Jagannath Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Jagannath Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle. The temple is located on the right bank of the river Vaitarani near the Dasasvamedhaghata.

History

The original temple was built by Ganga ruler Anangabhima Deva III (1212 – 1238 CE). The temple received extensive patronage from Gajapati Kings in 15^th century CE. Later, the temple suffered destruction at the hands of Afghans chief Suliman Karani in 1568 CE. The present temple was built by the Maratha King Raghuji Bhonsle in the second quarter of the 18^th century CE. The Temple is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple is saptaratha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana, pidha antrala and pidha jagamohana. Both the vimana and jagamohana are square on plan and stands over a raised platform. The sanctum houses idols of Balabhadra, Jagannatha and Subhadra.

All these idols are placed on a high masonry pedestal. Nisha shrines can be seen over the Parsvadevatas niches. Idols of Ganesha, Vishnu, Parvati, Dhyani Buddha, Nardana Krishna, Mahisasuramardini Durga, female figurines, devotees, nayikas, dwarf figures, elephant, doorjamb fragments and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Muktesvara Shrine:

This shrine is situated on the north west corner of the Jagannath temple complex. The shrine is believed to be built in 14^th century CE, but it houses 8^th century CE Vishnu idol dated to Bhaumakara period, 14^th century CE Parvati idol dated to Ganga period and idols of Shiva & Vishnu of later period probably dated to Maratha rule. This shrine is facing towards east. The shrine is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The shrine has a rekha vimana of Kalingan order and square on plan. It enshrines Muktesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

Festivals

Ratha Yatra, Netrotsava, Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Janmashtami are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Jajpur Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station, 80 Kms from Cuttack, 103 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 106 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. Jajpur is well connected to Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar. Regular Buses are available from Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar to Jajpur Town.

Location