Temples are an integral part of our Hindu religion and culture. You can find scores of temples in every part of India where people go to worship God.
However, there are some temples which have a special significance in Hinduism. They are famous for their magnificence, aura, holiness and history and draw thousands of devotees every year.
One such pilgrimage destination is Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Puri is a beautiful religious town located in the Eastern state of Orissa, India. It is particularly famous for Jagannath Temple which has the status of being one of the four “Dhams” in Hindu Religion. It is often referred as the land of Lord Jagannath and draws millions of devotees throughout the year from all across the world who come to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
Being one of the holiest pilgrimages in the world, Jagannath Temple, Puri is arguably the largest Vaishnav shrine in the world dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was built in the 12th Century A.D. Its famous annual “Rath Yatra” or “Chariot Festival” is celebrated each year where thousands of people gather to celebrate the event.
Apart from its holiness, there are several unexplained miracles and secrets of Jagannath Temple, Puri. These miracles and secrets of Jagannath Temple are in contradiction with scientific principles and do not have a logical explanation.
However, these interesting miracles and secrets remind the devotees about the greatness of Lord Jagannath. So, you need to put your scientific brain aside to go through these wonderful facts and Secrets of Jagannath Temple, Puri.
10 Largest Hindu Temples in the World
Let’s take a look at these unique Secrets of Jagannath Temple:
Table of Contents
12 Amazing Secrets of Jagannath Temple
Secret 1: The Flag
It has been observed that the flag that adorns atop the Sikhara of the Jagannath Temple always floats in opposite direction of the wind.
Secret 2: An Interesting Ritual
This is an interesting ritual associated with the Jagannath Temple. In this ritual, a priest climbs the dome of the Jagannath Temple, which is believed to be as high as 45 story building and changes the flag of the temple every day. According to this ritual, if this is not practiced any day, the temple needs to be closed down for next 18 years.
Secret 3: The Colossal Chakra
The “Sudarshan” Chakra adorning the top of the temple dome is 20 feet in height and weighs as much as a ton. The incredible fact is that this Chakra is visible from every corner of the city of Puri. Its installation has been done in such a way that makes you feel as if it is facing towards you irrespective of your position.
Secret 4: The Engineering Technique
The Engineering Techniques used at that time to install the Chakra on the Gopuram of the Jagannath Temple still remains a secret. The chakra was brought all the way up and installed on the Gopuram.
Secret 5: The Sea
It’s a scientific principle that in coastal areas during daytime breeze blows from the sea towards the land and during the evening hours it blows from the land towards the sea. However, in the case of Puri, just the opposite happens where you can experience warm air in the day and cool breeze at night.
Secret 6: Nothing Flies above the Temple
It is a surprising fact that nothing flies above the temple of Jagannath, Puri. No birds, not even planes. This secret still remains unlocked and there is no scientific explanation for this either.
Secret 7: It’s an Engineering Marvel
The construction of the Jagannath temple has been done in such a way that you cannot watch the shadow of the main dome of the temple at any given time. Quite an Engineering Marvel!
Secret 8: The Prasadam Mystery
The Prasadam prepared in the temple on a single day never gets wasted or shortfalls ever. It fulfills all the devotees whether a surplus number of people come to the temple or less. A unique mystery!
Secret 9: The Prasadam
The temple Prasadam is cooked in earthen pots using firewood. Exactly 7 pots are put on top on one another. Amazing and unbelievable, the top most pot gets cooked first followed by the bottom pots in order.
Secret 10: The Simhadwaram
The Simhadwaram is the main door of the Jagannath Temple. There is an ocean near the temple. Once you enter the temple through the Simhadwaram, you can clearly hear the sound of the ocean. However, once you turn and walk back in the same direction, no sound can be heard until you come out of the temple.
Secret 11: The “Rath Yatra”
The famous Jagannath Temple “Rath Yatra” is an annual celebration. It is performed with two sets of chariots (3 in each set). The Rath Yatra is held from the Jagannath Temple up to the Mausi Maa Temple. There is a river between these two temples. The first set of chariots is used to bring the deities to the river. Then 3 wooden boats are used to ferry the deities across the river. They are finally placed in the second set of chariots to reach the Mausi Maa Temple.
Secret 12: The Idols are Changed Every Year
The old idols of the deities are buried below the new idols manually. The mystery being that they disintegrate on their own.
Do you know other Secrets of Jagannath Temple, Puri, please share any Secrets of Jagannath Temple you know.
