• All four gates of Jagannath temple in Puri were reopened for devotees in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his council of ministers.

• The three gates of the 12th-century shrine, which were closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, were reopened after the ‘Mangal Alati’ ritual of Lord Jagannath.

Jagannath Temple

• The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Jagannath.

• Initially constructed in the 10th century and later rebuilt, the temple’s reconstruction began under King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

• It is known as the “White Pagoda” and one of the four pilgrimage sites of Char Dham pilgrimage.

• One of the temple’s notable events is the annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, where the principal deities are transported on grand, intricately adorned temple cars.

• This festival is the origin of the term “juggernaut” in English.

• Unlike the traditional stone and metal idols found in many Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath here is crafted from wood. Every 12 or 19 years, this wooden image is ritually replaced with an exact replica.

• It exemplifies Kalinga architecture, characterised by its distinctive curvilinear towers, intricate carvings, and elaborate sculptures.

• The temple is surrounded by a tall boundary wall with entrances facing each cardinal direction.

• It is also known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha’, where, according to Hindu belief, the influence of Yama, the god of death, is believed to be nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.

Previous Year’s Questions

Q.1) The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.

2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.

3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

a. 1 and 2 only    b. 2 and 3 only   c. 1 and 3 only   d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

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Q.2) With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.

2. It is the only circular temple built in India.

3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.

4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2021)

a. 1 and 2

b. 2 and 3 only

c. 1 and 4

d. 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)