The Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, India, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
The annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, of Jagannath Puri is one of the most famous Hindu festivals in India. During this festival, the deities are placed on elaborately decorated chariots and pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees.
The temple is situated in the city of Puri, on the eastern coast of India, in the state of Odisha.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Jagannath, who is worshipped along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra (Balarama) and Devi Subhadra.
King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty is often credited with rebuilding the temple in the 12th century.
The temple is an architectural marvel, featuring the Kalinga style of architecture. It has a distinct spire (Shikara) rising high above the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha).
One unique feature of the temple is the Ananda Bazar, where the Mahaprasad, a sacred food offering, is sold to devotees. It is considered extremely auspicious to partake in this Prasad.
Daily rituals and ceremonies are performed at the temple, including several festivals throughout the year, such as Snana Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and Anavasara.
The Nabakalebara ritual, which occurs roughly every 12 to 19 years, involves replacing the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana with new ones carved from specially sanctified neem trees.