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The famous Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath has begun after the elevation of covid-19 imposed lockdown.
Snana Yatra is a ceremonial grand shower festival celebrated on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha.
Jagannath Puri Temple
- About
- Located in State of Odisha.
- Built in: 12th Century AD by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
- Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath, popularly known as Lord Krishna.
- It is one of the Dhammas (Holiest of the holy place) out of four Dhamas i.e. Puri, Dwarika, Badrinath & Rameswar, in India.
- This temple was called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
- Architectural features of the temple
- The entire temple complex is enclosed within two concentric walls, the Kuruma Bheda (Inner wall) and the Meghnad Pachira (Wall).
- There are four gates to the temple- Eastern ‘Singhdwara’ which is the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern ‘Ashwadwara’, Western ‘Vyaghra Dwara and Northern ‘Hastidwara’. There is a carving of each form at each gate.
- The main entrance to the temple is through Singhadwara located on the Eastern Front of the temple with three other entrances along with the four cardinal directions.
- The Nilachakra – Or the Blue wheel perched on top of the temple is made of eight metals or asta dhatu.
- The Aruna stambha- the 33 ft monolith structure pillar in front of the Singhadwar or the main entrance of the temple was originally located at the Sun Temple, Konark.
- Festivals associated
- Devasnana Purnima: Annual bathing ritual, where the holy trinity has brought out from their sanctum on seated in a raised platform and bathed with purified water drawn from a well within the temple premises.
- Chariot Festival: This happens during the month of June/July. During the festival, the Lord comes out to the street to greet his devotees, people irrespective of caste, creed & colour can seek his blessings.
Source: TH
