Puri is one of the four 'dhams' of the Hindus along with Varanasi, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. Puri is well-known for a 12th-century temple called "Jagannath" erected in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple of Lord Jagannath is a colossal one. Since the town is a religious place and a sea resort, it attracts devotees in large numbers. Puri is also famous for its car festival.
Lord Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and brotherhood is worshiped in the Temple along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejeweled platform. The Deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood. These three together are the principal deities of the temple, whose images reside in the temple's sanctuary.
The temple was originally built by the Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078 - 1148 CE). Much of the present structure was built by King Ananga Bhima Deva in the year 1174 CE. It took 14 years to complete and was consecrated in 1198 CE. It is believed that the image of Jagannath was buried thrice in the Chilka lake for protection from invaders.
The vast temple complex occupies an area of over 400000 square feet, and is bounded by a 20 feet high fortified wall. This complex contains about 120 temples and shrines.
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