About Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple is a prominent Hindu place of worship which is located in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This shrine which is dedicated to Holy deity Lord Jagannath was constructed by Sadhu Sarangdasji about four hundred and fifty years ago. It is also the primary venue for hosting the famous chariot festival named ‘Ratha Yatra’. This temple is opened to the public daily from 04: 30 AM in the morning till 09: 00 PM in the evening.

The current location of Shree Jagannath Temple was previously a thick deciduous forest which shed leaves each year. Spiritual adventurers during those times often visit this place to seek solace thereby escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city’s lifestyle.

 One day, Shri Hanuman Das Ji paid a visit to this place and he discovered that it is an ideal place to halt and stay for a few days. Shri Hanuman Das Ji being a staunch devotee of Ram Bhakt Maruti decided to install an idol and offer prayers to date.

A mass influx of people from the neighboring areas flocked to this place which ultimately paved the way for the rise of a new temple. His inheritor Sadhu Sarangdasji was also a devotee of Lord Jagannath. One day, he and his local associates decided to visit the famous Jagannath Mandir at Odisha.

While he was sleeping at the premises of the temple, he experienced some vivid images of Lord Jagannath instructing him to get back to Ahmedabad and install idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldevji, and Goddess Subhadra. Later the Maruti temple was popularly known by the name Shri Jagannath Mandir. Shree Jagannath Temple houses a cow shed too.

The annual Rath Yatra coincides with the Rath Yatra in Puri. As per tradition elephants have the first glimpse of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra and lead the procession. The Chief Minister of Gujarat performs the 'Pahind Vidhi' or the symbolic cleaning of the path for the chariot of Jagannath for the rath yatra, after which the procession begins.  The rath yatra entourage passes through different parts of the city of Ahmedabad covering a distance of about 14-km. The yatra halts at Saraspur, where the locals offer 'Maha Bhoj' to the entire entourage of devotees of Lord Jagannath. It is celebrated as 'Lokotsav' or public festival of the state of Gujarat.