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| Jagannath Temple |
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History
Jagannath Temple in Ranchi was built by Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, of Barkagarh Jagannathpur principality. The date when construction commenced is not known but the temple was completed on 25th December 1691. The Jagannath Temple is located on top of a small hill somewhere around 10kms from the main town of Ranchi. It is supposed to be a miniature version of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa and is built according to the same architectural design.
The temple can be reached through a flight of stairs which lead to the main gate of the temple or a if you want go up in your vehicle, take a detour which ends at the courtyard of the temple. The temple is built of bricks which are whitewashed only from the outside but the not the inside. The main deity of this temple is Lord Jagannath, who was one of the manifestations of Lord Vishnu.
The Jagannath Temple is very sacred to the tribals of the region. Legend has it that the temple was built to offer the tribals a place of worship to keep them from converting to other religions. This temple complex is divided into three parts and has shrines dedicated to each of the gods - Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Another attraction of the temple is a figure of Lord Hanuman inside the temple and one of Garuda outside the temple.
Tthe main attraction of the temple is the Jagannath Mela and the weeklong Rath Yatra associated with it. Lakhs of devotees flock to the temple as it is believed Lord Jagannath opens his eyes during this time and blesses his devotees.
The temple since it is located on the top of a hill also offers a striking view of the city.
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Best time to visit
The summer season even though it is hot, is the peak season for the temple because of the Jagannathpur Mela and the Rath Yatra taking place at the time. The city can be visited any time but the best time to do so would be during the region of September to May.
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Trivia
The temple unfortunately collapsed on 6th August 1990. The reconstruction was started on 8th February 1992 and the temple has now been fully restored.
The English word Juggernaut has its origin in the huge chariots of Jagannath pulled during Rath Yatra.
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Timing
The temple is open on all days and no entrance fee is charged from the visitors.
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Travel Tools
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