ଶ୍ରୀ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର, ପୁରୀ
Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Shree Jagannath Temple, or Srimandir, is a 12th-century temple in Puri, Odisha, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. This independent guide explains its rituals, history and visitor rules, and links every important fact to its source.
Based on the schedule published by the temple administration, which notes that the prescribed times often cannot be followed in practice.
The temple in brief
The temple stands on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) in the coastal town of Puri, about 60 km by road from Bhubaneswar. In Hindu tradition, Puri is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, together with Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameswaram.
According to the temple administration, the present temple was built during the rule of Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, founder of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the first part of the 12th century. Its main tower is about 214 feet 8 inches high from road level. The Natamandapa and Bhogamandapa halls were added in the 15th and early 16th centuries.
Source: SJTA: Architecture; SJTA: Shreemandira (main temple complex). Checked 2 October 2026.
The temple was declared a National Monument in 1975, and its conservation has been entrusted to the Archaeological Survey of India since 1979. Read the history.
Who is worshipped here
The temple administration names the principal deities as Lord Jagannatha (the younger brother), Lord Balabhadra (the elder brother) and Devi Subhadra (the sister), together with Chakra Sudarshana, Bhudevi, Sridevi and Madhaba.
Source: SJTA: FAQs. Checked 2 October 2026.
The deities are carved from wood and are periodically renewed in the ceremony called Nabakalebara. Temple tradition Their distinctive forms, without fully carved hands or feet, are explained in temple tradition by the story of King Indradyumna and the divine carpenter, told on the history page.
The daily rituals are performed by hereditary servitors (sevayats), each group with defined duties. The cycle, from the opening of the doors before dawn to Pahuda at night, is described on the daily rituals page.
Key figures
Measurements as published by the temple administration.
Explore the guide
Each section is compiled from the temple administration's published information, government sources and scholarly works, with sources listed on the page.
- Temple timingsThe published ritual schedule and the darshan windows described by the temple administration.See timings
- Darshan and poojaHow darshan works, entry and exit gates, offerings and how to avoid online puja scams.Open guide
- Daily ritualsThe cycle of niti from Dwaraphita to Pahuda, and the festival beshas.See the day
- History and traditionWhat the historical record shows, and what temple tradition tells, kept clearly apart.Read history
- FacilitiesShoe and mobile stands, wheelchairs, battery vehicles, drinking water and first aid.View facilities
- BlogRath Yatra, Mahaprasad, Nabakalebara, Snana Purnima and pilgrim itineraries.Browse posts
The four gates
Four gates open through the outer wall, one on each side. Entry arrangements have changed in recent years; see entry and exit before you go.
Singhadwara
The Lion Gate on the Grand Road, the main entrance. The Aruna Stambha pillar, brought from the Konark Sun Temple in the late 18th century, stands in front of it.
Ashwadwara
The Horse Gate.
Vyaghradwara
The Tiger Gate.
Hastidwara
The Elephant Gate. The temple administration lists wheelchair and ramp facilities at the north gate.
Source: SJTA: Shreemandira (main temple complex); SJTA: Darshan Facilities; Wikipedia: Aruna Stambha. Checked 2 October 2026.
Mahaprasad and Ananda Bazar
Food cooked in the temple kitchen and offered to the deities becomes Mahaprasad. The temple administration says dry sweets, rice, dal and curry are available at the Ananda Bazar inside the temple, with places to eat.
Devotional belief For devotees, sharing Mahaprasad from a common earthen pot sets aside distinctions of caste and status. Read the Mahaprasad guide.
Rath Yatra
The temple administration dates the Rath Yatra to the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June or July), when the deities travel by chariot to the Gundicha Temple, about three kilometres away. The return journey, Bahuda Yatra, falls on the tenth day of the same fortnight.
The chariots are rebuilt every year and pulled along the Grand Road, so anyone can see the deities. Read the Rath Yatra guide.
Planning a trip to Puri?
Travel routes, dress code, what to carry, the best days to go and a sample itinerary, in one place.
Latest from the blog
- Dress code and rulesThe Puri Jagannath Temple dress code in force since January 2024, items not allowed inside according to the temple administration, who may enter, and etiquette.Read
- Snana Purnima and AnasaraWhat happens on Snana Purnima at the Puri Jagannath Temple, why there is no darshan for 15 days afterwards (Anasara), and what devotees traditionally do.Read
- Rath Yatra guideHow the Puri Rath Yatra works: its dates in the Odia calendar, the three chariots as described by the Government of Odisha, the rituals, and tips for attending.Read
Common questions
What are the Puri Jagannath Temple timings?
According to the temple administration, the temple opens and darshan starts at around 5:30 AM, and darshan is available for most of the day until late night, with breaks for rituals. The published ritual schedule ends with Pahuda at 11:30 PM. The administration notes the prescribed times often cannot be followed exactly. See temple timings.
Can non-Hindus enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri?
No. The temple administration's FAQ states that only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. The Rath Yatra takes place on public roads and can be seen by everyone.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. News reports from October 2023 and January 2024 describe a dress code enforced by the temple administration from 1 January 2024: no shorts, half pants, torn jeans, skirts or sleeveless clothes. See the dress code and rules guide.
Can I take my mobile phone inside the temple?
No. The temple administration's list of don'ts includes mobile phones, electronic gadgets, umbrellas, leather items and footwear. It provides free shoe and mobile stands near the Lion's Gate barricade.
Can I book darshan or pooja on this website?
No. This is an independent information website. The temple administration warns on its official website that it never accepts donations or offerings from devotees for online puja.