The Puri of Bangalore

Bangalore, once famed for its pleasant weather, now grapples with notorious traffic jams. Often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India, this city was once a haven of lush gardens and expansive parks. This article sheds light on a lesser-known gem, the Shri Jagannath Temple, whose annual car festival draws over 15,000 devotees.

Located in the Agara locality, this temple was erected by the Orissan community, offering a local abode for worshipping Lord Jagannath of Puri. Perched atop a modest hillock, the temple stands as a testament to Kalinga temple architecture.

Resembling the revered Puri Jagannath Temple, the sanctum of this shrine also houses the divine trio—Jagannath, Subhadra, and Balabhadra. Carved from sacred neem logs, known as daru, the deities rest upon a resplendent platform called Ratnabedi. Alongside them, the sanctum hosts Sudarshana Chakra, Madanmohan, Sridevi, and Vishwadhatri. Interestingly, the trio's iconography presents only their faces, devoid of arms or torsos.

Guarding the sanctum's entrance are two Dwarapalas, their arms poised in Anjali mudra. Above, the lintel displays the celestial presence of the Nava grahas. Facing the main shrine with reverent hands, Garuda stands in unwavering devotion.

A sub-shrine in the southeast houses a Shiva Linga, accompanied by his divine consort and Ganesha. Meanwhile, Hanuman finds his revered abode in the northeast corner.

In the southwestern sanctum, Vimala (also known as Bimala), the Goddess of the Tantric sect, holds her divine presence. Sharing the divine space, Kamala resides in the northwest sub-shrine. These shrines, along with the main sanctum, boast outer walls adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various forms of Devis, Vishnu's Avatars, celestial dancers, musicians, Naga maidens, Vyalas, and other captivating motifs.

As one explores further, the main shrine reveals niche deities such as Bhoo Varaha, Narasimha vanquishing Hiranyakashipu, and the majestic Trivikrama.

Niches within the other sub-shrines pay homage to Varahi, Narasimhi, and various other divine forms of the Devis, each a stunning testament to the temple's artistic grandeur.

Happy travelling.