Puri Jagannath Temple Flag Change: Watch The Gravity-Defying Act Of Pure Devotion Performed Eve

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, stands as an example of both spiritual significance and architectural grandeur. Beyond its monumental beauty, its sacred rituals captivate devotees and visitors alike; one such sacred and miraculous ritual is the changing of the temple flag.

Every evening, the temple priests undertake a breathtaking climb to the top of the temple, which is 213 feet high, all without any kind of safety.  This climb ends with the replacement of the dhwaja (flag) atop the NILA CHAKRA or SRI CHAKRA, a symbolic representation of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. The timing of the ritual shifts with the seasons, at 5 PM during winter months and 6 PM throughout summer.

While the daily flag-changing ceremony remains a sacred tradition, the Jagannath Temple also garners global attention every year during the famous Rath Yatra. Beginning on June 27th, throngs of devotees flood Puri’s streets as Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra, embarks on a grand ten-day chariot procession to visit their aunt’s home. This vibrant festival draws pilgrims and tourists from across the world, offering yet another glimpse into the temple’s enduring cultural and spiritual significance.

The Chola Family: Guardians Of An 800-Year Legacy

At the heart of this daily ritual lies the Chola family, entrusted with the flag-changing duty for over 800 years. This sacred responsibility has been passed down through countless generations, with each member carrying forward a legacy steeped in devotion and discipline. The profound connection of the chola family can be traced back to the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, particularly to Anantavarman Chodaganga, who was believed to rebuild the Jagannath Temple in 11th century. 

According to temple beliefs, the uninterrupted performance of this ritual is crucial. Legends suggest that if the flag-changing ceremony were ever missed, the temple would be forced to close its doors for 18 years — a consequence so grave that it reinforces the unbroken commitment of the Chola family.

The Divine Origin Of The Ritual:

The origin of this tradition is rooted in divine intervention. According to the beliefs, Lord Jagannath once appeared in devotees dream, expressing displeasure over an old, tattered flag atop his temple. When the priests inspected the flag the following morning, they found it worn and frayed. From that moment on, it was decided that a new flag would be hoisted every day as an offering of respect and spiritual renewal.

Each flag is considered an embodiment of Lord Jagannath himself, making the ritual not just an act of maintenance but one of profound devotion. The old flag, believed to have absorbed any negativity, is reverently taken down, while a fresh one is raised to invite renewed spiritual energy.