General Knowledge (GK) on Jagannath Temple, Puri – Jagannath Culture

Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. Jagannath is a deity worshipped in Hinduism, and the Jagannath Temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus.

Puri Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath Temple in Puri, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), his sister Subhadra, and his elder brother Balabhadra. The temple is known for its unique rituals, architecture, and the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival).

Rath Yatra

The annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival), is a grand event associated with Jagannath culture. During this festival, the deities are placed on large wooden chariots, and devotees pull these chariots through the streets of Puri.

Nabakalebara

Nabakalebara is a ritualistic tradition at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, involving the replacement of wooden idols of four Hindu deities with new ones. The term ‘Nabakalebara’ translates to ‘new embodiment.’

This ritual occurs every 8, 12, or 19 years, determined by astrological calculations.

The idols, crafted from neem trees, must meet specific criteria: light red bark, proximity to a snake, and featuring symbols of Shankha, Chakra, and Gada.

Rituals take place during the Adhikamasa (intercalary month) of Ashadha (June/July), coinciding with the occurrence of two lunar months of Ashadha in a single year.

This rare event typically transpires every 12 years, with the gap ranging from 8 to 19 years.

Chhapan Bhog

Chhapan Bhog is a special offering of 56 food items made to Lord Jagannath. Devotees believe that partaking in this prasad (blessed food) is highly auspicious.

General Knowledge on Jagannath Temple, Puri

LocationPuri, Odisha, the eastern coast of India, on the Bay of Bengal
Alternative NamesSri Kshetra
Purushottam Kshetra
Shankha Kshetra
Sri Mandira
Nilachala Khetra
White Pagada
DeitiesJagannath
Balabhadra
Subhadra
Four GatesSinghadwara (Lions Gate – Eastern)
Hathi Dwara (Elephant Gate – Southern)
Vyaghra Dwara (Tiger Gate – Western)
Ashwa Dwara (Horse Gate – Northern)
Temple Built By Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva
(Prominent King of the Eastern Ganga dynasty)
Architectural StyleKalinga architecture
SignificanceOne of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus
Four TemplesBiman, Mukhasala, Nata Mandap, Bhoga Mandap
FestivalsRatha Yatra
Chandan Yatra
Snana Yatra
Nabakalebara
Main FestivalRath Yatra (Chariot Festival)
Chariot Names (Raths)Nandighosa (Jagannath)
Taladhwaja (Balabhadra)
Darpadalana (Subhadra)
Chariot ColorsRed and Yellow (Jagannath)
Green and White (Balabhadra)
Red and Black (Subhadra)

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