Much revered ,and the destination of countless piligrms from the length & breadth of the country ,the JAGANNATH TEMPLE IS ONE OF THE FOURMOST sacred place(DHAMS) OF WORSHIP for hindus.
The reigning deity who holds the devotees in a fever of intense religious fervour is Lord Jagannath,the Lord of the universe ,VISHNU. If we break the word Jagannath
then it refers
, Jagat means universe & Nath means lord.
In the state of Odisa, the head of all culture is lord JAGANNATH .
With sister Suvadra , brother Balavadra(BALARAM) ,In his 12th century abode, Jagannath holds sway not only over Puri , but the entire state.
Now if we compare it with the char Dhams , it is considered as the most holiest one. As , considered Lord Vishnu , baths in Badrinath,then for shringar(attire) goes to Dwarka,then comes to have food to Puri,then goes to Rameswaram for rest . All the bhogs & prasads consisting Rice, Dal,VEGETABLE CURRIES ,CAKES&sweetmeals offered to Jagannath is known As MAHAPRASAD.
The temple structure represents kalinga artitecture ,culture. It has 4 entrances (dwars) named Singha dwar or Lion gate (EASTERN GATE),Byghra Dwar or Tiger gate (western gate),Asua dwar or horse gate (southern gate), Hasti dwar (northern gate ). ENTERING TO THE TEMPLE :
After entering through the lion gate there follows Baisi pahacha or 22steps. It has its own holines . Before this step we can see lord Patitpaban ,which has been installed by Gajapati Ramachandradev. As he got converted to islam due some circumstances. Now the people who can't enter the temple can get a glance of lord by Viewing lord PATITAPABAN.
Then starts the 22 steps or baisi pahacha . One can get a clear & magnificient view of the temple top from the very first step. After 3 steps one can find the temple of Kashi Viswanath
