India is a country with a mammoth number of temples. The temples range from small and simple structures to massive and magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and are a testimony to the artistic and scientific genius of people long lost in the pages of history. Many of the temples of India, even today, confound scientists and laymen alike and stand as an enigma frozen in the maze of time.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a glorious example of a temple steeped in mystery and unsolved riddles that are guaranteed to astound and amaze. The current structure of the Jagannath temple was built in the year 1174 CE and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, another form of Lord Krishna. The Rath Yatra of Puri’s Jagannath Temple is very well known and draws multitudes to its fold. The rituals and traditions of the temple are ancient and unique and are a source of fascination in themselves. But the most intriguing aspect of the temple is the various unexplained mysteries that seem to defy the very laws of science and logic. The next time you are in Puri and visiting the Jagannath Temple and its vicinity, do keep an eye open to these mysteries that remain unexplained to this day.

Puri Jagannath Temple

The Mystery of the Temple Flag

As you look up towards the dome or gopuram of the temple, you will see a saffron and yellow flag fluttering in the breeze. Nothing abnormal there. But if you are a little observant, you will be amazed to note that the flag is floating not in the direction of the wind, but opposite to it! A flag that defies the wind and goes against it is indeed an enigma that continues to float in the wind.

The Mystery of the Cooking of Prasad

The Prasad which is the food offered ritualistically to the deity and then partaken by devotees is cooked in earthen pots placed on firewood. The pots are placed on top of each other in sets of 7 pots. What is so mystifying about this technique of cooking is that the Prasad in the topmost pot gets cooked first and then the one below it and so on. The Prasad in the bottom-most pot is the last one to get cooked. If this is not a mystery, then what is it? – Another intriguing fact to think over from the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The Mystery of the No Fly Zone

Tall structures like towers and temple gopurams are in most cases the haunt of birds of all sorts. If you gaze up you are likely to see birds like eagles, etc., gliding around the temple gopurams. But if you were to gaze up at the Gopuram of the Jagannath Temple, you will not see a single bird. Even if you were to continue gazing for a long period, no birds would cross your vision. Another mystery of the temple, no birds fly around the temple towers.

Food for All and a Mystery Forever

The quantity of Prasad that is cooked in the Jagannath Temple at Puri remains the same on every day of the year without any variation. The visitors to the temple vary between 2,000 to 20,000 in a day. What is amazing is that the Prasad turns out sufficient without any shortage or surplus in spite of the variation in the number of visitors.

The Mystery of the Breezes

It is a geographical fact that the breeze from the sea towards the land blows during the day and the breeze from the land towards the sea blows during the night. But what is remarkable is that the breeze follows the reverse direction in the beach near the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a place that hides within its fold a multitude of mysteries that have confounded mankind for years and continue to intrigue all who come to stare in awe at its magnificent presence. Also, check out our blog on the 5 reasons why you should visit the Puri Jagannath Temple and Puri with a toddler for more insight on this spectacular place. The Puri-Golden Sands, A Sterling Holiday Resort is an ideal place to stay in and explore the intriguing mysteries of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.