But first a lil bit of history:
Puri Jagannath Temple is a magnificent shrine that attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. It is situated in the beautiful seaside town of Puri, which is also known as the abode of Lord Jagannath. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, and it showcases the splendid Kalinga style of architecture. The temple complex consists of four structures: the vimana (sanctum sanctorum), the jagamohana (assembly hall), the nata mandir (festival hall), and the bhoga mandapa (offering hall). The temple is famous for housing the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra, which are worshipped with utmost devotion and reverence. The temple is also renowned for hosting the annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, which is one of the largest and oldest religious festivals in the world.
How to reach here?
To reach Puri Jagannath Temple from anywhere in India, you have several options depending on your preference and convenience. You can travel by air, rail, or road to reach Puri, which is the town where the temple is located. Here are some details about each mode of transportation :
- By air: The nearest airport to Puri is the Bhubaneswar Airport, which is about 60 km away. The airport is connected to all the major cities in India by domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Puri in about an hour or two.
- By rail: Puri has its own railway station, which is well connected to major cities in India by rail. The station is located near the temple, making it convenient for visitors to reach their destination. You can book your train tickets online or offline, depending on the availability and your budget.
- By road: Puri is well connected to major cities in Odisha and neighboring states by road. You can drive your own car or hire a taxi to reach Puri by following the national highway (NH-203) from Bhubaneswar or Khurda. You can also take a bus from various bus stations or terminals in Odisha or other states.
Timings of entry:
The temple is open for darshan (viewing) from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm every day, except on certain occasions when it is closed for rituals or maintenance. The temple charges a nominal fee of Rs. 50 per person for entry, and Rs. 500 per person for special darshan, which allows you to skip the queue and get closer to the deities. You need to follow some basic etiquette and dress code when entering the temple, such as removing your shoes, covering your head, wearing modest clothes, and not carrying any leather items or electronic devices. The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, if you want to witness the grandeur and glory of the Rath Yatra, you should plan your trip in June or July, when the festival takes place.
Foods offered in temple:
One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of Puri Jagannath Temple is its food culture. The temple offers 56 different types of food items, known as chhappan bhog (56 delicacies), to Lord Jagannath every day. These include rice, dal, curries, sweets, snacks, drinks, and more. The food is cooked in huge earthen pots using firewood and water from a sacred well. The food is then offered to the deities in a ritual called bhogalagi (offering), which takes place at different times during the day. After the offering, some of the food is distributed among the devotees as mahaprasad (holy food), which is considered to be very auspicious and sacred. Some of the most famous dishes that are served as Mahaprasad are khichdi (rice-lentil dish), Dalma (lentil-vegetable curry), poda pitha (baked rice cake), kheer (rice pudding), rasagulla (cheese balls in syrup), and gaja (deep-fried doughnuts)
Local cuisine to taste:
If you are a food lover, you will not be disappointed by the variety and taste of Odia cuisine. Odia cuisine is known for its use of rice, lentils, vegetables, fish, and seafood, as well as its rich and spicy curries, sauces, and pickles. Some of the dishes that you must try when you are in Puri are dahi vada-aloo dum (fried lentil dumplings with potato curry and yogurt), chhena poda (baked cheese cake), chhena jhili (fried cheese fritters), machha besara (fish curry with mustard paste), and chingudi jhola (prawn curry). You can find these dishes in various restaurants, street stalls, and hotels near the temple area, such as Ananda Bazar, Bhojohori Manna, Hotel Pushpa, and Hotel Niladri.
Sports activity near and around Puri temple :
If you are looking for some adventure and excitement, you can indulge in some of the sports activities that are available near and around Puri temple. One of the most popular activities is surfing, which is offered by several surfing schools and clubs on the Puri beach.
You can learn the basics of surfing from experienced instructors, or rent a surfboard and ride the waves on your own. Surfing is a great way to improve your balance, coordination, strength, and endurance, as well as to have fun and feel the thrill of the ocean.
Another activity that you can try is cycling, which is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the town and its surroundings. You can rent a bicycle from various shops or hotels, and pedal your way through the scenic routes and landmarks of Puri. Cycling is a good way to burn calories, tone muscles, reduce stress, and enjoy the fresh air and views.
Arts and culture:
Puri temple is not only a religious site, but also a cultural hub that showcases the rich and vibrant arts and culture of Odisha. One of the most prominent forms of art that is linked to Puri temple is pattachitra (cloth painting), which depicts the stories and legends of Lord Jagannath and other Hindu gods and goddesses. These paintings are made by skilled artisans using natural colors and materials on cloth or palm leaf. You can buy these paintings as souvenirs or gifts from various shops or markets near the temple area, or visit the Raghurajpur Heritage Village, which is a famous pattachitra village located about 15 km from Puri. Another form of art that is related to Puri temple is gotipua (boy dance), which is a traditional dance form performed by young boys dressed as girls. These dancers perform acrobatic movements and gestures to express devotion to Lord Jagannath. You can watch these dancers perform during festivals or events at the temple premises or at other venues in Puri town
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