Lord Jagannath is a revered deity in Hinduism, primarily worshipped in the state of Odisha, India. He is considered a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna and is part of the trinity with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

The name "Jagannath" translates to "Lord of the Universe" (Jagat meaning world, and Nath meaning lord). It symbolizes his omnipresence and universal appeal.

The main temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath is the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It is one of the four Dhams (sacred pilgrimage sites) in Hindu tradition.

The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are carved out of neem wood and have a unique appearance with large, round eyes and no visible hands or feet. This distinct form represents their divine nature and has a deep spiritual significance tied to ancient traditions.

The Rath Yatra is an annual festival where the deities are taken out of the temple in grand chariots for a public procession. It signifies Lord Jagannath's journey to his devotees, promoting unity and inclusivity as people from all backgrounds participate.

The process of Nabakalebara involves replacing the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra with new ones, typically every 12-19 years. This tradition symbolizes the concept of renewal and reincarnation.

The Mahaprasad (sacred food) of the Jagannath Temple is cooked in earthen pots using traditional methods and offered to the deities before distribution. It is believed to be infused with divine blessings and is unique because of its preparation process and spiritual significance.

The tradition of restricting non-Hindus from entering the temple is based on historical and ritualistic practices. However, during Rath Yatra, everyone can see and worship the deities as they are brought outside the temple.

The Sudarshan Chakra atop the Jagannath Temple serves both as a symbol of Lord Vishnu's power and as a protective emblem. Interestingly, it appears to face the viewer from any direction due to its unique design.

Puri is called Shrikhetra (Sacred Land) because it is considered a holy abode of Lord Jagannath. It is believed to be a spiritual gateway for liberation (moksha).

The temple's flag, which changes every day, always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind. This phenomenon is regarded as a divine miracle by devotees.

The creation of the Jagannath idols is linked to the legend of King Indradyumna, who was instructed in a divine dream to install the wooden deities. Vishwakarma, the divine architect, is said to have sculpted the idols under the condition of not being disturbed during the process.

"Patita Pavana" means "Savior of the Fallen." Lord Jagannath is called so because he is believed to be compassionate and forgiving, welcoming everyone irrespective of their caste, creed, or status.

The Jagannath Temple kitchen is one of the largest in the world, capable of preparing food for thousands of devotees daily. It uses a unique hierarchical cooking method with earthen pots stacked on top of each other, yet the topmost pot gets cooked first.

The Nilachakra (Blue Wheel) on the temple's spire symbolizes the universal form of Lord Vishnu. It is a sacred emblem and a guide for devotees visiting Puri.