The City of Jagannath: PURI

The ancient city of Puri represents a kaleidoscopic impression of Indian architecture, temples and heritage. Situated in the state of Orissa, Puri is of great interest for people seeking to learn about Indian culture. The main two forces that captures a travelers vision is the majestic Jagannath temple and the Sea. So pack your bags to be a part of the marvelous experience.

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Jagannath Temple: Of The Royal Times and Religious Vibes

It is not possible to imagine that a country, state, region, city, or even a neighborhood is devoid of a temple. If we talk about India, then it becomes all the more impossible because it is one of those countries where people are highly religious and follow one or the other deity right from their childhood. Just like the history of humans in Indian subcontinent, there is also a history of temples here. For example, the Jagannath Temple in the state of Orissa, which dates back to the 12th century and has become one of the most visited pilgrimages in India.

Location

The Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, a coastal town and the headquarter of Puri Jagannath Temple, Puri district. The city itself is also known as Jagannath Puri owing to the temple.

History

According to the legend, the unique image of Lord Jagannath in the structure of an Indranila or Blue Jewel was discovered near a fig tree. This image was quite stunning due to which Dharma wished to bury it underground. However, King Indradyumna of Malwa desired to seek the image for which he carried out ruthless penances. Being pleased with the penances, Lord Vishnu asked him to approach the Puri seashore and look out for a perching log for preparing an image out of its trunk. Upon this, the king went to Puri and found the wood log. Then, the celestial being, Vishwakarma, emerged as an artist who, from the tree, made the images of Shree Krishna, Shree Balarama (brother of Shree Krishna), and Shreemati Subhadra. At present, these are the three deities in the main temple.

Structure

The temple occupies an area of 37,000 square metres, encompassed by a wall named as Meghanada Pacheri. The temple complex consists of 120 temples and shrines.

Meghanada Pacheri, the outer wall of the Jagannath Temple Entry to the temple is through four gates. Singhadwara or the Lion Gate is named so after the statues of lions on both the sides at the entrance. After entering through this gate, the worshipers have to ascend to the temple through a series of twenty-two steps. This gate serves as the main entrance to the temple.

Other gates of the temple are Hathidwara (Elephant Gate), Vyaghradwara (Tiger Gate) and Ashwadwara (Horse Gate).

Places of Interest:

Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple

It is one of biggest temple in Orissa. The majestic structure is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Krishna. The temple was built in 12th century AD and portrays perfect example of the emergence of temple during the Kalinga period. It is a huge temple and is composed of four chambers. Apart from the main temple, there are nearly 120 small temples and shrines in the periphery area. It is believed that Lord Jagannath is served with 60 varieties of food daily as a part of bhog.

Gundicha Temple, Puri

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Situated near to the Jagannath temple is this complex, constructed in the 16th century. It is believed that the Gundicha temple is housed by Lord Krishna’s aunt. The attraction of temple is its huge dome that holds wheel of Lord Vishnu.

Sun Rise on Puri Beach

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You can spend some time relaxing on the beaches in Puri. An early morning walk on the shore and beautiful sunrise would win your heart. During Kartik Purnima, people from all over the country come to take a holy dip.

Festivals

Puri Rath Yatra

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The most celebrated festival in Orissa is the Puri Rath Yatra, which takes place in June or July every year. During this festival huge chariots are decorated and are placed by idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra. The chariots are pulled by a million of devotees through the Grand Road to Gundicha Ghar where idols take rest for a week and are then taken back on the same chariot. The Puri beach festival takes place in the month of February where artists from all over the country create superb sculptures on the beach using sand and colours.

Puri is a perfect depiction of multi-culturalism of India. Its splendorous beauty captivates heart of the tourists and compels them to visit again. Your trip to India is incomplete if you do not experience the unique spirit of the city.