Jagannatha Swamy Temple – Vizianagaram

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The Sri Jagannatha Swamy temple, believed to be constructed in the 13th century, got a facelift the temple considered to be a replica of the famous Jagannath temple of Puri, Odisha, was constructed in accordance with the rules of the Pancha Ratra Agama Sastras. Prayers are offered to Lord Jagannatha Swamy, along with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra. Special pujas are performed to Sri Venugopala Swamy and goddess Mahalakshmi on the same premises.

The temple was in a dilapidated condition till a few months ago. Local youngsters who took steps for its cleaning were shocked with the identification of the sculpture, which was hidden behind thick and tough coatings. They took the issue to the local elders who, in turn, alerted the Endowments Department and the Archaeology Department for the preservation of the Kalinga sculpture.

As per traditions, a replica of the idol of Lord Jagannadha is immersed into the sea every twelve years. The Maharaja of Vizianagaram requested the priests of Puri to permit him to bring the replica to Vizianagaram with the intent of installing the idols in a temple, but his request was denied. It is said that a band of loyal followers of the maharajas dived into the sea and retrieved the idol on the night of the immersion. This idol was brought to Vizianagaram and installed in the Jagannadha Swamy temple.