Jagannath Temple, Chennai
It was September 2021 when we had recently gotten over the tragic second wave of novel coronavirus. The anxious human in me needed a break. The traveler in me needed a break. South India was what I chose to break free. Honestly, I had been desiring to visit Chennai, thanks to the beautiful memories I cherish from a decade back. Moreover, it is quite amusing to explore a destination as a travel blogger. So, like always, I sit down to do my pre-research for Chennai. And I come across Jagannath Temple, which has its origin in Odisha, the northeastern part of India.
What caught my attention was the fact that the excellent architecture of the temple is an actual replica of the original Puri Jagannath Temple at Odisha. Additionally, the idols of deities at the shrine are made of neem wood, similar to those at Puri.
Now, this gave me enough encouragement to give the temple a visit. The temple is located in Kannathur off the East Coast Road, which means you can make a stopover there on your way to Mahabalipuram or Pondicherry.
A replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple, Odisha
The temple was built recently, with a structure similar to the Puri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The temple is located a few hundred meters away from the seashore. When you enter the Jagannath shrine using the few steps, you will be able to see the sea and the beautiful nature.
The main deities of this temple are Lord Jagannath, Devi Subadra, and Lord Balabadra. One can pay obeisance to Lord Yoganarasimha as well. The other Sannidhis in this temple are those of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Devi Gajalakshmi, and Devi Vimala. A huge Dhwaja Sthambha stands impressively at the entrance to the main shrine.
The shrine is made of black granite from Kancheepuram and white marble from Rajasthan and constructed in Oriya style. The temple precincts have been aesthetically beautified, with green lawns and flowerbeds that lay over an area of one acre. Even the priests at the temple are from Odisha, and they chant the slokas in Oriya. They perform the prayers in the Oriya style.
Temple timings: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Good to know: The devotees can get Madhya Prasad (Lunch Time) every day just like Mahaprasad in Jagannath Puri Dham.
Good to know: Rathyatra is the main festival of Puri Jagannath Temple, Chennai, which gets celebrated lavishly every year.
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This looks like an amazing temple! I’m glad that they rebuilt it so that we can imagine what the original looked like.
Yes! It is also convenient for the people of Tamil Nadu and nearby states to visit the temple, and offer prayers.
Wow this temple looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing the history behind it – so interesting to know it’s a replica.
You are welcome, Ashleigh.
Beautiful! Love that you listed the deities of the temple – I’ve always had an interest in reading up on the backstories of various deities and learning about different religions.
Thank you for reading the post, Jasmine.
Wow, this looks stunning. Thanks for sharing the details 🙂
You are welcome, Nikki.
I am eternally fascinated with the richness of temples and deities of India. I absolutely cannot wait for safer times to travel. This temple in Chennai looks so beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration!
Hi Bea! Even I am desperately waiting for the international travel to become safe again. However, at the same time, I am thankful that I have got this time as an opportunity to explore my beautiful country.
What a beautiful replica! It always astounds me that we don’t usually build things like this any more
Well, I personally feel that the old temples ooze the real charm. Nothing can match that.
This temple looks amazing and the idols of wood must be beautiful. What do they mail deities in this temple represent? Just curious!
Hi Heather! Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are a trio of deities worshipped at the temple.
Wow! This looks like an amazing place to visit and take a much-needed break. Love the pictures and your tips are great.
Thank you, Jordan.
Looks beautiful! Although, I feel it is different from the original one.
Well, it might be so. But, I am sure it is negligible.
Sounds like just the spot for a rejuvenating break! I had to laugh at your comment about seeing it through the lens of being a travel blogger – I feel like knowing you’ll need to write about it later definitely changes the experience considerable, although not in bad way.
Haha! I cannot emphasize enough how fulfilling it has been to experience places as a travel blogger.
Beautiful temple!
Yes, it is. The staff members maintain the temple quite nicely.
This temple looks like an amazing place to visit. Thanks for the info!
You are welcome, Hailey.