• UGI USER
  • Jun 14, 2024
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“JAGANNATH TEMPLE IN PURI REOPENS ALL FOUR GATES FOR DEVOTEES”

Why in the news?

  • All four gates of Jagannath temple in Puri reopened after being closed during the pandemic, easing devotees’ access.
  • Odisha government sets up ₹500-crore fund for temple management and development.

About Jagannath temple:

  • Location: Situated in Puri, Odisha, on the eastern coast of India.
  • Historical Significance: Believed to be constructed by King Indradyumna of Avanti.
  • Architecture: Known for its Kalinga architecture style, the temple is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
  • Deities: Houses the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana Chakra.
  • Unique Idol: The idol of Jagannath is made of wood and is replaced every 12 or 19 years in a ritual known as Nabakalebara.
  • Festivals: Famous for the annual Ratha Yatra, where the deities are paraded on massive chariots.
source:quora
About Rath Yatra:

  • Location: Puri, Odisha
  • Deities: Celebrates Lord Jagannath along with his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
  • Chariots: The deities are placed on massive, elaborately decorated chariots.
  • Procession: The chariots are pulled by devotees from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple.
  • Duration: Begins on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya and ends on Ashadha Shukla Dashami.
  • Significance: Symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath to visit his birthplace.
  • Inclusivity: Allows all devotees to have darshan, irrespective of caste or creed.
  • International: Celebrated by the Indian diaspora and ISKCON communities worldwide.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/puri-rath-yatra/