Mysteries of Puri Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple of Puri holds great importance among the Hindus. The temple was built in the 12th century during the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty’s King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a glorious example of a temple steeped in mystery and unsolved riddles that are guaranteed to astound and amaze. The current structure of the Jagannath temple was built in the year 1174 CE and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, another form of Lord Krishna. The Rath Yatra of Puri’s Jagannath Temple is very well known and draws multitudes to its fold. The rituals and traditions of the temple are ancient and unique and are a source of fascination in them. But the most intriguing aspect of the temple is the various unexplained mysteries that seem to defy the very laws of science and logic. The next time you are in Puri and visiting the Jagannath Temple and its vicinity, do keep an eye open to these mysteries that remain unexplained to this day.
All over the world, including India, many people might know about Odisha as a small state in East India, but the name of Puri certainly has a high recall value across the world for being the land of Lord Jagannath which is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra. Jagannath Puri is one of the four dhams sees millions of devotees visiting the Jagannath temple throughout the year seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath. The historic Jagannath temple (Shrimandira) at Puri was built in the year 1078.
Mysteries surrounding the Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha have been lurking around since ages. The pilgrims have often expressed their experience and how they have been mesmerized by these unexplained phenomena.
Ratha Yatra – The Ratha Yatra at Puri was initially performed with two sets of chariots (3 plus 3). As there was a river flowing in between Shrimandira and Gundicha (Mausi maa) temple, the first set of chariots were used to transport the Deities till the river, and then the Deities had to cross the river in three wooden boats and then board the other set of chariots to travel till the Gundicha Temple.
Idol Changing – For every 12 years the old idols are buried below the new idols manually, the mystery is that they disintegrate on their own and the idols are masked until the task gets completed.
Structure Of The Temple – Present-day structure of Sri Janagnnath Temple Puri is very different from the initial design of the temple. The main temple was first constructed by the Chola kings and the Meghanada Pacheri, Mukha sala, Nata Mandapa and other assets of the Temple were later constructed by other rulers ruling the area in later times.
No Flying Zone! – It is a surprise that nothing flies above the temple. No planes, not even birds. There is no scientific explanation for this yet.
Show of main Dome Invisible – The construction of the temple is such that the shadow of the main dome of the temple cannot be observed at any given time. The shadow of the main dome is invisible at any time of the day. Maybe, an architectural feat or the Lord’s desire.
Wind around Puri Temple – Normally during day-time, air comes from sea to land & during the evening, the vice-versa occurs. But in Puri it’s totally opposite.
Sudarshan Chakra – The Sudarshan Chakra standing at the top of the temple is 20 feet in height and weighs a ton. It is said to be visible from every corner of the city and it is installed in such a way that it makes you feel that it is facing toward you irrespective of the place you are in. The chakra was brought all way up and installed on the Gopapuram 2000 years ago. Nobody knows the technique of how the Chakra was installed. The engineering techniques used at that time still remain as a mystery today.
Simhadwaram – After entering the temple from Singha dwara entrance, after the first step, you cannot hear any sound produced by the ocean. But, when you exit it can be clearly heard. This can be noticed clearly during the evening. There is no scientific explanation for this. Legend has it that Subhadra Mayi, the sister of the two Lords wished peace and serenity within the temple abode and hence it was made to come about that way.
Prasadam – The prasadam is cooked in pots using firewood. Exactly 7 pots are put one on top of another. Surprisingly, the top most pot is cooked first followed by the bottom pots in order. Ganga river flows inside the Temple kitchen but you cannot see it from outside. Also, the food cooked inside the temple every day will not go waste.
Flag Waves in Opposite Direction – The flag atop the temple has been observed to flip in the opposite direction of the breeze. A priest climbs the dome of the temple which stands as tall as a 45 story building and changes the flag every day since 1800 years as a part of a ritual. If it is not changed any day, then it is said that the temple must be shut for the next 18 years.
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