Odisha is known as the land of Lord Jagannath (literally meaning the Lord of the Universe). The temple built in the 12th century AD has been the epicenter of the Jagannath cult and sees pilgrims flocking to the temple town of Puri from all corners of the world throughout the year. The mysticism associated with the cult of Lord Jagannath overshadows the architectural brilliance of this magnificent temple.  Built on a raised platform, the gigantic temple is an architectural marvel in its own right. The temple saw new additions to its structure till about the 16th century AD. Unlike other temples of the region, the carvings on the temple are predominantly of gods and goddesses. The entire temple complex is enclosed within two concentric walls, the Kuruma Bheda (inner wall) and the Meghnad Pachira (wall). The main entrance to the temple is through Singhadwara, located on the eastern front of the temple, with three other entrances along the four cardinal directions. However, these are not architecturally aligned, indicating that the other entrances might have been created for security purposes, since the temple was at the eye of the storm during the tumultuous period between the 16th and 18th century. Some of the architectural importance of the Puri Jagannath temple. The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day. The Nilachakra – or the blue wheel perched on top of the temple – is made of eight metals or asta dhatu. It is believed that if you see the Nilachakra, it is as good as seeing the Lord himself. The Mahaprasad or the offering to the Lord is prepared on fire lit by wood charcoal, and rice and vegetables, cereals, etc. are put in earthen pots and placed on the fire one on top of the other. The pot on the top cooks first. The Aruna stambha – the 33-ft monolithic structure pillar in front of the Singhadwar or the main entrance of the temple – was originally located at the Sun Temple, Konark. Another unique feature of the temple is that the idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols. They are also the only deity with the trappings of mortality. Debasnana Purnima festival – The annual bathing ritual, where the holy trinity is brought out from their sanctum seated on a raised platform and bathed with purified water drawn from a well within the temple premises. Chariot Festival – In this festival, the three deities come out to the holy street (Bada Danda) to greet their devotees; people irrespective of caste, creed and colour can seek their blessings. This is conducted every year in the month of June/July.