Religion (1) is what holds us all together and helps in forming a mutual bond of faith amongst the classes. Shree Jagannath Temple Puri (2) is regarded as a crucial Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (3) and is located in Puri, Odisha. If you think hymns and aartis are something that has created the aura within the Puri Jagannath Temple, read the mind-blowing facts about the holy place.
In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the top mind-blowing facts about Jagannath Puri Temple (4) that defies the laws of science, making it a true amalgamation of spiritual and supernatural elements. Here’s a list of mind-blowing facts about Shree Jagannath Temple, but before that, let’s discuss the origin of the temple.
Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple, Puri, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. The temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, which was begun by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva (5), first of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty (6). The image of Jagannath has been made of wood and is replaced each twelve-nineteen years ceremoniously by its replica.
The Jagannath Puri Temple is popular for its yearly Ratha Yatra or the chariot festival, where the three chief deities are pulled off and worshipped on immensely decorated temple cars. Puri Jagannath Temple is a sacred spot for all Hindus (7), in particular, for the ones following the Vaishnava traditions.
Note: The four yatras that take place all year round at the Jagannath Puri are Ratha Yatra, Chandan Yatra, Snana Yatra, and Nabakalebara.
7 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Jagannath Temple, Puri:
1. No shadow zone
When the light comes in contact with an object, it forms a shadow of the object from different angles. However, at Jagannath Puri, no matter what the time is, this scientific phenomenon is absent, with no shadows at the temple, no matter what time of the day it is.
2. Flag flows in the opposite direction of the wind
Another scientific phenomenon being defied at the sacred place of deity Jagannath is that one of the flags on the top of the Puri Jagannath Temple sails. It flows in the opposite direction of the wind, without any scientific logic to back it up.
3. No sound of the ocean inside the walls
The Jagannath Temple is located at hardly at a 2 km distance from the sea, making it evident for the sound of the waves crashing against the seashore to reach the ears of its devotees almost all the time. However, surprisingly, as soon as you enter the temple, the sound of the ocean is muted, and you are only able to hear it once you step out of the temple. Is the temple invisibly soundproof?
4. Opposite sea & land breeze direction
The sea and the land breeze takes a wrong turn at the Jagannath Puri temple, flowing in the opposite direction during the day and night time to our shock. In Puri, the daytime breeze flows from the land to the sand, and the nighttime breeze flows from the sea to land.
5. Zero Food wastage, every time!
The food prepared for the devotees at Puri Jagannath Temple is always prepared for an estimated number of people. Wasting food is regarded as a bad sign and is often shunned upon according to Hindu mythology. At Jagannath temple, the food is never futile, and the entire amount goes to full utilization, without a bite ever being wasted.
6. The Sudarshan Chakra
There are two astonishing facts about the Sudarshan Chakra (8) that is often called upon by the devotees & the visitors of the temple. One is how the ornament heavier than a tonne was placed on the top of the temple with manual human labor and no machinery at hand. Secondly, how has the chakra been designed, which makes it look exactly the same from every direction.
7. Skies clear of any activity
No, we’re not talking about skies clear of clouds. We refer to the skies above the Jagannath Temple being free from any aerial activity, be it that of flying birds or even planes. The skies above Puri Jagannath are never seen with a single bird flying or hovering above the temple.
Conclusion
Overall, the Jagannath Temple Puri is considered one of the holiest places in India and is regarded as one of the must-visit places as a part of the great Hindu spiritual pilgrimage. If you don’t believe the mind-blowing facts about the temple, visit it to witness the truth of God on your own. The temple is open exclusively for Hindu individuals and is accessible from 5:00 am to midnight.
