The grand Shree Jagannath temple was constructed during the reign of Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the founder of the Ganga dynasty, in the early 12th century A.D. It stands at the center of the inner courtyard on a high raised platform and comprises four main parts: Vimana or Deula-Grbhagriha, Jagamohana, Natamandapa, and Bhogamandapa. The temple architecture blends two styles, Rekha and Pidha. The Vimana is designed in the Nagara type Rekha Deula style, while the Jagamohana follows the Pidha Deula form. This temple is a prime example of Indian, especially Kalingan, architecture.

The main temple, known as Vimana or Deula, serves as the sanctuary or Grbhagriha and follows the Nagara style, characterized by a curvilinear tower called Shikhar. It is constructed on the Pancharatha ground plan, with its vertical structure divided into five projected columns or pillars, known as Rath, on each side. This design showcases the architectural beauty of the Pancha Rath Rekha Deula of Shree Jagannath. Both the Vimana and the porch are divided into five principal parts vertically: Pishta (foundation), Bada (vertical wall), Gandi (trunk or body, the curvilinear tower in Rekha Deula and pyramidal roof in Pidha Deula), and Mastaka (the crowning elements). The Mastaka is circular in cross-section, while the Bada and Gandi are square internally. These components blend harmoniously, forming a masterly architectural conception. The Natamandap (audience hall) and Bhoga Mandap (hall for residuary offerings) are aligned east-west.

The temple's deplastered surface reveals a range of sculptures and decorative details, carved with such skill that they resemble wood or ivory. The lower portion of the platform features friezes of elephants, horses, camels, and warrior processions, while the upper part is adorned with scroll and floral designs and a topmost course depicting horse and elephant processions. The Pabhaga section has Panchang Bada divisions: Pada, Kumbha, Pata, Kani, and Vasanta. Above the Pabhaga, the Talajangha contains miniature temple replicas with Khakaramundi projecting from the Kanikapaga, Rahapaga, and Anurahapaga walls. The space between the Khakaramundi shrines in the Talajangha is occupied by giant figures of Gajasingha trampling over 'Aparsamarapurusha' or demons.

The upper Jangha around the temple displays miniature Pidha Deulas above the Khakaramundi of the Talajangha. The spaces between the Pidha Deulas in the upper Jangha feature life-size sculptures of Madanikas and Surak Sundaries, showcasing superior workmanship, anatomy, ornamentation, and feminine beauty.

At the Gandi level, Bhumi-Amlas are exposed, forming offsets decorated with creepers, floral designs, and rows of swans and animals.

The Raha Paga program differs, featuring large niches for Parsva-devatas on different sides. The southern niche holds the Varaha incarnation, the northern niche houses the Trivikrama image, and the western niche displays the Nrusimha form of Vishnu. These chlorite-carved images are exquisitely detailed.

On both sides of the main temple's outer wall, figures of Vishnu (four on each side) depict 24 forms of Vishnu, such as Keshava, Madhava, Damodara, and Narayana. Central to each miniature shrine are images of Vishnu, Dhanvantari, and Brahma.

Declared a National Monument in 1975, the temple's conservation was entrusted to the Archaeological Survey of India by an agreement dated 22.8.1979.