JAGANNATH TEMPLE, PURI
MYTHOLOGICAL STORY & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites (along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram) and holds deep mythological and spiritual relevance.
Mythological Origins:
- The name Jagannath means “Lord of the Universe”. The deity is a form of Lord Vishnu (Krishna) worshipped along with his siblings, Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra.
- According to legend, the idol was created by Lord Vishwakarma in a mysterious, incomplete form at King Indradyumna’s request. The idols have large eyes and no limbs, symbolizing omnipresence and universality.
- The temple is also connected to the Brahma Purana, Skanda Purana, and the Mahabharata.
Jagannath Temple is the only major Hindu shrine where the deities are renewed every 12–19 years in a ritual called Nabakalebara, where new idols are carved from sacred neem wood.
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Architectural Features:
- Built in Kalinga style of architecture, the temple stands on a raised platform of about 20 feet, enclosed by two huge walls – the Kurma Bedha (inner) and the Meghanada Pacheri (outer).
- The main shikhara (spire) soars to 65 meters and is topped with the sacred ‘Sudarshan Chakra’.
- The entire complex has 120 temples and shrines, with the Jagamohan (prayer hall) and Nata Mandap (dancing hall) as key structures.
History of Development:
- Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
- Major contributions from Gajapati Kings, who continue to hold traditional ceremonial rights.
- Maintained by the Jagannath Temple Administration under the Odisha government and the Archaeological Survey of India.
TOURISM & NATURAL BEAUTY AROUND PURI
- Located right on the Bay of Bengal, the temple town offers a combination of spiritualism and coastal beauty.
- The golden Puri Beach, sunrises, and gentle waves create a peaceful environment.
- The Rath Yatra festival, where the three deities are taken on a grand chariot procession to Gundicha Temple, draws millions of visitors annually from across the globe.
HOW TO REACH JAGANNATH TEMPLE, PURI
Jagannath Temple is easily accessible by rail, road, and air.
Nearest Airport:
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI) – 60 km from Puri
- Connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad
- Taxis and buses available from the airport
Nearest Railway Station:
- Puri Railway Station (PURI) – 3 km from the temple
- Direct trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar
By Road:
- Regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Konark, and Sambalpur
- Odisha State Transport and private AC/non-AC buses available
- Taxis and autos available for local travel
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Season | Months | Highlights |
Winter (Best) | October to March | Ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing |
Summer | April to June | Hot, but less crowded |
Monsoon | July to September | Lush greenery, but occasional rains |
Season | Months | Highlights |
Winter (Best) | October to March | Ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing |
Summer | April to June | Hot, but less crowded |
Monsoon | July to September | Lush greenery, but occasional rains |
Rath Yatra Festival (June-July) is the best time to witness the grandeur and spiritual energy of Puri.
LOCAL FOOD, EATERIES & MARKETS
Must-Try Dishes:
- Mahaprasad – Temple-cooked vegetarian meal served on banana leaves (offered as divine food)
- Dalma – Lentil & vegetable dish
- Chhena Poda – Baked cheese dessert
- Rasabali, Khichdi, Santula, Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice)
Famous Eateries:
- Chung Wah – Chinese cuisine
- Wildgrass Restaurant – Seafood and Oriya cuisine
- Honey Bee Bakery & Pizzeria – Continental dishes
- Bhojohori Manna (Bhubaneswar) – Traditional Bengali and Odia food
Local Markets:
- Swargadwar Market – For souvenirs, shell items, handicrafts
- Beach Market – Handwoven saris, conch bangles, Pattachitra paintings
- Grand Road Bazaars – Affordable brass, wood, and stone crafts
WHERE TO STAY IN PURI
Budget Options:
- Niladri Bhakta Niwas
- Shree Jagannath Dharamshala
- Sai Resort
- Cost: ₹400–₹900/night
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Hotel Holiday Resort
- Blue Lily Beach Resort
- Shree Hari Grand
- Cost: ₹1500–₹3000/night
Luxury Stays:
- Mayfair Heritage, Puri
- Toshali Sands Resort
- Sterling Puri
- Sea-facing rooms, private beach access, spa
- Cost: ₹4000 and above
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Attraction | Distance from Puri | Description |
Konark Sun Temple | 35 km | UNESCO World Heritage Site, 13th-century marvel |
Chilika Lake (Satapada) | 50 km | Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, dolphins |
Raghurajpur Heritage Village | 15 km | Famous for Pattachitra paintings |
Puri Beach | 1 km | Serene beach with golden sands and sunrise views |
Gundicha Temple | 3 km | Final stop of Rath Yatra chariots |
Attraction | Distance from Puri | Description |
Konark Sun Temple | 35 km | UNESCO World Heritage Site, 13th-century marvel |
Chilika Lake (Satapada) | 50 km | Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, dolphins |
Raghurajpur Heritage Village | 15 km | Famous for Pattachitra paintings |
Puri Beach | 1 km | Serene beach with golden sands and sunrise views |
Gundicha Temple | 3 km | Final stop of Rath Yatra chariots |