<h4>Overview and Significance of Jagannath Temple</h4><p>The <strong>Jagannath Temple</strong> in <strong>Puri, Odisha</strong>, is one of India's most revered <strong>Hindu shrines</strong>. It is dedicated to <strong>Lord Jagannath</strong>, believed to be an incarnation of <strong>Vishnu</strong>, along with his elder brother <strong>Balabhadra</strong> and sister <strong>Subhadra</strong>.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Known As:</strong> "White Pagoda"<br><strong>Deities:</strong> Lord Jagannath (Vishnu), Balabhadra, Subhadra</div><h4>Part of Char Dhams and Golden Triangle</h4><p>The temple holds immense spiritual importance as one of the <strong>Char Dhams</strong>, the four most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites for Hindus. This status makes it a critical destination for devotees.</p><div class="key-point-box">The <strong>Char Dhams</strong> are: <ul><li><strong>Badrinath</strong></li><li><strong>Dwarka</strong></li><li><strong>Rameswaram</strong></li><li><strong>Puri (Jagannath Temple)</strong></li></ul></div><p>It is also a key component of <strong>Odisha's Golden Triangle</strong>, a circuit connecting major tourist destinations in the state. This highlights its cultural and economic significance.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Odisha's Golden Triangle:</strong><ul><li><strong>Puri (Jagannath Temple)</strong></li><li><strong>Bhubaneswar</strong> (City of Temples)</li><li><strong>Konark Sun Temple</strong> (Black Pagoda)</li></ul></div><h4>Historical Background of Jagannath Temple</h4><p>The construction of the <strong>Jagannath Temple</strong> dates back to the <strong>12th century CE</strong>. It was built by the renowned king <strong>Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva</strong> of the <strong>Ganga Dynasty</strong>.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Builder:</strong> King <strong>Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva</strong><br><strong>Dynasty:</strong> <strong>Ganga Dynasty</strong><br><strong>Period:</strong> <strong>12th century CE</strong></div><h4>Key Architectural Features: Kalinga Style</h4><p>The temple stands as an outstanding example of <strong>Kalinga architecture</strong>, a distinctive style prevalent in Odisha. This architectural form is known for its unique characteristics.</p><div class="key-point-box"><strong>Kalinga Architecture Characteristics:</strong><ul><li>Distinctive <strong>curvilinear towers</strong> (Shikhara)</li><li>Intricate <strong>carvings</strong></li><li>Ornate <strong>sculptures</strong></li></ul></div><h4>Temple Gates and Cardinal Directions</h4><p>The temple's boundary wall features <strong>four gates</strong>, strategically located at its mid-points. Each gate faces one of the four <strong>cardinal directions</strong> and is named after different animals.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Gates:</strong> Four gates, facing <strong>North, South, East, West</strong><br><strong>Naming Convention:</strong> Named after <strong>animals</strong> (e.g., Lion Gate, Elephant Gate)</div>