Early Jagannatha Temples in Orissa: A Journey Through Time

Early Temples of Jagannatha in Orissa

The Jagannatha Temple in Puri is one of the most famous and important Hindu temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, who is considered to be a form of the god Vishnu. The temple is also a major pilgrimage site, and it is visited by millions of people each year.

The early history of the Jagannatha Temple is shrouded in mystery. However, it is believed that the temple was originally built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodagangadeva. The temple was later expanded and renovated by several other kings, including Kapilendra Deva and Purusottama Deva.

The Jagannatha Temple is a unique and beautiful structure. The temple complex is spread over an area of about 10 acres, and it is surrounded by a high wall. The main temple is a towering structure, and it is topped by a large dome. The temple is also home to several other shrines, including the Vimala Temple and the Lakshmi Temple.

The Jagannatha Temple is a major center of Hindu worship. The temple is home to a large number of priests, and it is also a major pilgrimage site. The temple is also known for its annual Rath Yatra festival, which is one of the largest religious festivals in the world.

What Does “Jagannatha Temple” Mean?

The term “Jagannatha Temple” is a bit of a misnomer. The title Jagannatha (Lord of the World) is not specific to the deity worshipped in Puri. It has been applied to Buddha, Shiva, and Vishnu. The same is true for its synonyms Lokanātha and Lokeśvara, which could be used for Shiva, Vishnu, and a form of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

The term Jagannatha became associated exclusively with Vishnu in the 10th century due to the influence of the Devi-Mahātmya. ¹ However, the application of the term Jagannatha to Vishnu in his particular manifestation in Puri occurs for the first time in the inscriptions of Bhañudeva II in the early 14th century. ²

Early History of the Jagannatha Temple

It is believed that the first Purusottama temple in Puri was built by Yayāti I in the 10th century. The temple was later rebuilt by Anantavarman Codagangadeva in the 12th century. The temple was then expanded and renovated by several other kings, including Kapilendra Deva and Purusottama Deva.

The Archaeological Evidence in Puri

The archaeological evidence in Puri suggests that the Jagannatha Temple was built on the site of an earlier temple dedicated to the goddess Vimala. The Vimala Temple is still located within the Jagannatha Temple complex, and it is considered to be one of the most important shrines in the temple.

The archaeological evidence also suggests that the Jagannatha Temple was built in several phases. The main temple was probably built in the 12th century, and the other shrines were added later.

Conclusion

The Jagannatha Temple is a unique and important Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, who is considered to be a form of the god Vishnu. The temple is also a major pilgrimage site, and it is visited by millions of people each year.

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