Name: Puri
Rating: 3.7

Ganesh Temple, Puri Overview

Inside the famous Jagannath temple complex in Puri, is situated a small Ganesh temple, housing an exclusive image of Ganesh known as Natya Ganesh i.e. Dancing Ganesh.

Inside the famous Jagannath temple complex in Puri, is situated a small Ganesh temple, consisting of an exclusive image of Ganesha known as Natya Ganesh i.e. Dancing Ganesh. The temple has great archaeological significance. In spite of its small size, every year large number of devotees offer their prayers. History reveals that the idol is gifted by the King of Kanchi. The Jagannath temple complex comprises of many other temples dedicated to gods Hanuman, Surya, Saraswati, Vimala. In front of the Ganesh temple, a small water-pot built up of stones known as Rohinikund is also present.

Architecture of The Ganesh Temple

A very rarely seen deity of Ganesh known as "Uchhitha Ganpati ", facing south is present in the temple. The temple unfolds the beliefs of Hindu religion as it has the carving of Hindu culture on walls. For the ease of people the temple has 4 entrance gates. Ganesh temple is wrapped with iron fence to protect from monkeys. An idol of Mooshka, well known as the vehicle of Lord ganesha is situated at the main gate of temple. The Jagannath temple complex is stretched over an area of 40,000 square feet .

Rath- yatra at Puri

Rath-yatra at Puri is celebrated spectacularly. Thousands of people gather in the month of June to attend the festival. Every year a huge wheeled structured Rath is build and decorated by the people. The festival proceeds with the journey of three idols of Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra on the giant rath from Bada danda to the Gundicha temple. Chhera pahara, is the most important ritual performed. In this ritual the Gajapati king sweeps with sandalwood water, golden broom and with powder all around the rath and deities. This ritual signifies that there is no difference between the Kalingan king and humble devotee.

The Biggest Kitchen

India's largest kitchen of Puri is situated in the south-east direction in the outer compound of the mandir. Every day, around 400 assistants and 200 cooks make food for the deity. It is believed that Mahalakshmi supervises all the food. If any fault appears, a dog comes near the kitchen. The water for cooking is taken from the two wells Ganga and Jamuna, situated inside the kitchen. The food is made in an earthen pot. Later on, all the food is distributed among the devotees as Mahaprasad (blessing of god).

Tips For Visiting Ganesh Temple

Good time to visit the temple is from November to March. The darshan is closed for 2-3 weeks before the commencement of famous Rath Yatra in the month of June-July. An amount of Rs 50 is charged for Parimanik darshan (devotees are allowed right up to the deity's image).