The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most revered Vaishnavite shrines in India and a primary destination of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, the temple is famous for its unique wooden deities. Its most significant event is the annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, where the deities are paraded through the streets in massive, ornate chariots. The temple complex, built in the 12th century, is also renowned for its massive kitchen ('Rosaghara'), which prepares 'Mahaprasad' for thousands daily. Entry to the main temple is restricted to Hindus.
Darshan & Daily Rituals (Niti)
Temple opens with Mangala Aarti. Public darshan ('Sahanamela') starts around 7:00 AM.
Morning darshan. Pauses intermittently for various Bhog rituals.
Temple is generally closed or has very restricted access for midday rituals.
Temple reopens for evening darshan.
Sandhya Aarti is performed.
Darshan continues until Bada Singhara Bhog and Pahuda (closing ritual).
General Darshan
Free entry for all Hindu devotees through the main queue system.
Special Darshan Ticket
A paid ticket for quicker access to the inner sanctum ('Bhitar Katha Darshan').
Balabhadra
Elder Brother
Subhadra
Sister
Sudarshana Chakra
The divine discus of Vishnu
Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival)
The world-famous annual festival where the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are paraded on massive, ornate wooden chariots to the Gundicha Temple.
Snana Purnima (Bathing Festival)
The deities are brought to an open platform and ceremonially bathed in public on the full moon day before the Rath Yatra.