Jagannath Puri temple, which is called the main pilgrimage site of Hindus, is not only famous all over the country, but the Jagannath Rath Yatra is also organized with great pomp and show all over the world. Foreigners also participate in it with great enthusiasm. This is a temple of Vaishnav sect, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Shri Krishna. The annual Rath Yatra festival of this temple is famous. In this, the three main deities of the temple, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, all three, sit in three different grand and decorated chariots and go on a tour of the city. In Hinduism, the four Dhams (Badrinath, Dwarika, Rameshwaram and Puri) are given the highest importance, in which Jagannath Puri Yatra is also included. It is said that Jagannath Puri temple has many specialties, which make it different from all others. Jagannath Puri temple is not only famous in the country but also abroad.

Why do birds and planes not fly over the Jagannath temple?

It is believed that there are many stories related to the temple, which have remained a mystery from the beginning till today. It is said that no plane can fly over the temple and even birds are afraid to fly. It is believed that the Jagannath Puri temple is protected by the Garuda bird. This bird is called the king of birds, which is why other birds are afraid to go over the temple. Interestingly, there is an eight-metal circle above the Jagannath Temple Puri, which is known as the blue chakra. It is believed that this chakra can create many obstacles in the ships flying over the temple, so even planes do not fly over the temple.

Why does the flag of Jagannath Puri flutter against the wind?

The biggest mystery of the Jagannath temple is that the flag situated on its peak always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind. Usually during the day the wind blows from the sea towards the land and in the evening from the land towards the sea. But you will be surprised to know that here this process is the opposite. Now why is this so, no one has been able to know this mystery till date. There is a flag on top of this temple, which is considered necessary to be changed every evening, the belief behind this is, that if this flag is not changed, then this temple will be closed for the next 18 years. Another speciality of this temple is that there is a Sudarshan Chakra on top of the temple, which always appears straight when seen from anywhere. That is, if you stand and look from anywhere, it will seem that the mouth of the Sudarshan Chakra is towards you.

Why does the Jagannath Puri temple not cast a shadow?

The Jagannath Puri temple does not cast a shadow. The reason behind this is that the sun rays hit the temple and cast a shadow on the temple itself. Since the shadow is formed on the structure of the temple itself, it does not reach the ground and is not visible either.

Why are Lord Jagannath’s eyes big?

The big eyes of Lord Jagannath symbolize his omniscience and omnipresence for devotees around the world. According to many ancient texts, scriptures and beliefs, the eyes are considered the windows of the soul and the big eyes of Lord Jagannath symbolize his divine vision, wisdom, compassion and mercy. The big eyes of Lord Jagannath depict that he sees everything of his devotees and takes care of their every need. Some people believe that the big eyes of Lord Jagannath symbolize the vastness of the universe. He sees and knows everything, past, present and future. Devotees believe that the big eyes of Lord Jagannath symbolize blessings for people suffering from eye diseases. When Lord Jagannath visited the kingdom of a king named Indradyumna, the people there were stunned to see his grandeur. Their eyes widened in surprise. Lord Jagannath also widened his eyes accepting their devotion.

Does Lord Jagannath’s heart still beat?

According to mythology, when Lord Vishnu settled in the four Dhams, he first reached Badrinath, where he took a bath, then after this when he went to Gujarat, he changed his clothes there. Later, the Lord reached Puri in Odisha, where he ate food and finally Lord Vishnu reached Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, where he rested. Jagannath Puri, which is called the Vaikunth of the Earth in Hinduism, is considered to be of very special importance. It is believed that when Lord Vishnu ji left his body, he was cremated, then his whole body got mixed with the five elements except one part of the body. It is said that Lord Shri Krishna’s heart was beating at that time, which is still safe inside the idol of Lord Jagannath. According to belief, there are idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath temple, which are changed every 12 years. When the old idols of the temple are replaced with new idols, then the Brahma substance is taken out from the idols and applied to the new idols.  Brahma substance is considered to be the heart of Lord Krishna. The priests of the Jagannath temple say that when they place the heart of the Lord in the new idols, they feel something bouncing in their hands. The priests of the temple believe that this is Brahma substance, which is made of ashtadhatu. But this Brahma substance is in a living state. Anyone who sees this Brahma substance may become blind or may die. Therefore, while replacing the Brahma substance, silken strips are tied over the eyes of the priests.

What is the glory of Mahaprasad of Puri?

The Prasad available in Jagannath Puri is called Mahaprasad, it is said that a special method is used behind this. The specialty of this Prasad is that it is made in earthen pots only, apart from this, this Prasad is not prepared on gas, but on a girl’s stove. When the Prasad is prepared, pots are placed one above the other. But you will be surprised to know that the Prasad in the topmost pot is cooked first. It is believed that one who has visited Jagannath Puri can consume rice even on Ekadashi.

Why are the idols of Jagannath Puri incomplete?

Often you must have seen one or two doors in the temple, but the Jagannath Puri temple has four doors. Let us tell you, the main gate is called Singhadwaram, it is said that the sound of sea waves is heard at the Singhadwaram gate, but as soon as you enter the temple, the noise of the waves ends completely. It is believed that there are many stories related to the temple, which have remained a mystery till date. Jagannath Puri, which is called the Vaikunth of the earth in Hinduism, is considered to be of very special importance. Here Lord Shri Krishna, Subhadra and Balram ji are worshipped daily with rituals. In the Jagannath temple, Shri Krishna is seated in the form of Lord Jagannath. Here with him are his elder brother Balram and sister Subhadra, whose idols are made of wood and they are still incomplete. These incomplete idols are worshipped. Because in the desire to see the idols, the king there opened the door. In such a situation, the work of making the idol remained incomplete.  Due to this, all three statues do not have hands and toes.

What is the secret of the 22 steps of Jagannath Puri?

There are a total of 22 steps in Puri Jagannath Dham temple which are also called ‘Baisi Pahacha’ and all these steps symbolize the twenty-two weaknesses of human life. According to mythological beliefs, these 22 steps are quite mysterious and all of them have names. It is also believed that while passing through here, devotees have to take special care of the third step. It is believed that people started getting free from sins after seeing Lord Jagannath. Seeing this, Yamraj reached Lord Jagannath and said, Lord, you have told this very simple way to get rid of sins. People started getting free from sins very easily after seeing you and no one comes to Yamlok. Hearing this from Yamraj ji, Lord Jagannath said that you take your place on the third step of the main gate of the temple which will be known as ‘Yam Shila’. Whoever steps on that rock after my darshan, all his virtues will be diminished and he will have to go to Yamlok.  Yamashila is present on the third step from the bottom while entering the main gate of the Jagannath temple.
While entering the temple for darshan, you have to put your feet on that step, but while returning after darshan, you should not put your feet on that rock at all. Talking about the identity of this rock, it is black in color and its color is completely different from the rest of the steps.