The Architecture of Jagannath Temple or White Pagoda

The Architecture of Jagannath Temple or White Pagoda:

Jagannath temple spread over the space of 400,000 square feet with 20 feet high wall and a pinnacle to a level of 192 feet.  The universally eminent Odisha sanctuary stands on a raised stone stage which estimates 10 sections of land in the region. The four extremely large corridors of Jagannath temples i.e, Bhogmandapa (contributions lobby), Nata-mandapa (dance and music lobby), Jagamohana and Vimana are sufficient to understand the architectural styles of that period. Aside from this, the Jagannath complex additionally contains four fundamental doors in each of the four directions. Strangely, every one of the four doors is called by various names like Lion door, tiger door, horse door and elephant door....

Structure of Jagannath Temple or White Pagoda:

Nila Chakra: The principal sanctuary is a curvilinear sanctuary and delegated to the top known as ‘Nila Chakra’ also called ‘Srichakra’. It is made from Ashtadhatu and is viewed as consecrated. It is the blue plate mounted on the top Shikhar of the Jagannath temple. This is a circle with eight Navagunjaras cut on the external outline. According to custom, the flag is waved on the Nila Chakra. The flag raised on the Nila Chakra is known as the Patita Pavana. It represents protection by Lord Jagannath. Singhadwara: This is one of the four gates to the temple and forms the main entrance, which is also known as ‘The Lion gate’. The door points toward the east opening onto the Bada Danda or the Grand Road. The Singhadwara is named in light of the fact that two immense sculptures of lions exist on one or the other side of the entry. The sculptures of the two gatekeepers to the sanctuary Jaya and Vijaya stand on one or the other side of the entryway. The Rath Yatra icons of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out from the sanctuary through this entryway. A heavenly sixteen-sided monolithic pillar known as the Aruna Stambha remains before the main door. Arun Stambha: It is located in front of Singhadwara. The monolithic, sixteen-sided pillar has no joints. This is where you can find the Arun idol, who pulls the Sun God’s chariot. Arun Stambh was formerly housed at the Konark Temple, but Guru Brahmachari Gosain brought him here.                                        Mandapas: There are many Mandapas in Jagannath temple. Among them, 19 Mandapas are named and some of them are: Bheda Mandapa, Mukti Mandapa, Dola Mandapa, Chahani Mandapa, Snana Mandapa, Prasad Mandapa, Baikuntha Mandapa, Bakula Mandapa, Bhoga Mandapa etc. Among all Mandapas, the most noticeable are: the Mukti Mandapa, the assembly lobby of the learned brahmins, the Dola Mandapa is important for a perfectly cut stone torana or curve which is utilized for Dol yatra celebration. The Snanabedi is a rectangular stone stage where symbols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are set for stylized washing during the yearly Snana yatra....

Festivals Related to the Jagannath Temple or White Pagoda:

It is said that there are twelve important yatras or festivals of Lord Jagannath celebrated in the Shri Jagannath temple, Puri. These twelve festivals are also called ‘Dvadasa Yatra’. But actually, there are many more yatras observed in the Jagannath temple throughout the year. Some important festivals celebrated in the temple are:...

Related Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

1Q. What is the mystery of the Jagannatha temple or White Pagoda?...