Jagannath Temple, Hindu temple in Puri, India
Jagannath Temple rises above the coastal town and displays Kalinga architectural style with a pyramid-shaped tower crowned by a golden discus. Four gates mark the cardinal directions, while smaller shrines and halls within the courtyard surround the central sanctuary.
Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty began the present temple after conquering Utkala in 1112 CE, and an inscription records his donation in 1134–1135. In 1568 the Afghan general Kalapahar looted the treasury and burned the wooden images; Ramachandra Deva I reinstalled new deities in 1575. The Madala Panji records eighteen plunderings, during which servitors repeatedly moved the images to Chilika and Khordha.
During Rath Yatra, worshippers pull wooden chariots carrying the deities through the streets while thousands watch and chant together. The temple kitchen prepares Mahaprasad daily, consecrated food distributed to pilgrims and considered a divine offering.
Access is through the eastern Lion Gate, though only Hindu worshippers may enter the inner sanctuary. The annual Rath Yatra in June or July brings millions of visitors and should be considered when planning travel.
The kitchen uses a traditional cooking system with seven clay pots stacked atop one another over open flames, where the topmost layer finishes first. The main tower casts no shadow on the ground at any time of day, which visitors can regularly observe.
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