Nestled along spirituality, The temple’s completion was accomplished by Anangabhima Deva in ates your senses with its rich history, serene beaches, and vibrant culture. Known for its famous Jagannath Temple and pristine shoreline, Puri offers a perfect blend of spirituality, relaxation, and exploration. Join me on this journey as we uncover the treasures of this charming coastal city.
When I first visited Puri, my eyes were enthralled by the spiritual aspect of the Jagannath Temple, a place with splendid architecture and mysticism. This temple is one of the Char Dhams, and millions of people visit it annually. Its propensity for mysticism will captivate your mind.
History of Jagannath Temple
King Chodaganga oversaw the initial construction of the Jagannath Temple, which includes the assembly hall known as “Jaga Mohan” and the temple’s chariot-like structure called “Vimana.” However, The temple’s completion was accomplished by Anangabhima Deva in 1174 AD. The temple boasts a captivating history that enthralls the local population. Puri, known for its Golden Beach and pristine shores, derives additional beauty and significance from this sacred and spiritual place. Rath Yatra, the chariot festival, stands out as one of Odisha’s most eagerly anticipated and celebrated events, drawing pilgrims from all corners of the world who yearn for a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. This vibrant festival pays homage to Lord Jagannath, his sister Goddess Subhadra, and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra. It goes by many names: Gundicha Yatra, Dasavatara, Chariot Festival, or Navadina Yatra.
Legend has it that Lord Krishna used to visit Mathura for a few days and to fulfill his desires, a yearly yatra (pilgrimage) was organized. The journey begins at the Jagannath Temple and concludes at the Gundicha Temple.
A Rath Yatra Overview
The Yatra kicks off with great pomp as three intricately adorned chariots, resembling temple structures, are pulled through the streets of Badadanda in Puri. Devotees from around the world converge in Puri, driven by a deep desire to assist the priests and fellow worshippers in pulling these chariots. This act is considered a sacred duty, and individuals are even willing to risk their lives amidst the massive crowds for the chance to serve the Lord. It is the one day when those not typically allowed within the temple premises, including non-Hindus and foreigners, can catch a glimpse of the deities. The grand processions accompanying the chariots reverberate with devotional songs played on drums, tambourines, trumpets, and various other instruments, creating a lively spectacle. The Ratha carts themselves tower at an imposing height of approximately 45 feet (14 meters) and are drawn by thousands who converge in Puri from all corners of the country and abroad for this annual event.
If you have a deeply spiritual heart or if you’re someone who wishes to witness the true beauty of Sanatan Dharma, the manifestation of real devotion by Hindus and individuals from different religions, then this temple is not merely a symbolic place; it possesses numerous unique qualities that deserve your attention.
There are some intriguing mysteries:
A) Contrary to the laws of nature, where we often see flags on ships or in various places bending in the direction of the wind, the flag on top of the temple always bends in the opposite direction. This is truly fascinating.
B) Another captivating mystery pertains to shadows. We’ve learned from books that objects placed in the path of light create shadows. However, this temple doesn’t cast any shadows. Such an enchanting story!
C) One more astonishing phenomenon is the absence of birds flying over the temple. Even helicopters avoid hovering around it. Birds are not commonly seen in the vicinity of the temple. This cannot be explained by science, as birds are free flyers. I believe this shows that God is supreme, and nothing is above Him.
D) The flag resting atop the temple must be changed by a priest daily, without any safety gear. The flag is positioned at a great height, equivalent to that of a 45-story building. It’s often said that if the priest misses even one day, the temple will remain closed for 18 years.
E) Perhaps most astonishing of all, no pilgrim has ever left without having prasad (sacred food). It is said that neither prasad is wasted nor any visitor remains unfed. This is the beauty of the temple. The prasad is prepared in seven pots arranged in a straight line. While science suggests that the pot closest to the heat source should cook first, the intriguing thing is that the first pot above the six others is the one that cooks first. Science has yet to unravel this mystery.
As you read this, you will undoubtedly be enthralled. To truly experience the genuine beauty of this temple, visit it in person. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The architecture, the yatra (procession), and the mysteries are the real essence of this temple. If you wish to immerse yourself in the real world of spirituality, this is the place.
Puri is also home to another temple, the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple boasts a distinctive design and magnificent architecture. If you’re visiting the Jagannath Temple, you should also consider exploring the Sun Temple.
More to see
In addition to the temples, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puri. Puri Beach is known for being one of the cleanest in India, and it’s conveniently located near the Jagannath Temple. Watching the sunset and sunrise here can be a memorable experience, and you can also savor the local cuisine. There are other beaches like Astaranga Beach worth exploring.
Another attraction is Chilka Lake, the largest inland saltwater lagoon in Asia and India’s biggest coastal lagoon. It covers an area of more than 1000 square kilometers and is home to Irrawaddy Dolphins. The lake also attracts exotic migratory birds from different parts of the world. For a taste of local culture, don’t miss the Raghurajpur Craft Village. Just as a pinch of salt enhances the taste of food, Raghurajpur enhances your enjoyment with its beautiful carved handicrafts. Puri offers a long list of attractions that can be difficult to explore in just a few days, so I’ve listed some that deserve your attention.
Now, if you’re wondering how to reach Puri
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, approximately 60 kilometers away from Puri.
- By Train: Puri has a well-connected railway station called Puri Railway Station (PURI) with links to major cities across India.
- By Road: Puri is accessible by road from various parts of Odisha and neighboring states. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Puri.
Once you arrive in Puri, you’ll have easy access to its beautiful beaches, the famous Jagannath Temple, and other attractions in the area. Make sure to plan your travel and accommodation, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Speaking of accommodation, Puri offers a variety of hotels to suit your needs. Whether you want a view of the beaches or prefer to stay close to the Jagannath Temple, there are options for everyone. Puri boasts a good selection of resorts, luxury hotels, and guesthouses, allowing you to choose according to your preferences.
Now, let’s talk about the local cuisine. When dining in Puri, you’ll find a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The local flavors and traditional dishes are a highlight of the culinary experience in this coastal city. Be sure to explore the local eateries and street food stalls to savor the authentic tastes of Puri. According to my experience, must-try dishes include dalma and Chhhena poda.
A few special tips
- Book your hotels in advance, especially during the Rath Yatra festival.
- Check online reviews to ensure a pleasant stay.
- Note that non-Hindus and foreigners are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple, but there are many other aspects of Puri to enjoy.
- Keep in mind that photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
Final thoughts
Although the beauty of the Jagannath Temple is truly captivating, Puri offers a wealth of experiences, from its beaches to markets and cuisines. When I first visited Puri, my dream was to see the Jagannath Temple. I was completely enthralled, feeling like I had immersed myself in a new world where agony and vengeance fade, and solace, hope, and tranquility rise. This is a destination that should top your travel diaries.
