History of Jagannath Temple

Built in the 12^th century, the Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, in the Indian state of Orissa, and is one of the largest and most religious temples in the country. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated and devoted purely to Lord Jagannath, another form of Lord Krishna, who is also believed to be the lord of the universe.

The foundation stone of this temple that is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal was laid by King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev and it serves as a hub for devotees from all over the world keeping faith in the Vaishnava traditions.

The temple is decked with beautiful art and embellishing, that portray beautiful human craftsmanship, giving the structure an aura that brings in one’s mind a tranquil essence. The walls in the temples are adorned with beautiful paintings, depicting various stages of Lord Krishna’s life.

One of the vital tourist attractions of Orissa, a major aspect of the temple is its Rath Yatra, meaning Chariot Journey, wherein, idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are taken to the Gundicha temple in beautifully decorated chariots and taken back to the Jagannath temple, the very same way.