ATTRACTIONS OF JAGANNATH TEMPLE

PLACES BETWEEN EAST GATE INNER COMPOUND AND SOUTH GATE INNER COMPOUND

Agneswara Mahadev

After reaching the Kurma Bedha, once you move towards your left, you will find the Agneswara Mahadev temple just before the passage touching the temple kitchen and Bhoga Mandapa (offering hall). It is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Agneswara is the protector of the fire of temple kitchen. It is also believed that if any food item is not properly cooked then it will be cooked fully by the blessing of Lord Agneswara on its way to Bhoga Mandapa.

Satya Narayana

The next is temple of Satya Narayana. The height of this temple is 25 feet, and it is facing towards the north. This temple enshrines a 5 feet high and four-armed idol of Shree Narayana. The upper right hand holds a disc, the lower right hand presents the 'Abhaya Mudra', the upper left hand holds a conch and the lower left hand holds a mace. The idol is made of granite, and it is 5 feet high. On both sides stand Jaya and Vijaya, at the feet of Narayana is placed Garuda kneeling down. It is believed that for liberation, the darshan of Satya Narayana is quite imperative.

Markandeya Paduka

The next is Markandeya Paduka (Footprint). Markandeya Rishi got the shelter by the side of the Kalpa Bata in course of a Mahapralaya (great deluge), in memory of which his paduka is worshipped here. Devotees seek his blessings for a smooth Darshan of Lord Jagannath.

Kalpa Bata/Kalpa Brikhya (Desire Fulfilling banyan Tree)

Three banyan trees are seen in the vicinity of Mukti Mandapa, but the one which stands to the west of Satya Narayana and to the north of Hari Sahadeva, is the real Kalpa Bata. The others are its off shoots and branches. This tree is also known as "Kalpadruma", "Devanashan Bata", "Akhaya Bata", "Banchha Bata" and "Vansi Bata". During the great deluge (Mahapralaya), as the Hindu scripture says, the Kalpabata was not submerged under water. Lord Vishnu was floating over water while slipping on one of its leaves. Kakabhusandi has gained four arms due to his fall from this tree to "Rohinikunda". It is one of the most antique things of Puri.

It is present in Puri from time immemorial. All the temples, Gods and Goddesses surrounding the Kalpa Bata are the later additions. It is believed that Kalpabata is the creation of Lord Brahma. Thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik is the birthday of Kalpabata. Bata Mangala and Bata Ganesha are the protector of Kalpa Brikhya. If a devotee with full devotion prays Batabrikhya, then his/her desired will be fulfilled. It is ritualistically believed that one's wish turns true if one ties a strand of sacred thread on the branch of the Kalpa Bata. This custom continues till date and the Kalpa Bata is covered with millions of sacred threads all over itself.

Hari Sahadeva

Next is the small temple of Hari Sahadeva, his carrier bull (Nandi) is in his right side, he is the protector of cows and cattle pen.

Bata Ganesha (Kalpa Ganesha)

Next is the Ganesha temple situated just under the Kalpa Bata is known as the Bata Ganesha. This is a south facing temple and the height of this temple is 12 feet. A small open Jagamohan (Audience Hall) is attached to this temple. This temple is also known as 'Kalpa Ganesha' and 'Siddha Ganesha'. The Idol of Ganesha is made of stone and height of the Idol is 4 feet. He is Chatur-bhuja (four armed). His carrier, mouse, is installed in front of him on a small pillar. References are available that great poet Jagannatha Das of the 16th century used to sit beside this temple and recite his compositions of Odia Bhagavata to a large gathering.

Sarba Mangala/Bata Mangala

Next is Sarba Mangala or Bata Mangala temple. This is west facing temple consisting of Vimana (temple tower) and Jagmohana (Audience Hall), is situated just below the Kalpa Bata and at the backside of the Bata Ganesh temple. Goddess Mangala has four hands, three eyes and her height is about 16.5 inches. Her dwarapalas (gate keepers) are Chaya and Maya, her carrier lion is placed in front of the temple on a pillar.

Bata Krishna/Bata Narayana

Next, devotees must see Bata Narayana, he is also known as Bata Krishna. Here Narayana is Chaturbhuja (four armed), holds sankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace) and padma (lotus).

Pancha Pandava/Pancha Mahadeva

In front of Sarba Mangala temple, there are five temples for Pancha Pandavas. It is the combined name of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples gat the name Pancha Pandava as the temples were built by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. As per the legend, Pandavas (Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) during their exile period visited and stayed at Puri. The Pancha Pandava temple has been constructed as a memoir to the visit of The Pandavas to this place. The five Shiva Temples are Lokanatha, Markandeswara, Kapala Mochana, Yameswara and Neelakantheswara.

The temple of Markandeswar is the largest. The base of Shiva Linga is in a depth of around 8 feet from the temple surface. During the great deluge (Mahapralaya), Sri Balamukunda (Madhaba) on Kalpabata provided protection to Markandeya Rishi. As a symbol, an idol of Madhaba is also established within this temple and He is also worshipped here.

PLACES BETWEEN SOUTH GATE OUTER COMPOUND AND INNER COMPOUND

Rosha Ghara (Temple Kitchen)

Temple Kitchen of the Jagannath Temple Puri is considered to be the largest kitchen in India. All the food that is cooked in the temple kitchen is supervised by Goddess Lakshmi herself. Temple kitchen of the Jaganath temple is as sacred as the Jagannath temple itself. It is an important aspect of the sacred complex. The kitchen section lies to the south of the temple and except the cooks (Suars and Mahasuars) no one else is allowed to enter the area. Detailed information on Rosha Ghara (Temple Kitchen).

Bara Bhai Hanuman

Barabhai Hanuman temple is located on the south side of the outer compound. 'Bara' means twelve and 'Bhai' means brother, so idols of twelve brothers of Lord Hanumana are installed in this temple, they are Janma Hanuman, Gaya, Gabaksha, Sushena, Hanuman, Jambhaba, Taraksha, Angada, Souree, Sugreeba, Nala and Neela.

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