Jagannath Mandir Puri – History, Beliefs and Mysteries

Jagannath Mandir in Puri, Odisha, is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in India. According to history and belief, the temple was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. It is believed that Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, is worshipped here in a unique wooden form. Many stories say that the idols are made from special sacred wood and are changed every few years in a secret ritual called Nabakalebara. The temple is also famous for the belief that Lord Jagannath is the “Lord of the Universe” and welcomes all devotees without discrimination. Jagannath Mandir is considered very powerful and holy, and it has been an important center of faith, tradition, and culture for centuries.

Here are the point-wise popular beliefs and mysteries of Jagannath Mandir, Puri

• The temple flag on the top always flows in the opposite direction of the wind
• No birds are believed to fly directly above the temple
• Even airplanes are said not to pass over the temple area
• The main temple dome is believed to cast no shadow at any time of the day
• The sound of sea waves is heard outside the temple, but it disappears inside the temple
• The Mahaprasad (holy food) never becomes less, even when thousands of devotees eat
• The cooking of Mahaprasad is done using traditional methods without modern tools
• The idols of Lord Jagannath are made of sacred wood and changed in a secret ritual called Nabakalebara
• The temple is believed to welcome devotees of all castes and backgrounds