THE TEMPLE OF JAGANNATHA

The Puri temple is built on a gigantic raised platform in the heart of the city, The temple complex is enclosed by a wall about seven meters high-including the height of the platform, Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers. The area of this platform is more than 4,20,000 sq.ft. The wall is pierced by four gates, facing the four directions. On the east-facing gate, there are stone images of two lions and it is called the Lions Gate. The north, south and west facing gates are similarly known as the Elephant Gate, the Horse Gate and the Tiger Gate (also called the Khanja Gate) respectively. The north gate is mainly meant for the God himself in as much as, the logs of wood out of which, the images are fabricated, make their entry into the temple premises through this gate, when the Navakelevara ceremony takes place. The east-facing Lions Gate is the main gate. There are pyramidal structures over the four gates, which are not very old.

As we arrive at the vast open area in front of the Lions Gate (eastern gate), we see a monolithic pillar about 10 meters high, Mesothelioma doctor. This pillar is known locally as the Aruna Stambha. In Hindu mythology Aruna is the the charioteer of the Sun-god, The world famous Konarka temple was designed in the form of a stupendous chariot and this monolithic pillar with the beautifully carved Aruna seated on its top was installed right in front of the porch of that temple. When the temple was abandoned and there was no presiding deity in it, this pillar was removed from Konarka to Puri and was fixed in front of Jagannatha temple where we see it now. 

Immediately after we get into the main gate and proceed forward, we find ourselves on a flight of steps. Locally, they are called Baisi Pahaca, which literally means, twenty-two steps. The history or rather the mystery of this flight of steps has not been unveiled. It is interesting to note that great reverence is shown to this flight of twenty-two steps. The parents bring their children & make them slowly roll over the steps from the top to the bottom ones in expectation of spiritual bliss in as much as countless devotees have walked on the steps which are believed to be throbbing with spiritual animation.  

As we cross the main entrance on the east and ascend the flight of steps leading to the main temple, we find on the left-hand side, a vast kitchen area of the temple. Some tourists rightly observe that on account of this kitchen, the Puri temple may be described as the biggest hotel of the world. It can feed even one lakh persons with only two to three hours' notice. The method of preparation is most hygienic and the traditional process of preparation of food for so many people in so short a time, takes many by surprise. To the right, we have the Ananda Bajara which is the popular name of the food selling market within the enclosure. Ananda Bajara literally means, the pleasure market.  

At the end of the steps, we are to cross another gate-way that pierces a second compound wall and then we are to turn to the left to proceed to the Ganesa temple. There are beautiful carvings on the sides of this entrance of the second or inner compound wall.  

As we cross the gate-way, we see immediately before us, the first section of the Jagannatha temple. It is called the Bhoga Mandapa (Refectory). The ether sections that are located to its west contiguously are, the Nata Mandira, the Mukhasala and the Bada Deula. On tile body of the gigantic Bhoga Mandapa, there are many pieces of sculptures that depict interesting stories from the mythological & historical works and they are highly appreciated by the art-critics and the pilgrims 7. There are about 30 temples around the main temple and according to the established practice; a pilgrim has to go round the main temple in a process of circumambulation. If somebody wants to see the main temple within a very short time, he may visit at least three of the most important temples before seeing Jagannatha. They are (i) The Ganesa temple at the foot of the Kalpavata, a very old banyan tree (ii) The Vimala temple and (iii) The Laxmi temple.