Puri- The Earthly Abode of Lord Jagannath

Brief Introduction

Puri is the sanctified pilgrim centre for Hindus in India and also known as Jagannath Dham, Nilgiri, Nilanchal, Jagannath Puri, Sankhakshetra and Purushottam. The place is the consecrated seat of Lord Jagannath (the Lord of Universe), Balabhadra and Subhadra. It is one of the four sacred dhams revered by Hindus. It is said that people who come visit this holy place can obtain emancipation from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Located on the seashore of Bay of Bengal, the city is considered as the resting place of Lord Vishnu. Puri, being a coastal district of Orissa, is popular for its religious sanctuaries, architectural grandeur, mesmerizing sea-scape beauty and historic antiquities.

History

Puri is nestled 60 km from Bhubaneswar on the coastline of Bay of Bengal. It is one of the four renowned holy centers of India, Puri; the home of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. It is said that Puri was a densely wooden hill occupied by the Sabaras (Pre Dravidian and Pre-Aryan tribes). In 1135, Anantavarman Chodaganga built the great shrines in Puri, and devoted these to Purushottama that is another name of Lord Vishnu. In 15th century, the Ganpati rulers changed the name of the town to Jagannath. Since then Puri is popular as a sacred place for Hindus.

Worth Visiting Places

Shri Jagannath Puri Temple - Shri Jagannath Puri is the most imposing shrine is situated in the heart of city. The 65 metre tall structure was built by famous king of Ganga Dynasty Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva in 12th century. The magnificent temple is one of the four most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The supporting pillars of the temple are embellished with pictures representing Lord Krishna’s life. People from farthest corners of world visit the temple. It radiates magnificence and a story of magnificent aura.

Jagannath Rath Yatra - Jagannath Rath Yatra is another major attraction for devotees and organized every year. According to Hindu calendar, the carnival of Rath Yatra takes place on the Asadha Shukla Dwitiya. Puri Rath Yatra is an impressive chariot carnival that is celebrated for eight days in Jagannath temple. Thousands of believers gather to Puri during the holy occasion, as the devotees believe that a glance of Lord Jagannath gives emancipation. The Yatra is mainly a chariot festival, where statues of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Goddess Subhadra, the main divinities of the temple are taken to Gundicha temple in adorned chariots. The deities are decked with the tahias and carried further in a slow and influential movement. As the divinities step out the main entryway of the shrine, the Sindhwara- Lion’s Gate, the swarming believers chant the name of Lord in loud choir. Every year the chariots are constructed in accord with religious requirements. Puri Rath Yatra is a great festival because of its knack to amalgamate people in its festivity.

The Konark Sun Temple - Konark Sun Temple is one of the most impressive monuments of religious importance, an architectural wonder; the shrine is a zenith of Oriya architecture. Constructed in 13th century by King Narsimhadeva, the temple is situated at a distance of 35 kms from Lord Jagannath temple. The name of this holy shrine is a blend of two words- Kona meaning corner and Arka means the Sun. It is believed that Sun God worshipped in Ark Kshetra and that is why it is tagged as Konark. The place of worship is world famous for its architectural magnificence, but also for the intricacy and plethora of sculptural work. The temple has a chariot of Sun God comprised of 24 wheels, each with a set of intricate carvings.

Markendesvara Temple - Markendeswara temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and was structured in 13th century. The holy place resembles the two popular Shiva temples in Orissa, Sisiresvara Temple and Vaital Temple. The front portion of Markendesvara shrine is decorated with Chaitya window, displaying the idol of Natraj with ten arms. The gracefully carved images of Lord Muruga, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are positioned nicely in the niches of temple’s main chamber. The corner areas are engraved with various appearances of Lord Shiva that comprises of Ardhanarishwar and Aja-Ekapada.

Ganesha Temple - Ganesha Temple in Puri is another major shrine; it is devoted to Sri Vinayaka. The sacred place confers an insight of Hindu spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage. Apart from religious value, the architecture of temple is worth seeing. Inside the temple, there is Kapalmochana shrine, a small temple of Lord Shiva. The small holy place features a sanctified well of Manikarnika.

Gundicha Temple - Gundicha Temple is another well-known shrine in Puri. It is situated on the northeastern side of Jagannath temple. The temple has been named after the King Indradyumna who was also called as ‘Gundicha’. During the Puri Rath Yatra, the statues of deities are taken to Gundicha temple only. The divinities stay there for a week and comeback to Srimandir in a similar parade. An enormous dome decked with the wheel of Lord Vishnu is the main feature that draws attention of tourists.

Getting to Puri

By Air - Puri does not have airport of its own. The closest airport is situated in the capital of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar. The airport is inter-connected by air to many Indian cities.

By Road - Puri has a wide network of roads. Major cities are connected to Puri via road.

By Rail - The extensive railway network of Puri is connected with most of the major Indian cities.

A Glance over Some Fast Facts

• State: Orissa
• District: Puri
• Famous for/as: Pilgrim
• Languages: Oriya, Hindi, Bengali
• Best Season: Oct - Mar
• Weather: Summer (min) 19°C to (max) 45°C, Winter (min) 3°C to (max) 32°C

Puri, the sacred home of Lord Vishnu is dotted with a good number of religious places that are visited by numerous tourists every year. Make a visit to this hallowed place and explore the spiritual and architectural finesse of olden days.

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