What Is Jagannath's Neela Chakra? The Fascinating Story Behind Puri Temple's Sacred Emblem And Flag
· Free Press Journal
Jagannath Temple is one of the most revered temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple is also famous for the Rath Yatra, the chariot festival, which is celebrated every year, with people from around the world visiting the temple. But do you know what the Neela Chakra, situated atop the temple, is?
The Neela Chakra is one of the most revered symbols of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Mounted atop the temple's towering shikhara (spire), the sacred wheel is visible from afar and is regarded as a powerful emblem of Lord Jagannath's divine presence. Along with the temple's fluttering flag, it holds immense religious and cultural significance for devotees.
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VIDEO | Khordha, Odisha: The rhythmic sound of looms has echoed through the village of Routpada in Odisha's Khurda district for generations.
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It signals the arrival of one of India's grandest religious festivals, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
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What is Neela Chakra in Jagannath?
The Neela Chakra, meaning "Blue Wheel," is made of ashta dhatu (an alloy of eight sacred metals). It measures around 11 feet 8 inches in diameter and features eight spokes, symbolising cosmic order, protection, and the eternal cycle of time. The chakra is believed to represent the Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus of Lord Vishnu. Lord Jagannath is considered a form of Lord Vishnu.
About Patitapabana Bana
Attached to the Neela Chakra is the Patitapabana Bana, the sacred temple flag that is changed every day through a remarkable ritual. According to local belief, the flag always appears to flutter against the direction of the wind, which is one of the temple's mysteries. It is believed that seeing the Neela Chakra and the sacred flag from a distance is equivalent to receiving the blessings of Lord Jagannath, especially for those unable to enter the temple.
The world's biggest chariot festival.
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Jai Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu. pic.twitter.com/pVy7CU76Y7
Flag is changed daily
The flag is changed by specially trained temple servitors, known as Chunara Sevayats. They climb the temple's 214-foot-high structure without modern safety equipment to replace the flag. This centuries-old tradition is performed daily before sunset and is considered an act of great devotion.
Rath Yatra 2026: Why Lord Jagannath Stays At Gundicha Temple For Seven Days?About Jagannath Rath Yatra
Jagannath Rath Yatra is also known as Navadina Yatra, Gudicha Yatra, and Dasavatara Yatra. The festival is celebrated every year. The revered festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is a form of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha, as per the traditional Oriya calendar. This lively festival carries great importance in Hinduism. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, hosts this magnificent event, drawing numerous devotees from distant places.