The Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha

Popular as the Shrikshetra Dham, the Jagannath Puri temple is one of the Chardham pilgrimages. It is famously remarkable for its annual chariot festival called Rath Yatra. It is located in the state of Odisha and its history dates back to hundreds of years. The Jagannath Puri temple is an interesting case study that defies scientific logic and is always brimming with secrets, mysteries, and religious chants. Devotees believe these mysteries and secrets of the Jagannath Puri temple to be the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

History of the Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha

There are many historical and Hindu mythological legends associated with the temple. One of these legends talks about how King Indradyumn received Lord Vishnu’s blessing by guiding him in his dream to build this holy shrine and find Nila Madhava. Another legend expands this legend and believes that King Indradyumn found an iron rod floating which is known to be Lord Vishnu’s heart. The King then transferred the rod to Lord Jagannath discreetly. No one else was ever allowed to see or touch this rod.

In the great epic of Mahabharata, when Pandavas began their journey to Yamraj, they were advised by Sapt Rishis to visit the Char Dham to get moksha, including the Jagannath temple.

7 Secrets of Jagannath Puri Temple

Apart from its rich history and marvelous architecture, the Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha is brimming with secrets and mysteries. We are here to explore some of these hidden truths behind the secrets of the temple.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s Flag

First is the direction in which its flag flows towards. Normally, any flag would flow towards the direction of the wind. But surprisingly the temple’s flag is known to flow towards the opposite direction of the wind. Devotees believe that this is a miracle of Lord Jagannath. Further, the flag is changed every day by a priest who climbs the height of the flag pole which is equivalent to a 45-storey building without any protective gear. It is believed that if it is missed even for one day, the temple shall remain closed for 18 years.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s Sudarshan Chakra

On top of the temple, Sudarshan Chakra is placed. It weighs a ton and is 20 feet high. The interesting and mysterious part about this Sudarshan Chakra is that it is visible no matter which part of the city you are in. The cause behind it is still unknown but devotees believe that it is a sign of Lord Jagannath’s protection against any evil intended towards them. It also points to the omniscience of the temple.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s Prasadam

The priests at the temple use seven pots, mounted on top of one another to cook the prasadam. This traditional practice has been preserved by the priests. Amazingly and mysteriously, the top pot cooks first, and all the rest of the pots follow. The menu of the food is also changed every day. Interestingly the prasadam has never been less or more even though the number of devotees visiting the temple changes every day.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s Atal Rath

Interestingly, the temple’s mystery continues with the chariot which cannot be moved unless the King of Puri or the Gajapati performs the ritual of Chera Pahanara. This includes a deep cleaning of the chariot and some other religious duties.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s Buried Idols

Every 14 to 18 years, the idols of God are buried on top of one another. Mysteriously though, they disintegrate on their own when new idols take their place.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s Lack of Shadow

Most mysteriously, the temple structure forms no shadow. It is one of the largest temples in India and yet, it forms no shadow irrespective of what time it is. This has been scientifically examined but the cause remains unknown.

The Secret of the Jagannath Puri Temple’s No-Fly Zone

Surprisingly no birds or planes fly above Jagannath Puri temple. This is unlike any other temple in India. Even birds, through some divine power, do not fly over it. The cause remains a mystery.

Conclusion

Jagannath Puri temple is said to be centuries old. Yet, all rituals are done in the same way every day. These were 7 secrets and mysteries of the Jagannath Puri temple. Comment below and tell us which one shocked you the most!

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