III discovered in the Patalesvara temple detail the Jagannath temple’s rituals.
Rosasala
The Rosasala, or Lord Jagannath’s kitchen, is regarded as the greatest kitchen in the world. Rice and vegetables are cooked concurrently in earthen pots stacked on top of one another. After the offering is made, the cooked rice and curry are offered to the God as Bhoga, which becomes Mahaprasada.
Kalpavata
Among the significant shrines on the southern side is the Astadhatu (eight-metal) image of Nilamadhava in the form of Lord Jagannath. The Kalpabata is another noteworthy feature within the temple complex, where women desiring son bind threads in the branches of that enormous banyan tree.
Muktimandapa
The Muktimandapa (hall of salvation) is another elevated rectangular structure with sixteen pillars that measures 30 ft. x 38 ft. Gajapati Prataprudradeva built it. There, Brahmin Pandits skilled in sastric law congregate and provide expert guidance to those seeking to absolve themselves of sins. This Mandapa has captivated the attention of the people of Odisha and India for centuries.
Rohinikunda
Rohini Kunda is located near Muktimandapa. It depicts a crow with four hands. The pilgrims regard the water from this Kunda as sacred and sprinkle it over their heads.
Temples located within the Temple Complex
Among the numerous small temples within the Jagannath temple complex, the Vimala temple is particularly noteworthy. From an iconographic standpoint, its construction predates that of the Jagannath temple. The sacrifice of the goat in front of goddess Vimala during the Dasahara festival demonstrates the temple’s Sakta-tantric nature. Sakshigopala’s, Kanchi Ganesh’s, Panchasakti Nilamadhava’s, and Bhadrakali’s shrines. The goddess Laxmi temple is another architectural marvel within the Lord Jagannath temple complex. The scene of elephants pouring water over the goddess’s head captivates the pilgrim with its artistic splendour. Another shrine within the temple complex is the Navagraha temple, which houses the Sun god. It indicates that the Saura cult gained momentum during the Ganga’s heyday, as evidenced by the Sun temple at Konarka.
Anandabazar
Another notable site within the temple complex is the Anandabazar. The Lord’s Mahaprasada is sold here. Male and female, regardless of caste or creed, take the prasada together at that location. Additionally, Anandabazara, the Koili Vaikuntha, the Nilachala Upabana (garden), and a museum (recently opened) are notable features of Lord Jagannath’s temple.