Jagannath Temple in Puri

Jagannath Temple in Puri

The Jagannath temple is located in Puri in the state of Orissa and is one of the char dham after Badrinath, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. So it is of great importance to the Hindus who believe Lord Jagannath is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Every day thousands of devotees visit the temple which is regarded as the most important pilgrimage to visit at least once in one’s life. The temple is very large as been built by King Ananga Bhima Deva. Due to its great significance, only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. There are 3 deities on the throne of the temple – Jagannath who is regarded as the king of the world, his brother Balabhadra and their sister Suvadra.

The significance of traveling there

Every year the annual Rath Yatra is celebrated and a huge number of people are seen gathering on the highway. Rath yatra means the journey of the chariot. Three chariots are designed and decorated beautifully for the three Hindu deities and after traveling a certain distance they reach their masir bari or aunt’s house and again return from there after seven days along the same route. Thousands and thousands of devotees and travelers gather on the day of Ratha yatra which is held in the month of June every year. Other than a pilgrimage visit it is also believed that if couples visit the temple after marriage and start their journey of life after taking the blessing of Lord Jagannath then their life is fulfilled.

Jagannath Temple History

The Jagannath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavism. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva and is considered a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. The temple’s most notable feature is its towering “Neo-Kalinga” style architectural structure, which is around 215 feet tall. The temple complex also includes several other smaller shrines and is surrounded by a massive wall with a compound, called the Meghanad Pacheri. The temple’s annual Rath Yatra festival is attended by millions of devotees from around the world.

Nearby attractions

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India is located in a city that has several other tourist attractions nearby. Some of the most notable ones are:

Puri Beach:

Puri Beach is a scenic and peaceful spot located near the Jagannath Temple. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its golden sand and calm waters. The beach is surrounded by several small shrines and temples, making it a cultural hub as well. People can engage in various water sports activities or simply relax and soak in the beauty of the Bay of Bengal. It is also a great spot for early morning walks or for watching the sunset.

Shree Lokanath Temple:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located near the Jagannath Temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Puri and is considered a sacred place by Hindu devotees. The temple is known for its beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings, making it a must-visit place for art and history lovers. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the annual Shivaratri festival.

Konark Sun Temple:

Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple dedicated to the sun god Surya and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 35 km from Puri and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is shaped like a massive chariot with carved stone wheels and horses, and is a symbol of the grandeur of Kalinga architecture.

Chilika Lake:

Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a popular spot for bird watching and is a designated Ramsar site. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the lake and its surrounding islands, which are inhabited by various communities. The lake is also famous for its delicious seafood, which can be savored at local restaurants.

Pipili Village:

Pipili Village is a famous village known for its applique work and is located about 20 km from Puri. The village is renowned for its colorful and vibrant applique umbrellas, wall hangings, and other decorative items. Visitors can witness the artisans at work and purchase some of their creations as souvenirs. The village is also a great place to learn about the local culture and way of life.

Raghurajpur Artist Village:

Raghurajpur Artist Village is a traditional village famous for its Pattachitra paintings and is located about 14 km from Puri. The village is home to several families of Pattachitra painters who have passed down the art form from generation to generation. Visitors can witness the artists at work, learn about the art form, and purchase some of the paintings as souvenirs. The village is a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

Narendra Tank:

Narendra Tank is a large tank or reservoir located in the city of Puri. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The tank is surrounded by several small shrines and temples and is a popular spot for pilgrims to take a holy dip. The tank is also a great place for picnics and is surrounded by lush green gardens and trees, providing a peaceful and serene environment.

Gundicha Temple:

The Gundicha Temple is located in Puri and is considered one of the most sacred places for Vaishnavism. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannath’s aunt, Gundicha, and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is surrounded by lush green gardens and trees and is a peaceful and serene place. The temple is also a great place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and its temple architecture.

How to reach

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India can be reached by several modes of transportation:

  1. By Air: The nearest airport is the Bhubaneswar Airport, which is located about 60 km from Puri. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Puri.
  2. By Rail: Puri is well connected to major cities in India by rail. The Puri Railway Station is located near the temple, making it convenient for visitors to reach their destination.
  3. By Road: Puri is well connected to major cities in Odisha by road. Regular bus services are available from Bhubaneswar, Konark, and other nearby cities. Visitors can also opt for private taxis or cars for a comfortable journey.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, Puri is easily accessible from major cities and is a convenient destination for tourists.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India is during the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. During these months, the temperature is moderate and ranges from 20°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the city and its attractions.

However, if you plan to attend the Rath Yatra festival, the best time to visit is during the festival which is usually held in June or July. The festival is one of the largest and most significant festivals in India and attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

It is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season, which is from June to September, as the region experiences heavy rainfall and strong winds, making it difficult to travel and sightsee.

Share this article:
Previous Post: Guru Purnima- its significance and places of celebration

June 16, 2018 - In Blog

Next Post: Kumbh mela a famous religious gathering

June 19, 2018 - In Blog

Related Posts

1 Comment

  • Dialkroindia
    December 20, 2021

    thanks for your great information

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.