The Lion Gate of Puri

A flight of twenty-two steps, known as the Baisi Pahacha, leads up to the Singhadwara. On the right side of the entrance, you’ll find a captivating image of Patitapavana, the “Savior of the downtrodden and the fallen.” This image holds special significance as it allowed those considered “untouchable” in ancient times to offer their prayers from outside the temple.

The statues of Jaya and Vijaya, the celestial guardians, stand on either side of the doorway, welcoming devotees into the temple complex. Atop the gate is a beautiful statue of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath. During the Rath Yatra festival, the deities, upon their return from the Gundicha Temple, must seek forgiveness from Mahalakshmi for leaving her behind during the procession. Only then does the Goddess allow them permission to re-enter the temple.

In front of the Singhadwara stands the majestic Arun Stambha, a sixteen-sided monolithic pillar crowned with an idol of Arun, the charioteer of the Sun God Surya. This pillar, originally located at the Konark Sun Temple, was brought to Puri by the Maratha guru Brahmachari Gosain.

The Singhadwara is not just an architectural marvel; it is a witness to history and a symbol of resilience. The Maratha emperor Shivaji is credited with saving the Jagannath Temple from plunder during Mughal rule, adding another layer of historical significance to this grand entrance.

Stepping through the Singhadwara is a transformative experience, marking the transition from the mundane to the sacred. It is a gateway to the divine, welcoming devotees into the abode of Lord Jagannath, where they can seek blessings, solace, and spiritual connection.