Puri Temples- The Pilgrimage Capital of India

Vitally known as the adobe of Jagannath, Puri has already made its mark as one amongst the most visited pilgrimage sites of India
. Puri in Orissa is also known to have one of the finest sea-sides and so is visited by many people across the globe.

ATTRACTIONS:

LORD JAGANNATH TEMPLE: Specially worshiped by the people of Vaishnava tradition, this 12^thcentury temple is worshipped by hundreds of people every day and is a very renowned place in Orissa. It was constructed by the then King of the territory Indradyumna, it is said that Lord Jaganath (Krishna) himself came in his dreams and gave the instructions to make the temple. However, Annual Rath Yatra is main attraction of the temple.

SAKSHI GOPAL TEMPLE:This temple was made in devotion to Lord Krishna and Radha. It is King Prataprudra who bought idols to the temple. However, visiting Sakshi temple is considered to be visited mandatory when you visit Lord Jaganath Temple.

GUNDICHA TEMPLE:This 16^th century temple also known as the “Garden House” is a dome shaped temple having garden area as well. It retains the idol of Lord Krishna for about 7 days during the Yatra and so this temple is referred as his “Aunt’s House”.

LAKSHMI TEMPLE:Considered to be one amongst the most important temples of Puri, the Lakshmi temple is said to play a vital role during the Rath Yatra. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi invites Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvathi to this shrine when their marriage takes place.

LOKNATH TEMPLE:This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and it is believed that Lord Rama established the Ling of the temple. There is a continuous stream of river Ganga which runs over the Shivalinga and is believed to cure diseases. The Saranti Samobar Fair is considered to be the main attraction of the temple.

MARKANDESWARA TEMPLE:This 13^th century temple is also devoted to Lord Vishnu and has a Nataraj idol with ten arms, just in front of the temple.

VIMALA TEMPLE:This 10^th century temple is believed to have seven incarnations of Goddess Parvati namely, Varahi, Chamundi, Andri, Kumari, Brahmi, Vaishnavi and Maheshwari. It is also having the famous Markanda pond is also situated near the temple.

KANCHI GANESHA TEMPLE: The Kanchi Ganesh Temple is situated in the Jaganath Temple and the devotees of Lord Ganesha come to visit this very temple.  

THINGS TO DO:

·         You can shop for the famous handicrafts of Puri such as sea shells, soap stones, palm-leaf painting, pattachitras, Horn work, Wood Carvings and the Solapith work.

·         Do not miss a chance to visit Puri during its fairs and festivals namely, Puri Beach Festival, Rath Yatra, Jhulana Jatra and Ganesh Puja.

ACCOMMODATION:

When in Puri you don’t need to worry about your stay as there are a number of local hotels as well as guest houses which will provide you all the comfort you need.

HOW TO REACH:

By Air: The Bhubaneswar Airport which is just 60 km away from Puri is the nearest Airport.

By Rail: It is the last point of the South Eastern Railways and thereby is connected through various railheads such as Calcutta, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and many other major cities of the country.

By Road: It is the State Highway no. 8 which connects Puri and Bhubaneswar. However there are numerous state buses and taxis from Bhubaneswar Bus Station.