Puri
Puri, also known as "Sri
Purusottama Dham" is a sacrosanct centre for Hindus all over the
globe for the Jagannath temple and is also known for the good
stretch of the beautiful white sand beaches on Bay of Bengal.
Thousands of pilgrims visit Puri for the Lord Jagannath temple and
the annual Rath yatra festival.
Puri, the
abode of Vishnu as Jagannath which contributed the word "
Juggernaut" to the English language, represents its integrated
individuality as its cultural heritage, a unique blend of claims of
time and eternity with a power answerable only to wisdom.
The beatifying effect of the temples, wide beaches that
offer scenic view of sunrise and sunset, traditional fishing farms
where the clasical old methods of fishing are used by the local
fishermen and fabulous resorts and hotels makes it a distinctive
tourist destination.
Places of Interest
The
Jagannath Temple
The majestic temple of Jagannath is a major attraction for the Hindu
tourists visiting Puri. The Jagannath Temple is one of the four most
important Hindu pilgrimage sites or the Char Dham, along with Dwarka,
Badrinath and Rameshwaram. This 65-meter high structure was built in
12th century and stands in the Nilgiri Hills. The Nata Mandir and
the Bhoga Mandir were built in the 14th and 15th century. The meals
in temple are made out of the donated raw materials only.
Only Hindus are allowed entry into
the Jagannath Temple.
Gundicha
Ghar
The Gundicha temple is another important site to visit in Puri. This
temple is said to be the home of Lord Krishna's aunt 'Gundicha'. A
myth goes that the Lord stays here for 9 days during the Rath yatra
in Puri. During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and
Subhadra are ceremoniously taken in lavishly designed wooden chariot
(Rath) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha Ghar. At the house, the
aunt welcomes them by offering them the padoapitha (rice cakes).
Temple of
Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank
The Indradyumna Tank, famous for being related to Lord Krishna, has
a small shrine dedicated to King Indradyumna of Orissa. There is a
temple of Child Krishna nearby too. It is one of the five sacred
lakes of Puri and is situated on the north western part of the
Gundicha temple.
Chilika Lake
Asia's largest freshwater lake (spread in 1100 sq km area) is
situated 50 kilometers from Puri. Dotted with many emerald green
islands with colorful names such as 'honeymoon islands' and
'Breakfast island', Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic
fauna. The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance
of migratory birds in winter make it an ideal place for vacations.
Konark
Situated 35 km from Puri, Konark is home to the Sun Temple, also
called the Black Pagoda. Konark is a must visit for its historical
and architectural importance. The Konark beach is said to be one of
the finest and most romantic beaches on the eastern coast. Everyday
the Sun God rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts
Hisfirst gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the
temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three
magnificent images of the Morning Sun, the Mid- day Sun and the
Setting Sun. Konark is a many splendoured gem of Orissan art.
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