About Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple in the seaside town of Puri is one of the four Char Dham abodes that devout Hindus hope to visit in a lifetime. Its soaring Kalinga style spire, completed in the twelfth century, shelters wooden images of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. These distinctive figures with large round eyes are ritually replaced every twelve to nineteen years in the Nabakalebara ceremony.
Every summer the deities ride through the streets on enormous wooden chariots during the Rath Yatra, drawing pilgrims from across the world. The temple kitchen is among the largest anywhere, and its Mahaprasad is sold in the Ananda Bazaar inside the complex. Entry is restricted to Hindus, but visitors can view the spire from the rooftop of the Raghunandan Library opposite.
What to see
- Kalinga style main spire with the Nilachakra wheel
- Ananda Bazaar where Mahaprasad is served
- Grand Road (Bada Danda) chariot route
- View from the Raghunandan Library rooftop
- Puri beach for a sunrise walk
Visiting Jagannath Temple, Puri: practical guide
- Best time
- October to February; June or July for Rath Yatra
- Hours
- Usually 5 am to midnight; check locally
- Entry
- Free; entry for Hindus only
- Dress code
- Traditional modest dress; leather items not allowed
- Nearest airport
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI), 60 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Phones, cameras and bags must be deposited outside
- Beware of unofficial guides seeking donations
- Book Puri hotels months ahead for Rath Yatra
Festivals and special days
- Rath Yatra
- Snana Purnima
- Chandan Yatra
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Hinduism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered.
- Some temples, such as Puri Jagannath, admit only Hindus; respect posted signs.
- Ask before photographing shrines, rituals or cremation grounds.
- Use your right hand to accept prasad, the blessed food offering.
- Avoid bringing leather items or meat into temple grounds.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jagannath Temple, Puri?
Jagannath Temple, Puri is in Puri, Odisha, India, Asia. GPS coordinates: 19.8048, 85.8180. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI), 60 km.
What is the best time to visit Jagannath Temple, Puri?
October to February; June or July for Rath Yatra
Is there an entry fee for Jagannath Temple, Puri?
Free; entry for Hindus only Opening hours: Usually 5 am to midnight; check locally
What should I wear when visiting Jagannath Temple, Puri?
Traditional modest dress; leather items not allowed
Which religion is Jagannath Temple, Puri sacred to?
Jagannath Temple, Puri is sacred to Hinduism. Active place of worship.
