Garuda-stambha

The pillar, found in front of many Vishnu temples, on top of which stands Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier.
In Jagannath temple Puri, in front of Natya Mandira This is a spacious hall, 21m (65 feet) in length and 20m (61 feet) wide. This is where the “Garuda Stambha” is located. Lord ‘Chaitanya’ always refrained from going inside the sanctum sanctorum and used to view the Lord from a distance from behind this column (Garuda Stambha). Apparently the first time he came for darshan of the Lord, he rushed inside in an ecstasy of devotion and fell senseless. Not knowing his greatness he was thrown out by the stupid attendants. Later on of course they realized their mistake and welcomed him with garlands from the deity. However every time he came near Jagannatha, tears would flow from his eyes and he would dance and sing in a paroxysm of delight and very often lose his senses. Ever after that he refused to face the Lord but always saw him from behind the Garuda Stambha. Behind this column is a small depression which encircles the pillar. It is said that Lord Chaitanya’s tears would often fill this depression. An impression of his hand is also found on the pillar. It is believed that the potency of a devotee’s prayers to the Lord is doubled if he or she stands near this sacred pillar.