The land of Lord Jagannath meaning 'Lord of Universe' is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The Jagannath temple in Puri was built approximately in 12th Century A.D. by King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The completion was later brought about by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, during the 12th century.

One of the most revered of all temples of Lord Vishnu in eastern India, the Jagannath Temple was built in the classical temple building phase. Protected by two surrounding walls, the conical tower of the temple is 58 mts high on which the flag and the wheel of Lord Vishnu can be seen. Dedicated to Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra, the temple has these three as principal deities. Maha-prasada is pure vegetarian spiritual food offered to Lord Jagannath. Just by eating this mahaprasada one makes great spiritual advancement. Everyday fifty six varieties of prasada are offered to Lord Jagannath.

The preparations are made traditionally and onion, garlic, chillies and many varieties of vegetables are not added to the mahaprasada. These offerings after being made to Lord Jagannath are then offered to Goddess Bimala Devi in the temple precincts which then becomes Mahaprasadam. This Mahaprasadam is considered very efficacious for spiritual liberation. One should respectfully honor the Mahaprasadam sitting on the floor. This Mahaprasadam is available daily after 3-5 pm. This is sold outside the sanctorum area but within the temple premises. The Mahaprasadam remains hot for a long time as it is kept in the same earthen pots which are used to cook it. The architecture of the temple follows the pattern of many Orissa temples of the classical period.

The main shikhara or tower rises above the inner sanctum where the deities reside. Subsidiary shikharas rise above ante-halls. The temple complex is surrounded by a wall, on each side of which is a gopura or gate, over which rises a pyramid-shaped roof. Being the largest temple in the state, it has a complex covering several square blocks with dozens of structures including a mammoth kitchen. The main temple structure of this architectural and cultural wonder is 65 m high and is built on elevated ground, making it look more imposing. Comprising an area of 10.7 acres, the temple complex is enclosed by two rectangular walls.

The outer enclosure is called Meghanada Prachira, 200m by 192m. The inner wall is called Kurmabedha, 126m by 95m. There are thirty-six traditional communities (Chatisha Niyaga) who render a specific hereditary service to the deities. The temple has as many as 6,000 priests. There is a wheel on top of the Jagannath Temple made of an alloy of eight metals. It is called the Nila Chakra (Blue Wheel), and is 3.5m high with a circumference of about 11m. Every day, a different flag is tied to a mast attached to the Nila Chakra. Every Ekadasi, a lamp is lit on top of the temple near the wheel. There are four gates the eastern Singhadwara (Lion Gate), the southern Ashwadwara (Horse Gate), the western Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate), and the northern Hastidwara (Elephant Gate).

There is a carving of each form by the entrance of each gate. The Lion Gate, which is the main gate, is located on Grand Road. Thirty different smaller temples surround the main temple. The Narasimha Temple, adjacent to the western side of the Mukti-mandapa, is said to have been constructed before this temple even.

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