Hub Of The Oriya Community, We’ll Tell You All About The Jagannath Temple In Hauz Khas

The life of the common man in Delhi is very hectic with the daily chores, the never-ending working hours and the maddening traffic. During this hustle-bustle, we tend to lose something very important to us – peace of mind. It’s difficult to find a place in Delhi where your mind and body are both at rest.

One such place – a symbol of the Oriya community in Delhi, clad in white, the Lord Jagannath temple is located in Hauz Khas. It’s around 1.5 km from Green Park Metro Station near Sarvodaya School.

The Thriving Cultural Centre

This temple serves as the cultural hub of the Oriya community in Delhi. Jagannath Temple at Puri in Orissa is one of the ‘Char Dham’ (the four most auspicious temples for Hindus located in four different directions of India) and the temple in Hauz Khas is a replica of the old Jagannath temple in Puri which was built in 1969 by Sree Neelachala Seva Sangh.

Many people staying in Delhi do not get a chance to visit Orissa and hence, this temple gives a very precise and apt insight into the rich culture of Orissa. It was not constructed by the high officials or rich people but was made as a result of the love of the Oriya community for their lord.

The idols worshiped here are of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (brother of Lord Jagannath), Maa Subhadra (sister of Lord Jagannath) and Sudarshan Chakra. “Kshana madhuna Narayana manugatam” mantra is chanted during the morning and evening aarti (prayers) before the closure of the temple, taking you to a new platform away from this harsh world.  

Celebrating Festivities In Pomp & Style

Picture Credits: SOUMYARANJAN BARIK

Ratha Yatra, which is also known as the car festival, is celebrated with great pomp and show in Orissa and is also replicated here. It takes place in the month of June and the chariot carrying the idols takes on a journey of a few kilometres and then proceeds back to the temple. Enthusiastic devotees in lakhs jostle to pull the chariot and it’s considered a great virtue to be able to do so.

There are shops available outside the temple from where you can purchase various postcards and souvenirs of your visit. It opens from 5:30 AM and closes at 1:30 PM and again reopens at 4 PM in the evening and closes around 10 PM at night. Please note that cameras are not allowed inside the premises.

Go and experience the spiritual in a calm and serene environment at The Jagannath Temple for some much-needed tranquillity.

Where | Jagannath Mandir - Road Bhagwan Jagannathh Marg, Block-C, Safdarjung Development Area, Hauz Khas