Vimala Temple, Hindu temple in Puri, India
Vimala Temple sits in the southwest corner of the Jagannath Temple complex and rises to about 60 feet with a vimana adorned by finely carved stone reliefs on its outer walls. The compound includes an inner shrine, a large assembly hall with carved pillars, and several smaller prayer rooms arranged around a paved courtyard.
The structure originated in the ninth century during the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, built from sandstone and laterite following the traditional Deula style. Later renovations across different centuries added supplementary prayer spaces and reinforced the load-bearing walls without altering the original appearance significantly.
The shrine houses seven mother goddesses, each embodying different aspects of the divine, honored by worshippers as protectors. Pilgrims bring flowers and coconuts, while priests conduct rituals accompanied by chanted mantras and the sound of bells.
Access requires entering through the main gate of the Jagannath Temple complex, from where visitors follow signs to the southwest corner. Operating hours split into morning and afternoon sessions, with less crowding during the cooler morning period.
Food offerings to Lord Jagannath gain their consecrated status only after being presented at this shrine, linking both religious sites in practice. Worshippers consider this additional step necessary to complete the spiritual effect of their gifts.
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