Puri Jagannath Temple- History, Location, Timings of the Temple

Puri Jagannath temple is one of the ancient Hindu temples purely dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Jagannatha. Due to its architectures, rituals and festivals like Annual Rata Yatra or Chariot festivals making the temple recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite that , the Temple is renowned as a holy place for Hindu religion, considered as the one of the Char Dham Pilgrims for Hindus. 

Location of Puri Jagannath Temple

Puri Jagannath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples located in the state of Orissa, India. 

History of the Puri Jagannath temple

Puri Jagannath temple is considered as one of the most holy and reverend Vaishnava sites in India. There is a long historical background labelled to this temple, during the 10th century its main shrine was built by the Ananthavarma of Chodaganga dynasty. However its temple complex was further extended and developed by the contributions of the Ganga and Gajapati dynasty. 

According to mythological beliefs deities within the shrines or gopura are considered as the much older and associated with Indrayuman and nephew of Lord Rama. But during 1174 King Anang Bheim deo period kingdom saw massive religious criss when he slew a Brahmin. Moreover majority of present Puri Jagannath temple completed in his term; 

• He contributed temples, ancillary shrines and walls of Jagannath temple and it took 14 years to complete in 1198 CE. 

• Inorder to protect and manage the whole temple he created a temple servitors.

In 1568, after defeating King Mukunda deva (Gajapathi Ruler) by the General Kalapahad, Nawab of Bengal, and Sultan Suleiman Karani, the temple complex was looted and destroyed. 

Again in 1575, Ramachadra Deva I King of Kudra restored Puri temples complex and deities. Therefore, King Ramachandra got a title of ‘Abhinav Indrayumna’, from its devotees. 

Unfortunately during 1692, Mughal Emperor Aurangazed ordered the closure of the temple. But it didn’t open until his death in 1707. After that in 1751 Marathas and 1803 British East India Company took control over the temple shrines and complexes. Finally in 1809, the British East India company gave it back to the King of Kudra to take charge of the temple under British rule. 

Who built Puri Jagannath Temple?

Today you are seeing the temple's main complex and structures which was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev from Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 12th century.  

Temple Timings

Sunday  - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Monday  - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Tuesday - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Wednesday - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Thursday - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Friday - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Saturday - 5:30 am to 9:00 pm

Temple Entry Fees

There are no entry fees to get permission to Puri Jagannath Temple.

Height of the Temple

Considered as one of the tallest ancient monuments in India and stands at the height of 214 feet from the ground level. 

Suggested Reads; Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

                             Ajanta and Ellora Cave Temples, India.