Jagannath Temple

4.9

PuriHalf day

TemplePilgrimageHeritage

About

Jagannath Temple is a 12th century Kalinga style temple complex dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu or Krishna, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, and is one of the top attractions in Puri often highlighted in every Puri travel guide and Puri tourism. Built around 1135 CE by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the main shikhara rises 65 metres and stands among the tallest in India, making it a key highlight of Puri sightseeing and one of the most important places to visit in Puri. The temple is one of the four Char Dham sites and one of the richest religious institutions in India, drawing devotees and travellers planning a Puri trip and Puri holidays. Unusually, the wooden deities are replaced every 12 to 19 years in the Nabakalebara ceremony, a unique ritual often featured in things to do in Puri. Non Hindus cannot enter, but the temple is visible from the Raghunandan Library rooftop for a small fee and from the wider courtyard, making it accessible for those who visit Puri and explore nearby Puri hotels and cultural landmarks.

Highlights

What makes this place special

Main Shikhara

The 65 metre Kalinga style main shikhara of Jagannath Temple is visible from the beach 3 km away and is one of the tallest surviving temple towers in India, making it a striking highlight of Puri sightseeing and among the top attractions in Puri often featured in every Puri travel guide and Puri tourism.

Mahaprasad Distribution

The temple’s daily community kitchen at Jagannath Temple prepares Mahaprasad for up to 100,000 devotees, making it one of the largest temple kitchens in the world and a remarkable highlight of Puri tourism and Puri sightseeing often featured in every Puri travel guide and among the top attractions in Puri.