The Jagannath Dham in Puri is one of India’s four most revered pilgrimage sites. According to ancient scriptures like Skandha Purana, Narada Purana, and Brahma Purana, this sacred place holds great significance. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is renowned as the largest temple dedicated to Lord Krishna’s incarnation. It houses the divine deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

The temple’s construction began around 1200 AD under the patronage of King Ananta Varman. The remarkable craftsmanship of that era astounded people and has fascinated them for generations. Numerous mysterious events associated with the temple have intrigued people for centuries, defying scientific explanation and leaving us in awe.

In this article, let us explore the incredible secrets that will leave us in awe when it comes to the Puri Jagannath Temple.

1. No Wastage of prasadam

One of the mysterious fact about the Puri Jagannath Temple is about the Mahaprasad. There are many mythical stories around the Mahaprasad. The visitors in this temple varied from time to time, but there has not been any incident of excess of mahaprasad or the lack of maha prasad in any particular day. Such is the glory of Lord Jagannath.

The Bhog is offered to Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities and later to Maa Bimala. After accepting by the God, the remains is known as ‘Mahaprasad’. Mahaprasad is also widely named as the famous Chappan Bhog, consisting 56 food items offered to Lord Jagannath in the holy Temple of Puri.

At the Puri Jagannath Temple, there are six specific times throughout the day when food offerings, are made to offer Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities. Locally the offerings are called Dhupa when offered through Sodasa Upchars and Bhoga when offered through pancha upacharas.

The six specific times for food offerings are as follows:

• Gopala Vallabha Bhog: This is the first offering of the day, known as breakfast, which starts from 8.30 am
• Sakala Dhupa: The second offering, known as Sakala Dhupa, is made around 10:00 am.
• Bhoga mandapa bhoga: It was introduced by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to help pilgrims share the temple food, starts after 11 am
• Madhyana Dhupa: Performed around midday, typically between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm.
• Sandhya Dhupa: This offering, known as Sandhya Dhupa, is conducted in the evening, usually after 7:00 pm.
• Badasinghara Bhog: The final offering of the day, Badasinghara Bhog, occurs just before the temple is closed for the night. It usually takes place around 10:00 pm.

2. Magical Cooking Method:

Jagannath Dev’s kitchen, known as Roshaghar, is a place filled with wonder and miracles. Situated in the southeast corner of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, this kitchen operates in a unique and fascinating manner. Remarkably, no modern instruments or electricity are used for cooking.

What’s even more astounding is that regardless of the number of people, the mahaprasad (sacred food) prepared here is never in excess or insufficient.

Inside the kitchen, there are over 750 clay ovens, each holding seven clay pots. However, in a marvelous display, the food in the upper pots cooks faster than the food in the lower pots. This phenomenon defies scientific explanation and is believed to be under the divine influence of Goddess Lakshmi.

Mahaprasad, the sacred offering at the Puri Jagannath Temple, is available in two types: Sankudi Mahaprasad and Sukhila Mahaprasad. Sankudi Mahaprasad comprises various items such as plain rice, ghee rice, rice mixed with cumin seed and asafetida-ginger, sweet dal, mixed vegetables, fried vegetables, porridge, and more. On the other hand, Shukhila Mahaprasad consists of dry sweets meals prepared with gur, milk, ghee, chenna.

The magnificence of this Mahaprasad is such that devotees from far and wide make pilgrimages to savor its divine taste.

3. The idols:

According to legend, the sacred Neem tree log used to carve the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra arrived at the shores of Puri by sea. It is believed that Lord Vishnu instructed king Indradyumna in a dream to retrieve the log from the ocean.

According to certain legends, Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, assumed the form of an old carpenter and took part in the construction of the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in the Jagannath Temple. In this disguise, Lord Vishwakarma utilized his supreme craftsmanship to build the sacred idols.

During the construction process, Lord Vishwakarma strictly instructed that no one should disturb him until the idols were completed. However, due to curiosity, the queen Gundicha entered the construction area before the work was finished. As a result, the carpenter disappeared, leaving the idols unfinished. It is believed that the deities accepted this form as their final manifestation and, even today, exhibit the unfinished appearance.

It is important to note that this account is rooted in mythology and religious belief, and the exact historical accuracy of the events may vary. Nevertheless, the story serves as a cherished aspect of the temple’s traditions and showcases the profound connection between the divine, nature, and artistic expression.

4. Nabakalebara – New Form:

In the sacred city of Puri, the Jagannath Temple holds a significant ritual known as “Nabakalebara,” where the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are ceremoniously replaced after a span of 12 years. The term “Nabakalebara” translates to “new embodiment” or “new form.”

This extraordinary event marks the renewal and rejuvenation of the divine wooden idols. The process begins with the selection of a sacred Neem tree, from which new logs are obtained. The new idols are then meticulously carved by skilled artisans, following the intricate guidelines and proportions outlined in the ancient scriptures.

The Nabakalebara ceremony involves a series of elaborate rituals and preparations. A special committee, known as the “Daitapati servitors,” undertakes the sacred responsibility of conducting the event. They ensure that all customs and rituals are meticulously followed, maintaining the sanctity of the process.

During the ceremony, the sacred life force, known as “Brahma Padartha,” is transferred from the old idols to the newly carved ones. This act is believed to infuse the new idols with the divine presence of Lord Jagannath.

The replacement of the idols is accompanied by massive gatherings of devotees, who eagerly participate in the festivities. The old idols are then buried in a designated spot within the temple complex, called the “Koili Vaikuntha,” signifying their return to the divine abode. The most recent Nabakalevara ceremony, marking the replacement of the idols, took place in the year 2015.

The Nabakalebara ceremony is considered a highly auspicious and rare event, occurring once every 12 years or on special occasions as guided by the lunar calendar. It attracts devotees from all over the world, seeking to witness this divine transformation and receive the blessings of the rejuvenated deities.

5. Daily Ritual of Flag Changing:

The flag changing ritual is witnessed by a massive gathering of devotees and is considered highly sacred and auspicious. It symbolizes the renewal of divine presence and the continuous cycle of devotion and worship in the Jagannath Temple.

The ritual involves the replacement of the flag atop the Nila Chakra, the prominent circular metal wheel on the temple’s main spire. There is a belief associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri that if the ritual, is skipped for a single day, the temple will remain closed for the next 18 years.

In 1993, a notable incident took place during the flag changing ritual at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Sunil Dutt, a renowned actor, donated a flag in honor of his son, Sanjay Dutt, who was facing legal proceedings booked under TADA at the time. The flag donated by Sunil Dutt measured an impressive length of 151 feet. This occurrence attracted attention and made it a memorable event in the history of the temple’s flag changing rituals. Following a request from ASI, the length of the flag at the Jagannath Temple in Puri was subsequently reduced, with the intention of ensuring the safety and preservation of the temple. The present range for the temple flag spans from 1 foot to 21 feet in length.

During the summer, the flag changing ceremony takes place at 5:00 PM, while in winter, it occurs at 4:00 PM. Devotees and enthusiasts can witnessed the flag changing ritual at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, through various social platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. This facilitate global engagement with this sacred tradition, fostering cultural understanding of the flag changing ritual at the Jagannath Temple.

6. Direction of Flag:

The flag on the top of the temple’s main spire, called the “Nila Chakra,” always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind. No matter which direction the wind blows, the flag seems to fly against it. This phenomenon has puzzled many visitors and devotees.

In the divine land of Lord Jagannath, an intriguing phenomenon occurs regarding the direction of airflow. Unlike the general coastal pattern where air travels from the water to the land during the day and reverses in the evening, in this sacred location, the air flows from land to sea during the daytime and from water to land in the evening. This unique occurrence has puzzled researchers and scientists, as no satisfactory scientific explanation has been discovered to date. The unexplained nature of this phenomenon adds to the mystical ambiance and spiritual aura of the Jagannath Temple and its surroundings.

7. Sound of Sea:

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea, with its crashing waves creating a mesmerizing symphony that can be heard from nearby areas. However, one of the intriguing mysteries associated with the temple is that the sound of the sea is not audible from within its premises.

Despite the temple’s proximity to the coastline, a unique phenomenon occurs where the sound of the sea becomes muted within the temple complex. This peculiar characteristic has fascinated visitors and devotees for centuries, creating a sense of awe and wonder.

Some suggest that the temple’s architectural design and strategic positioning create an acoustic anomaly that prevents the sound from reaching the temple’s interior.

There is a mythological explanation for this miracle. Long ago, Lord Vishnu couldn’t sleep peacefully because of the loud sound of the sea. Lord Hanuman, heard about it and asked the sea to be quiet. But the sea said it couldn’t control its sound, as it depended on the wind. Hanuman then asked his father, Pawan Dev (the God of wind), for help. His father suggested a solution. Lord Hanuman used his powers to creates a barrier, shielding the sacred space from the external soundscape. This kept the sea’s sound away from the temple, allowing Lord Jagannath to sleep peacefully.

8. Non-Bird Droppings:

Birds are usually found in abundance around temple complexes, but it is believed that birds do not fly over the Jagannath Temple. Consequently, no bird droppings are ever found on the temple’s premises, which is quite unusual.

Also, the Jagannath Temple site is considered a no-fly zone, not by any official declaration from state authorities, but believed to be under the influence of divine power.

9. Missing Shadow:

Another intriguing fact is that the main spire of the temple casts no shadow during the day, regardless of the position of the sun. It is said that Lord Jagannath’s influence prevents any shadow from being formed.

10. Chakra of Lord Vishnu:

The Sudarshan Chakra, also known as the “Chakra of Lord Vishnu,” holds great significance in the rituals and traditions of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The Sudarshan Chakra is a divine weapon associated with Lord Vishnu, symbolizing his omnipresence and supreme power.

In the temple, the Sudarshan Chakra is represented in the form of the Nila Chakra, a large circular metal wheel mounted atop the temple’s main spire. The Nila Chakra is painted blue, giving it its name, and is adorned with intricate engravings and symbols. It is considered a sacred emblem and is closely associated with Lord Jagannath.

The Nila Chakra positioned at the pinnacle of the Jagannath Temple is a significant symbol representing Lord Jagannath. Constructed using a combination of eight metals including iron, copper, zinc, mercury, lead, brass, silver, and gold, this sacred wheel exhibits a unique design featuring a wheel within a wheel.

The Nila Chakra holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, and it is believed that the presence of the Sudarshan Chakra atop the temple signifies the divine protection and blessings of Lord Jagannath. The Nila Chakra, along with the flag, is an iconic symbol of the Jagannath Temple and is revered by devotees during their visit and worship at the temple.

11. Installation of Neela Chakra:

The Nila Chakra, with a weight of 2200 kg, holds a fascinating mystery regarding its installation atop the Jagannath Temple. The exact technique employed to mount such a heavy Chakra remains unknown. It is unclear whether ancient machinery or sheer human strength was involved in its placement. This mystery surrounding the installation process adds to the awe and wonder associated with the Nila Chakra, emphasizing its remarkable presence atop the temple spire.

The Nila Chakra atop the Jagannath Temple is visible from all corners of Puri. Regardless of your location, the Chakra appears as if it is facing directly towards you, creating a sense of connection and drawing devotees towards its divine presence. According to belief, if someone has the opportunity to witness the Nila Chakra atop the Jagannath Temple, it is considered equivalent to having a glimpse of Lord Vishnu.

12. Entry is Allowed Exclusively for Hindus

The Puri Jagannath Temple holds a unique position as the exclusive site among the Char Dham pilgrimage destinations, allowing entry solely to individuals following the Hindu faith. This rule has led to instances where several renowned personalities, including Indira Gandhi were denied access to the temple. The temple’s regulations clearly enforces the principle of allowing access exclusively to Hindus. Only the Shankaracharya holds the authority to grant exceptions or modify the entry policy.

Image Credits: Canva