Stuti & Sloka for the Temple
नीलाचलनिवासाय नित्याय परमात्मने । बलभद्रसुभद्राभ्यां जगन्नाथाय ते नमः ।।
जगदानन्दकन्दाय प्रणतार्तहराय च । नीलाचलनिवासाय जगन्नाथाय ते नमः
The meaning of the above Shloka is that "Lord Jaggabath Maha Prabhu who is the eternal Supreme Soul, residing on the Nilachala Mountain".
Story of the Temple
"Lord Jagganath who is the supreme commander of the universe, I offer my obeisances to you, Balabhadra and Subhadra".
"Lord Jagannath you are like a tuber of the bliss of the universe, you relieve the suffering of those who surrender to you. O Lord of the universe, the inhabitant of the Blue Mountains, I offer my obeisances to You".
Shri Jagannath Temple is a prominent Temple dedicated to Jagannath Mahaprabhu, a form of Shri Hari Vishnu. The Temple is of importance to all the Sanatan Dharma devotees and especially the Vaishnava sect.
According to the legend, Shri Jagannath Temple was first started to be built by Indrayumana (a Malava King) as mentioned in the Puranas and Mahabharata.
There are many legends associated with the origin of Shri Jagannath Temple :
Vaishnav Origin - The iconic presence of the trio i.e. Jagannath, Balarama, and Subhadra are the depictions of Krishna, Balram, and Ekanmasa trio. The Vaishanavacharyas believe in this theory of the origin of Bhagwan Jagannath.
Vedic Origin - The Rig Veda explains the origin of Shri Jagganath Temple from the wooden log 'Purusham' is a manifestation of Bhagwan Purshottam himself. The wooden log was a source of inspiration behind Bhagwan Jagannath.
Importance of the Temple
● Shri Jagganath Maha Prabhu is one of the four principal deities of the renowned
Char Dham Yatra others being Rameshwaram, Dwarika, and Badrinath.
● Adi Guru Shankaracharya, Guru Nanak Sahib, Kabir Das, Tulsi Das, Ramanuj Acharya,
Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has received the Sanidhya of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu
● Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu is the manifestation of Shri Maha Vishnu, many consider him as a form of Shri Krishna Bhagwan who is the creator of this universe.
● Devotees who worship Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu with pure and open hearts remove all the hurdles and obstacles from the lives of his devotees.
● Shri Jagganath Mahaprabhu is the most merciful and generous god who opens both his arms to welcome and embrace his devotees from all worldly affairs.
● Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu is the 8th among the Dashavataras of Shri Maha Vishnu who is always worshiped along with brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra.
● Participating directly or indirectly in the Rath Yatra sewa of Sri Jagannath Maha Prabhu washes away the sins of past lives of his devotees.
Pujas Performed in the Temple
Auspicious tithis & festivals of temple
There are many Festivals and auspicious days associated with Shri Jagannath Temple.The Snan Yatra, Rath Yatra, Sayan Amavasya and Dussehra.The Rath Yatra Festival of Shri Jagannath Temple is an annual festival attended by Lakhs of Devotees. The chariot wheel comprising Balbhadra, Subhadra, and Shri Jaganath Maha Prabhu is brought out in the open.