Shrri Jagaannath puri Temple

1. Sri Jagannath Puri Temple: A Holy Wonder

2. About the Site The temple is located in the holy town of Puri in Odisha and was built by King Indradyumna in the 11th century. The temple of Jagannath, Puri is considered an abode for Lord Jagannath, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. It is also a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and is part of the Char Dham Yatra along with Rameshwaram, Dwarka and Badrinath. Apart from the main shrine there are many other minor temples as well in the complex. The temple is a great example of olden Oriya architecture. Climate The city is believed to have a moderate and tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year. The temperature is also generally warm throughout the year. The temperatures during summer are known to touch 36 °C (at maximum) and drop to 17 °C in winters.

3. Best Time to travel to Puri The ideal time to tour the city would be during the months from October to March. This is right after the monsoon season subsides so the weather is bright and sunny. The winter season coincides with this phase so temperatures are not too warm. If intending to travel, booking a Delhi to Bhubaneswar flight is a great option for tourists on the journey to Puri. June and July are also months when important festivals like Rath Yatra take place. But this coincides with the monsoon season. The festivals are a great time to experience and be a part of the local culture but tourists must be willing to bear the possibility of bad weather. Despite this many do still choose to be part of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra experience and travel during these months.

4. History The construction of the Jagannath Puri Temple is based upon an interesting story. Legend states that a king named Viswavasu secretly worshipped Lord Jagannath as Lord Neela Madhaba. King Indradyumna, being curious about this, sent a Brahmin priest Vidyapati to Viswavasu. Vidyapati failed in his attempts to find the place but fell in love with Viswavasu's daughter, Lalita and married her. Then upon Vidyapati’s request the king took him blindfolded to the cave where he worshipped Lord Jagannath. However, Vidyapati dropped mustard seeds along the way to help locate the path afterwards. King Indrayumna then travelled to Odisha. But was disappointed to find that the idol wasn’t there. A sudden voice then told him to build a temple on Nilasaila. He then had a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu constructed. He then invited Brahma to consecrate the temple but he was in meditation that lasted nine years. By this point the temple had gotten buried under sand. The King again heard a voice this time during sleep to build idols out of a floating tree log on the seashore. He then again got a beautiful temple built and had the idols of Subhadra, Balabhadra and Jagannath made from the wood of the divine tree. This Shree Jagannath Temple Puri legend is still believed by many to this day.

5. Architecture The temple with its classic Oriyan architecture appeals greatly to visitors. The temple is enclosed by two rectangular walls and spans across an area of approximately 4,00,000 square feet. The Meghanada Pacheri is the outer wall and is 20 feet high. The other one surrounding the main temple is the Kurma Bedha. The primary tower or shikhara is home to the deities and is higher in comparison to the others. It also has four distinct structures: The Vimana, the porch or the Jagamohan, the Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandap built in a row. It also contains four gates: the northern Hastidwara (Elephant Gate), the western Vyaghrasana (Tiger Gate), the southern Ashwadwara (Horse Gate) and the eastern Singhadwara (Lion Gate). The eastern gate is the main one situated on Grand Road. The temple complex has several shrines as well within it. The temple also has a wheel on its top called the Blue Wheel or Nila Chakra. It is composed of a variety of metals and each day a new flag is hoisted on it. The Shree Jagannath Temple Puri architecture is marvellous and has gained praise by many even to this day.

6. Festivals The venue has a reputation for its splendid celebration of religious festivals. A few of the major ones worth witnessing are: Makara Sankranti The festival happens during the month of Pausa and holds great agricultural significance. Special dresses are made for the deities and boiled rice mixed with fruit juices and candy are offered to them. Dola Yatra This festival is held in the month of Phalguna. A procession is carried out in which the respective deities are taken to Dolavedi which is situated outside the main temple. There special rituals are performed.

7. Chandan Yatra It is a festival that lasts around 21 days and is held during the months of April-May. A procession is carried out during this period where the deities along with images of Siva from 5 Shiva Temples are taken to Narendra tank. Here the idols are placed in beautifully decorated boats and worshipped. Snana Yatra This festival occurs during May or June. During this festival deities are bathed on a full moon day. They are taken out of the temple and carried to Snana Bedi in a procession. Puri Rath Yatra The Temple of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra festival is a popular attraction among religious tourists. It is held in the month of June or July and is the temple’s major festival. It is also referred to as the Gundicha Yatra or the car Festival. Each of the three idols of Subhadra, Balabhadra and Jagannath are carried from Bada Danda, the main street of Puri, to the Gundicha Temple, in huge raths or chariots. Then they are brought back to the Jagannath Temple after 9 days. The return trip is known as the Bahuda Yatra and is performed in the same way as the Rath Yatra.

8. Visiting the Temple Address Grand Road, At post, Puri, Odisha 752001 Timings 6 AM - 9 PM (Everyday) Getting There The Shree Jagannath Temple Puri is an important attraction of the town and is easily accessible to all in the town. It is easy to hire an auto rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw if staying at a nearby hotel. The town does not have its own metro rail system. There are, however, private and state-run buses available that can help people commute through the town.

9. Hotels & Resorts Nearby 3. Hotel Sun City Address: GOURBAAD SAHI Road Near new KAKATUA restaurant, 752001 Puri, India Brief Description: The Jagannath Temple is just 1.3 km away from this hotel. It is also around 400 metres away from Puri Beach. It offers free parking and accommodation with a terrace as well. 4. Sterling Puri Address: 255/2 and 255/3, Sipasarubali Village, Baliapanda, Puri, Odisha 752001 Brief Description: It is situated just 4.5 km from Jagannath Temple and 7 km from Puri Railway Station. The hotel offers free parking, a restaurant, an outdoor pool and even views of the Bay of Bengal.

10. Hotels & Resorts Nearby Hotel Vip Square 1. Address: Grand Rd, near Vishal Mega Mart, Balagandi, Puri, Odisha 752001 Brief Description: The property is situated at a distance of just 1.6 km from the Jagannath Temple. It is also a mere 2.4 km of Puri Beach and 2.3 km of Golden Beach. The hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant and free parking as well. 2. Hotel Holiday Resort Address: RR2R+HFR, ChakraTirtha Road, Badasirei, Puri, Odisha 752002 Brief Description: The hotel is located 2.4 km away from the Jagannath Temple. It is also just 1 km from Puri Railway Station The property offers free parking, free WiFi in all areas, 2 options for dining and an outdoor pool. There is also a private beach area.

11. Hotels & Resorts Nearby 5. Mayfair Heritage Address: Plot No 122, 124, 125, ChakraTirtha Road, Puri, Odisha 752002 Brief Description: This resort is situated at a distance of 1.8 km away from Jagannath Temple. It is found on the Puri Beach and overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The property offers a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. Free WiFi and parking are also available. 6. Hotel Prabhupada Address: New Marine Drive Rd, near Light House, Puri, Odisha 752001 Brief Description: This property can be found just 2.4 km from Jagannath Temple. The hotel is also at a walking distance from Puri Beach. It offers a garden, free private parking and a restaurant. The Hotel Prabhupada is rated 3-star and offers luggage storage space and a tour desk along with free WiFi. This near the Temple of Jagannath Puri hotel list above should help tourists find suitable accommodations.

12. Final Thoughts Puri is a popular destination among religious tourists particularly from the Hindu faith. Visitors can book a flight to Odisha to travel to the town. But it can be an option for just about anyone to visit. During festivals the temples get really crowded with thousands of visitors. If visiting with families or in groups during these times it's important to stick together and keep close. If not, members of the group or family could get lost. Cell phones can be a great way to counter this and contact others if lost. Also some festivals like Rath Yatra are held during the rainy season so if touring during such time tourists should carry umbrellas or have raincoats to avoid getting wet and may be even sick later on. In conclusion, Puri is a great town to travel to for religious purposes or otherwise. The town is a great place for anyone to forget their troubles and enjoy.