The Orissan
temple architecture which made an humble beginning before the Sixth Century
A.D. had reached its pinnacle of perfection by the time the temple of Jagannath
was built. According to tradition, the temple was originnaly built by Yajati
Kesari (Yajati-II of Somavansi dynasty) on the site of the present shrine.
Another tradition attributes the construction of the temple to Anangabhima
Deva, grand son of Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.But the epigraphical records
full support that it was Chodaganga Deva (1112-1148 A.D.) who built the present
temple (The Sanctuary and the porch).
The temple
makes Puri as one of the Char Dham of India, four cardinal centres of pilgrimage. After travelling the
three Dhamas i.e, Dwarika in the west, Badrinath in the north and Rameswaram in
the south the pilgrims visit this place known as Jagannath Dham.
The exact
geographical location of the temple of Jagannath is lat. 19 18'17" and long. 85
51'39".Among the existing temples in Orissa, the temple of Jagannath is the
highest.The temple (214 ft. 8 inches high from the road level) is on a perfect
pancharatha plan. All the paraphernalia of feudal pomp and splendour observed in
the daily life of the emperors or potentates of old can be noticed in the daily
worship of Jagannath. The temple contains some of the finest specimens of
Orissan architecture and sculpture. On the outer walls of the temple, thick
layers of plaster had benn applied to save the beautiful works of art from the
damaging effects saline air, which are now being removed, revealing exquisite
sculpture depicting life of Krishna.
The Jagannath
temple is a complete example of the fully developed Kalinga style,having all
the four essential arts the Deul or the sanctum sanctorum, the Jagamohana or the
Audience Hall,the Nata Mandapa or the Dancing Hall and the Bhoga Mandapa or the
Hall of offering.
Arial View of Jagannath Temple
Inner wall, Outer wall and the four gates of Lord jagannath Temple
