Jagananth Puri is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site on the sea coast of Ganga Sagar in Orissa.
Puri is an ancient place with dual personality, it comprise of chain of some of the beautiful temples and also house tempting golden beaches. Old city of Puri is identify by flowering temple shrines dedicated to Lord Jagannath another name of Lord Krishna. It is a center of the devotees of the Shaiva, Vaishava, and sections of Buddhist.
The temple is located on a gentle slope known as Nik Parvata by the sea. According to different legends King Anantaverma Chodaganda (1078 to 1148 AD) who was a great patron of religion and Sanskrit built the temple. The sacred shrine of Jagannath is secured in a square 652 feet long and 630 feet wide and saved by a stonewall 20 feet high. The tower of Jagannath is 192 feet high and surmounted by the mystic wheel and flag of Vishnu. The whole of temple is being partitioned into different chambers, each chambers has their own characteristics. The first chamber is where oblation are performed known as Bhoga Mandir. Second one is Nata Mandir, which is embellished by pillars, the hall is exclusive for music and dancing; third one is a large hall where pilgrims assembles; and last chamber is the sanctuary or the holy cell. The temple is unique in its own way as it has almost 6000 people for it servicing Mahaprasad ( spiritual food made up of pure vegetarian). It is said that by having Mahaprasad one makes great spiritual progression. Over 20000 people are said to be dependent for the livelihood on the temple activities.
Gundicha Mandir - This is also a beautiful temple located just 3 km away from Jagannath Puri temple. At the time of Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannath goes to this temple and stays there for one week and again return back to his original temple.
Chilka Lake – It is largest fresh water lake in Asia situated southwest of Puri. In the shimmering clear turquoise water ideal for boating and angling.
Ramgarh Lake - It is an ideal picnic spot in the midst of ruin fort and the temple of Jamwa Mata.
The Beach - The chain of golden sand beaches are the best thing in Puri. It is one of the famous beaches in India. always packed up through the years, it houses some of the fine guest houses and hotels.
Orissa is shopper’s paradise. so, don’t forget to take some souvenir from Puri. Great place to but items like paintings, silk, festival umbrella, gold filigree work, silver jewelery and many more.
Visit the nearby villages. These are the places where you can buy traditional art and craft in amazingly cheap price.
Puri is a home of some good restaurants and hotels offer Chinese, Continental and Indian cuisines.
Do not forget to visit Ananda Bazaar, which is the biggest food market of the world.
Invaluable Suggestions
Don’t forget to pack your swimming costumes as some lusty beaches are awaiting for you.
Beware of touts.
Puri sea is notorious for its current. So, beware of sweeping current.
Only Hindus who are of Hindu origin are allowed to enter the sacred shrine.
Photography inside the temple is prohibited.
By Air : Nearest airport is
Bhubaneswar that is 56 km away from Puri. Almost all the major domestic airlines are connected to the airport.
By Train : Puri railway station is a major station almost connected with all the major cities of India. there are local transport system available to take you to the temple.
By Road : A complete road network of roads leads to Puri and other popular destinations like Bhubaneswar, Konark. You can take luxury buses from Kolkata or nearby states.
