Jagannath Puri: Abode of the Lord of Universe

The abode of the Lord Jagannath, Jagannath Puri--also called Jagannath Dham and Purushottam--is one of the four dhams of India (Rameshwaram, Dwarka, Badrinath and Jagannath Puri), and one of the most sacred places for all the Hindus of the world.

Situated in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Jagannath Puri is much famed for the beautiful Jagannath Temple, the wonderful Rath Yatra, and the hugely popular Puri Beach Festival, besides the holy Festival of Nava Kalebara.

The temple of Lord Jagannath was built in the 12th century by Raja Ananta Varman Choda Ganga Dev. The huge temple complex is spread over an area of 400,000 sq. feet and is enclosed within walls. With 120 temples and shrines, the temple complex is one of the wonders of the world though not included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The temple complex is on the Nilgiri Hills and on an elevated platform. Porches, Shrines, Hall of Offerings, and Pillared Hall of Dance constitute the sprawling Jagannath Temple Complex. The temple complex has four main gates—eastern, southern, western and northern gates, called the Lion, the Horse, the Tiger, and the Elephant Gate respectively.

The finest example of the Orissan style of architecture, the Jagannnath Temple has the wooden statues of its leading deity Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna) along with the statues of the lord’s brother Balabhadra and consort Subhadra in its inner sanctorum.

The Lord Jagganth is offered 56 varieties of offerings. The offerings are made without using onions, chilies, and garlic and certain vegetables and are prepared in the largest kitchen of the world which is right there in the Jagannath Temple Complex. The offerings are then offered to the Goddess Bimala Devi after which they become Mahaprasada and become available for the general public and the devotees.

Every year, in the month of June, the much famous Chariot Festival is held at Puri that attracts the visitors and pilgrims from far off places. The interesting Rath Yatra covers a distance of two kilometers from the main temple to Gundicha Ghar which is considered the abode of the Lord’s aunt.

The statues of the Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are carried in well-decorated and colorful palanquins in an open procession during the Chariot Festival. It is said that one who witnesses the Lord’s statue during the Rath Yatra is freed from the endless cycles of birth and death and gets salvation.

The Puri Beach Festival held in the month of November every year at Jagannath Puri is another attraction of Puri. The crafts, cuisines, and culture of the state of are the attractions of the festival which attract good number of visitors from the different parts of India and abroad.

Then there’s the interesting but religious festival of Nava Kalebara held every 12 to 19 years at Jagannath Puri in which the statues of the leading deities of the Jagannath Temple get new physical forms carved out of the Chandan-Neem wood by master craftsmen, in compete secrecy, and in holy surroundings.

Puri Tour / Travel Package Duration 04 Days / 03 Nights

Day 01: Bhubaneshwar - Puri
Arrive at Bhubaneshwar airport / railway station. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Puri by surface approx. 56 kms / 2 hrs. Check in at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: In Puri
Morning depart for half-day sightseeing of Puri. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: In Puri
Morning depart for a half-day excursion of Konark. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Puri - Bhubaneshwar
Morning depart for Bhubaneshwar Airport / Railway station to proceed to further destination.