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.
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.
2. For some eerie reason, that cannot yet be explained by science, no bird or plane will ever fly above the Temple.
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.
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.
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
More Articles With Fun Facts
Time to Prepare for the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup The time for the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup has arrived, and not only are we excited about all the matches to come, but the beautiful destinations where these games will be played. The cricket matches will be hosted all over India and teams from around… Continue reading How to Prepare for the T20 Cricket World Cup 2016
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… Continue reading Fun Facts About the Jagannath Temple in Puri
“He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man.” – Mao Zedong Famously conceived by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang (c. 259-210 B.C.) The Great Wall of China was created as way to protect the Silk Road Trade route and the country from barbaric neighbours, particularly the Huns. Woven together like… Continue reading Fun Fact File: The Great Wall of China