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Puri, Odisha’s picturesque seaside city and the home of Lord Jagannath, is located alongside the Bay of Bengal, where he is revered. Shree Jagannath Temple, famous for being one of the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, is the most significant tourist attraction in Puri, Orissa. There are numerous sacred tanks in Puri, like “Pancha Tirth,” where worshippers must take a plunge to complete their pilgrimage, as well as numerous other temples. This place also features one of the most gorgeous beaches in the state and is one of the most famous tourist places in Puri, Odisha.
“Shree Jagannath Temple”, one of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is what makes the city of Puri so famous. In Hinduism, the God of the Universe is regarded as an avatar of God Vishnu and worshipped in this majestic temple. Among the deities revered here are Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra, the other two members of the holy trinity.
Since its construction in the 12th century, the shrine has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. With two circular walls, the one on the inner side called “Kuruma Bheda” and the outer one called “Meghnad Pachira,” surrounding it, the temple stands on an elevated platform. The main gate, which is also known as Singhadwara, is located on the east side, one of four along with the cardinal directions.
Every year, millions of devotees travel from all over the world to attend the renowned Rath Yatra of Puri or also known as the Chariot Festival, which is held in the months of June and July.
Puri Beach is amongst the must-see tourist places for visitors of the city, just like the famed temple. Devotees flock to this beach on the Bay of Bengal after paying their respects at the Jagannath Temple to cool off in the water. Additionally, it is one of the most popular tourist places in Puri, Odisha, due to its clean beaches and raging waves.
Sunrise and sunset views are particularly captivating, which is why so many people come to see this location. In addition, there are a few shops offering refreshments and mementos nearby. Because of the diverse range of cultural activities, the Beach Festival of Puri, which takes place in November, often draws large crowds.
Loknath Temple, one of Puri’s most popular religious destinations, is not even 5 kilometres away from the Jagannath Temple. For the majority of the year, the lingam may be found lying immersed in a natural subsurface fountain within a shrine that dates back to the 11th century. On “Pankoddhar Ekadashi”, 3 days before the important Shivaratri Festival, the water is cleared, making the lingam fully visible, and a number of devotees attend the temple on this day to witness the ritual.
Pattachitra is the art form that is most well-known to be practised in the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur. The village has more than 120 homes of artists devoted to working in a variety of art forms. Painting on cloth is referred to as ‘Pattachitra,’ a name derived from the terms ‘Patta’ meaning canvas, and ‘Chitra,’ meaning painting. A common motif in these works is the holy trinity, composed of the Hindu deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. One of the best tourist places around Puri, Raghurajpur, is very popular amongst tourists.
Betel nuts, coconuts, and dried palm leaves added to the famed tussar fabric are some of the surfaces on which these paintings are made. In this village, you may purchase “papier-mâché” masks and wood and stone toys as gifts for the people you love.
Puri is said to have been a place of Shiva worshipping, and the Jambeswara Temple is one of the city’s most prominent shrines. It is also referred to as Yameswar Temple. This temple is said to have been built between the 10th and 11th centuries.
Even though all Hindu holidays are celebrated with great joy and pomp at this ancient sacred site in Puri, the festival of Shivaratri is the one that brings the greatest number of followers to this place of worship.
Approximately 3 hectares in size, Narendra Sarovar is considered to be the biggest sacred tank in Puri. This reservoir also termed Narendra Pokhari or Narendra Tank, features an island along with a temple devoted to the holy trinity.
Chandan Yatra, a well-known summer celebration, takes place here every year. The holy trinity is revered with Chandan (sandal) during this event, hence the name. In addition to the Forty two-day-long events, it marks the start of the making of the Ratha or chariot for the very famous Car Festival or Rath Yatra of Puri, which begins on Akshaya Tritiya on the same day.
Markandeshwar Temple, also known as Markandeya Shiva Temple, Markandesvara Temple, and Markandeshwar Mahadeva Temple, is another well-known Shiva temple in Puri. Lord Shiva is said to have saved the sage Markandeya from drowning while meditating; hence this shrine was named after him.
Kaliyadalan, Chandra Yatra, Sital Sasthi, and Balabhadra Janma are just a few of the many Hindu rites and events associated with this well-known shrine. Stone inscriptions uncovered at the temple and the neighbouring Markandeya tank reveal that the temple was a major religious place in the 12th century under the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
The Gundicha Temple, nestled in a lovely garden about 3 kilometres from Jagannath Temple, is a well-known pilgrimage destination. According to legend, the holy triad would retreat to the garden house of Lord Jagannath during the hot months of summer.
This temple was constructed out of light-grey sandstone in the traditional Kalinga architectural style. It is divided into four primary sections: the Vimana (a tower structure that houses the sanctuary), the Jagamohana (an assembly hall), the Natamandapa (the location of all festivals), and the Bhogamandapa (offerings hall). The deities enter through the west gate and exit through the east gate, which is placed at the end of Bada Danda, the major route of the Puri Rath Yatra.
Also, check out our article on the most beautiful destinations in Delhi in detail here!
Five sacred bathing kunds in Puri are known as Pancha Tirtha: Markandeya, Indradyumna, Rohini, Swetagang, and Mahodadhi, respectively. Pilgrims regard bathing in these kinds to be a crucial part of completing their spiritual trip to Puri.
Lord Vishnu is said to have lived as a neem tree in Markandeya Tank which is close to the Markandeshwar Temple, which is regarded as the point of start of this pilgrimage. While Indradyumna can be found in close proximity to Gundicha Temple, Rohini Kund can be seen on the premises of Jagannath Temple. The residence of Lord Jagannath, Niladri, lies south of Swetaganga Tank. The Mahodadhi holy bathing location is located in Swargadwar, which is widely held to be the entrance to heaven. Devotees visit this spot to take a holy bath in the hopes of achieving moksha, also known as salvation.
Odisha’s Puri has its own unique culture and nature. In Puri, there are many things to do, but the temples are the most popular draw for travellers from around the world. Nevertheless, the world-famous Chilika Lake’s tranquil beaches and unique kinds of birds and animals are also a great tourist attraction. Puri is amongst the best tourist places to unwind and enjoy your time in Odisha, so take advantage of it while you’re there.
Puri has 7 beachfronts. Balighai Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, Puri Beach, Swargadwar, Golden Beach, and Baliharachandi Beach are some of them.
No, guests can’t pray in the temple wearing jeans, T-shirts, or shorts.
3-4 days are needed to see all of Puri’s attractions, including the Puri beach, Jagannath temple, Konark temple, and crafts museum.
The famed Jagannath Temple and longest golden beach in India, Puri beach, are the specialties of Puri. It’s one of India’s four Dhamas, along with Dwarika, Badrinath, and Rameswar.
June to March is the best time to visit Puri. June to September is monsoon season. The city sees medium rainfall at the beginning of the month and significant rainfall towards the conclusion. March-May is the city’s summer season.
