13/18 ☼ Exploring Temples, Caves, Ghats, and an Imambara: A 3000-Mile Adventure
जय जगन्नाथ - Mahaprasad (Jagannath Temple)
Exiting the temple, one will encounter vendors selling khaja and cloth bags adorned with Lord Jagannath's image on the street, along with souvenir shops. My next stop was the Konark Sun Temple, located approximately 40 km away from Puri. The most cost-effective way to reach Konark is by taking an AC bus from the bus stop, costing 50 INR, which will conveniently drop you off in front of the temple. Constructed in the 13th century, this temple is a masterpiece of Hindu Orissan architecture, distinguished by its sculptural creativity and exquisite carvings. Stay tuned for a detailed post on this remarkable temple in the upcoming content. Upon returning from Konark, I enjoyed a satisfying lunch and rested to recharge before the evening darshan.
Contents
Amazing Facts About Jagannath Temple
Evening Darshan & Golden Beach
Must-Try Foods
Amazing Facts
The flag atop the Jagannath Temple defies logic by fluttering against the wind's natural direction.
Each day, a priest undertakes the daring task of scaling the towering walls of the temple, which reach the same height as a colossal 45-storey building, in order to replace the flag that proudly adorns the temple dome.
The temple is rumoured to cast no shadow, regardless of the time of day or direction.
God reigns supreme, with nothing able to surpass or fly higher than its divine presence.
As soon as you step into the temple through the Singha Dwara entrance, the sound of the ocean waves completely disappears. According to local people, this was the wish of Subhadra, the sister of the two lords, who desired tranquillity within the temple grounds.
Every 14 to 18 years, the deities are laid to rest, one on top of the other, to make way for new ones. Crafted from neem wood, these deities are thought to naturally decompose over time.
Every year, the Rath Yatra parade takes place, where the temple deities are transported outside on two sets of chariots, each set consisting of three chariots.
Evening Darshan and Golden Beach
I visited the temple once more to have delicious bhog, which is available for purchase at a reasonable price within the temple premises. The evening darshan was quick, allowing me to fully enjoy my temple experience. The Mahaprasad, considered as 'Anna Bramha', is prepared in the temple kitchen using earthen pots and firewood as the cooking medium. After being steam-cooked, the food is first offered to Lord Jagannatha transforming it into Mahaprasad. This sacred food is freely shared among people of all castes and creeds, without any discrimination. The offerings include cooked rice, dal, vegetable curry, sweet dishes, and cakes, while dry confectionaries are made from sugar, gur, wheat flour, ghee, milk, and cheese. Having this, I headed to the golden beach on the shore of the Bay of Bengal where I stumbled upon a talented artist crafting a magnificent sculpture of Lord Mahadev using sand.
Must-try Foods
If you're looking for some delicious recommendations, I suggest giving pakhala, dalma, and chhena poda a try. Trust me, they're worth it! You can find these dishes in the majority of renowned restaurants, while Dahi vada is a popular street food option.
The intricately carved paintings at Konark Temple left me in awe, with a history that is not only rich but also steeped in scientific significance. Stay tuned for these details.