Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khasजगन्नाथ मंदिर, हौज़ खास

About Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khas

The Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas, South Delhi, is a modern temple built by the Odia community living in the capital. It enshrines Lord Jagannath with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, the same sacred trio worshipped at the great temple of Puri in Odisha. For Odia families in Delhi it is a cultural as well as religious home, and it introduces many other residents of the city to the unique customs of Jagannath worship.

Jagannath, a form of Krishna (Vishnu), is worshipped in large wooden images with round eyes, a style rooted in ancient Odisha. The Delhi temple was established in the later 20th century, and it follows the Puri calendar as closely as it can. Its best-known event is the annual Rath Yatra, when the deities are brought out on decorated chariots and pulled by devotees through the nearby streets amid singing, drums and dancing. The bathing festival of Snana Purnima, the period of rest that follows, and the return journey of the chariots are also observed. Mahaprasad, the sacred food offered to the deities, is shared with devotees on many days.

The temple building takes inspiration from the Kalinga architecture of Odisha, with a curved tower over the sanctum and an assembly hall in front, though on a much smaller scale than Puri. Inside, the three deities sit on a raised altar dressed in bright clothes that change with the festivals. The campus is compact and peaceful compared with the busy roads outside, and on festival days it fills with music, lamps and the scent of food being cooked for the deities.

Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khas timings & aarti

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khas

Festivals at Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khas

• Rath YatraJun/Jul
• Snana PurnimaJun
• JanmashtamiAug/Sep
• Kartika monthOct/Nov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended; remove footwear before entering.

Entry

Free.

• The Rath Yatra day is very crowded and roads nearby may be closed; use the metro if you can.
• Evening aarti is a good time to visit for music and lamps.
• Ask before photographing the deities inside the sanctum.
• Delhi summers are very hot; visit in the morning or evening between April and June.

Places to visit near Jagannath Temple, Hauz Khas

• Hauz Khas ComplexMedieval tank, madrasa and tombs, about 2 km away
• Deer Park, Hauz KhasGreen park and lake, about 2 km away
• Qutub MinarUNESCO-listed medieval minaret, about 5 km away
• Chhatarpur Temple (Shri Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir)Large Devi temple complex, about 10 km away

Frequently asked questions