VIMANA OR GARBHA GRIHA OF JAGANNATH TEMPLE

VIMANA OR GARBHA GRIHA OF JAGANNATH TEMPLE

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VIMANA OR GARBHA GRIHA OF JAGANNATH TEMPLE


The base of the Viman is of square size. The erected part of the Viman is circular up to the top (Sikhara) of the temple. The Vimana is Pancha-Ratha in plan (temple containing five pagas or segments) - Bhumi (pedestal), Bada (wall), Gandi (trunk), Mastak (head) and Dhwaja (fag). The height of the Vimana by theodolite method is 214 feet 8 inches (65 meters). The ground plan is a square of 80 feet and the height is 192 feet from Upana. The Vimana rises in a sheer perpendicular to a height of 35' above the plinth after which it curves inward. The tower starts from a plinth of 5 feet 2 inches in height. The height of the Jangha is 11 feet.

The Vimana consists of several sections super imposed one over the other tapering to the top where the great amalaka-sila and kalasa are placed. The amalaka-sila is meant to keep the structure properly balanced. The four figures of huge Dopichha Lions at each corner, and other Hindu Deities carved below the amalaka-sila are serving as the support so that it will remain in its proper position. Above the kalasa, the famous Neelachakra is placed.

Lord Jagannath Temple

The main inner part of the Vimana or main temple is Garbha Griha. It is also known as Manikota. In the Garbha Griha, there is a raised platform known as Ratna Mandapa (Throne of Pearls). Ratna Mandapa is also known as Ratnavedi, Mahavedi and Ratna Singhasana. It is 16 feet long,13 feet wide and 4 feet high. On this raised platform the images of Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath are placed from left to right. The emblem Sudarsana is placed on the left of Lord Jagannath. All the Deities are facing towards east. Nilamadhaba, Shri Devi (a golden image of Lakshmi) and Bhu Devi (a silver image or Saraswati) have also taken their seats on the Ratnavedi. Lord Sudarshana, Nilamadhaba and Shri Devi are at the left side of Lord Jagannath, and Bhu Devi is at the right side of Lord Jagannath, so this is also known as Sapta Barna Pitha. Sufficient space has been left around the Ratnavedi for the devotees to perform circum-ambulation.

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