The temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri is popularly called as Sri Mandir. Sri means Lakshmi- the energy consort of Lord Jagannath. Hence the temple is called as Sri Mandir (abode of Sri or Goddess Lakshmi).
While historical records say that Sri Jagannath temple is about one thousand years old, Puranas connect its inception to the Satya Yuga. The description of the Sri Jagannath temple built in that period portrays a monument that is very different from that of the existing temple. So the present temple is evidently not the same… read more »
Nowhere else but in Puri, started the unique tradition of a king himself sweeping the chariots of the deities. Every year during Rath Yatra thousands of people gather in Puri to witness it before they pull the chariots. Among all other sevas the king does, this seva named Chera Pahara [sweeping of the chariots] has… read more »
Jhulana Yatra is one of the most important festivals observed in Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. The origin of Jhulana Yatra lies in what is known as Rasa Lila – an elaboration of the divine love between Radha-Krishna depicted in Vaishnava Literature. The Rasa Lila was first known as Basanta Rasa [Spring Rasa] and then as… read more »