Jagannath Temple in Puri :
The magnificent and beautiful temple of the Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), called Jaganath Temple, is situated in Puri, Orissa. Lord Jagannath is the Master of the Universe.Jagannath Temple is a renowned centre of pilgrimage, more so for the spiritually inclined devotees of the Lord who visit the temple in great numbers throughout the year, particularly at the time of the annual religious event of much importance--the Car Festival, commonly known as Rath Yatra.
At time of the Rath Yatra, the images of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra are put in mammoth chariots and pulled by the passionate devotees, some of whom throw themselves in front of the gigantic wheels of the chariots so that they could be killed and attain salvation.
With its sculptural wealth and architectural elegance the Jagannath Temple represents the finest of the Orissan architecture. No wonder, the temple is regarded an architectural wonder. With 120 temples and shrines, the huge and sprawling Jagannath Temple Complex sprawls over an area of 400000 sq kms.
The non Hindus and the foreigners are denied entry to the temple complex. Perhaps, the Jagannath Temple maintains the largest functioning kitchen in the world that can provide food to about 10000 people at a time. The lip-smacking food made there is at first offered to the Lord Jagannath and then is distributed amongst the devotees and others.
The food (Prasad) at the Jagnnath Temple Kitchen is made with much care keeping in mind the rules as laid down by religious scriptures. According to the legend, the Goddess Mahalaxmi personally supervises the food's preparation at the Jagannath Temple.