By Expedia Team, on February 12, 2016

Fun Facts About the Jagannath Temple in Puri

In the state of Odisha, lies a grand temple full of secrets. This holy place is one of the most sacred destinations in India and is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Not just for pilgrims this is an astounding experience for all visitors, and we’ve made a list of seven interesting facts you might not know about the temple.

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1. The Flag at the top of the Jagannath Temple always flies in the opposite direction of the wind.

What’s more is that an ancient ritual sees a priest climb to the top of the 65-metre temple and change the flag every day. If this is not completed, the ritual denotes the temple must be shut for the next 18 years.

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2. For some eerie reason, that cannot yet be explained by science, no bird or plane will ever fly above the Temple.

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3. Regardless of the scorching, bright sunshine in Puri, the shadow of the main dome is never visible.

4. Prasadam

Prasadam is a Hindu ritual where priests present an offering of food to the deities. Each day in the Jagannath Temple the food is prepared according to strict scripture that means the same amount is cooked each day. The ritual also declares that all leftovers are to be shared out to loyal followers who may be present. What’s strange is that the same amount of food shared amongst any number of followers, never over-indulges or fails to satisfy any follower.

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5.  Sudarshana Chakra

Sudarshana Chakra is the name of the weapon of Lord Vishnu / Krishna. It is believed that the Jagannath Temple was built upon a tree cut by this jagged blade.

6.  No matter where your wanders may take you in Puri, if you look at the Jagannath Temple, you will always find the Sudarshana Chakra facing you.

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7. The Waves of Jagganath

Upon entering the Simhadwaram, the main door of the Jagannath Temple, you are able to hear the soft sound of the ocean nearby. Yet, the moment you pass through this entrance and walk back on yourself, the sound disappears, until you exit them temple once again.

Featured Image Source: Abhishek Barua