Jagannath Temple, Puri

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the four sacred dhams of Hinduism and among the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath — a form of Vishnu — the temple was constructed in the 12th century CE under King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

The main tower (deul) soars to 65 metres and follows the Kalinga style of architecture, characterised by a curvilinear shikhara atop a pancharatha plan. Four subsidiary shrines — Vimana, Jagamohana, Nata Mandira, and Bhoga Mandapa — are arranged along an east-west axis within a walled compound.

The temple is famous for its Rath Yatra chariot festival, during which colossal wooden chariots carry the deities through the streets of Puri. The kitchen of Jagannath feeds up to 100,000 pilgrims daily. Only Hindus are permitted inside the temple precincts.