Jagannath Temple
The Living Heart of Puri and the Rath Yatra
Overview
The Jagannath Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple in Puri, Odisha, dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, worshipped alongside his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. Begun by the Eastern Ganga king Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, it is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites and the origin of the annual Rath Yatra chariot festival, which gave English the word 'juggernaut'. The temple is open only to Hindus; others take in its towering deula and Nilachakra wheel from the rooftop of the Raghunandan Library opposite. MyTripMyTravel arranges respectful viewing and, for Hindu guests, escorted darshan.
The Jagannath Temple is not a monument in the museum sense, it is one of Hinduism's four holiest shrines (Char Dham) and a living centre of worship whose rituals run without pause. Its 65-metre tower dominates Puri, crowned by the Nilachakra, the blue wheel around which the flag is changed by hand every single day.
Begun by the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 12th century, the temple is famous worldwide for the Rath Yatra, when the three deities are drawn through the streets on colossal wooden chariots, the spectacle that gave English the word 'juggernaut'. Its kitchen is among the largest in the world, cooking the sacred Mahaprasad for thousands daily.
Entry to the temple is reserved for Hindus. MyTripMyTravel arranges respectful viewing from the rooftop of the Raghunandan Library across the road for other guests, and escorted darshan for Hindu travellers, always briefed on the temple's customs.
At a glance
Jagannath Temple in brief
What to see
Highlights
The main deula & Nilachakra
The 65-metre sanctuary tower topped by the sacred blue wheel and the daily-changed flag.
The Rath Yatra
The annual chariot festival in which the deities are pulled through Puri on towering wooden cars, the origin of 'juggernaut'.
The temple kitchen
One of the largest kitchens in the world, cooking the sacred Mahaprasad on wood fires for thousands of pilgrims.
The Singhadwara (Lion Gate)
The principal eastern gateway guarded by two stone lions, the traditional pilgrim entrance.
Raghunandan Library rooftop
The vantage across the road from which non-Hindu visitors can take in the whole temple complex.
Visitor information
Our tips
Non-Hindu guests get the best full view from the Raghunandan Library rooftop opposite, we arrange access.
Leave cameras, phones, and leather items behind; they are not allowed inside and must be deposited.
Beware unofficial 'pandas' (guides) at the gates demanding donations, our escort manages this for you.
If your visit coincides with Rath Yatra, expect vast crowds; we plan logistics and viewing well in advance.
Good to know
Jagannath Temple, your questions
Can non-Hindus enter the Jagannath Temple?
No, entry is reserved for Hindus. Other visitors take in the full complex from the rooftop of the Raghunandan Library directly across the road, which we arrange.
What is the Rath Yatra?
The annual chariot festival (June/July) when Jagannath and his siblings are pulled through Puri on giant wooden chariots, the event that gave English the word 'juggernaut'.
Why is the temple significant?
It is one of the four Char Dham, the holiest pilgrimage circuit in Hinduism, and a continuously active centre of worship since the 12th century.
Can I take photographs?
Not inside, cameras and phones must be deposited before entry. Photography of the exterior from outside is fine.
Visit with us
See Jagannath Temple, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Jagannath Temple into a wider Puri and East India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Jagannath Temple
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.