Curious about the several mysteries surrounding the Jagannath Temple in Puri? If yes, then you are in the right place as we dive into its unsolved puzzles that still amaze people today. Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is considered one of the most spiritual sites in India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu) and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. But it’s not just known for its spiritual importance; it has some amazing secrets too.
7 Unsolved Mysteries Of Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site, is known across the country for its grand Rath Yatra, which takes place every year and draws lakhs of devotees. The festival involves a grand procession of chariots carrying the deities from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple and back. But the festival is not the only thing that makes this temple so popular.
Jagannath Temple in Puri was constructed in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Considered one of the Char Dham, this temple has several interesting details that are known to defy logic and science. Here are the 7 mysteries of Jagannath Temple that continue to leave visitors amazed.
1. The Mystery Of Mahaprasad
The famous Jagannath Temple in Puri is known for its mysterious food preparation practices. Do you know that the Mahaprasad is cooked in quantities that are always enough, no matter how many devotees visit? There is never a shortage of food. And not a single grain goes to waste on any given day. Cooked in earthen pots, it is said that the food at the top of the pot gets cooked first, before the food at the bottom. This goes completely against science and logic. Also, the cooks prepare the food with their mouths and noses covered, using traditional methods and no preservatives. Devotees believe that Goddess Mahalakshmi watches over the cooking and blesses the food every day.
2. The Mysterious Opposite-Flying Flag
One of the biggest mysteries of Jagannath Temple is its flag. You will be surprised to know that the flag at the top of the temple flutters in the opposite direction to the wind. Yes! You read that right. This phenomenon, observed for centuries, has puzzled scientists across the world. Many also believe the flag is guided by divine intervention. What’s more? It is said that a priest climbs the temple and changes the flag every single day, a tradition that has been followed for over 1800 years!
3. The No-Fly Zone
You may have seen birds flying over other temples, but not here. The Jagannath Temple is the only one of its kind where no birds or planes fly overhead. Some say the temple’s unique architecture creates a wind tunnel effect that stops birds from flying over it. Moreover, some believe that the ‘Nilchakra’, a giant eight-metal disc on top, releases energy that disturbs communication signals, making it dangerous for aircraft. Irrespective of the reason, this mystery of Jagannath Temple still remains unexplained.
Also Read:5 Must-Visit Places Near Jagannath Temple
4. Sudarshan Chakra
Another puzzling mystery is the Sudarshan Chakra at the top of the temple. This large disc-shaped structure faces you no matter where you stand in Puri. That means, from every angle, it looks like the chakra is facing you. Despite several studies, no one has been able to explain how it works. And also, no one has been able to replicate its phenomenon and design. Sudarshan Chakra weighs a ton and is 20 feet tall. Many believe it is guarded by Lord Jagannath himself. This is surely a mystery.
5. The Mysterious Singhadwar Or Lion’s Gate
Here’s another mystery surrounding Jagannath Temple. As you walk towards the Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate), you can hear the waves of the sea. But the moment you step inside the temple, the sound vanishes. However, the sound returns the moment you step out of the temple again. Whether it’s the design of the temple or divine presence, no one really knows the reason behind this strange mystery.
Also Read:From Jagannath Temple To Balkampet Yellamma Temple, 6 Temples In Hyderabad To Visit
6. The Nabakalebara Ritual
Held every 8, 12, or 19 years, the Nabakalebara ritual involves replacing the old wooden idols of the deities with newly carved ones. The sacred ‘Brahma Padartha’ (a mysterious relic that is believed to carry the soul) is transferred from the old idol to the new one. What makes this even more mysterious is the way it is done. Only a few priests, called ‘Daitapatis’, perform the ritual. They do it blindfolded, with gloved hands, and in complete secrecy. Astonishing, right? Not only that, this entire process in Jagannath Temple follows age-old traditions passed down over generations. It is a deeply sacred event, which is observed with mourning and purification rites. Moreover, special neem trees are used for carving new idols.
7. Absence Of Shadow
Can you believe the Jagannath Temple casts no shadow? Yes, the temple is designed in such a way that the main spire or Shikhara never casts a shadow on the ground, no matter what time of day it is. Whether it’s due to its architectural design or divine energy, no one knows the real reason behind it even today.
These mysteries of Jagannath Temple still surprise people and make the place even more special.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Subham9423
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