Magnificent Temples in Puri for a Divine Piligrimage

Located in the sacred town of Puri, the Jagannath Temple was built in the 11th century by King Indradyumna. This glorious temple is the abode of Lord Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu. It is the most revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and is included in the pious Char Dham Yatra with Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. Apart from the main shrine that rises high, many minor temples within the complex are present.

Timings: 7 AM - 9 PM, Sundays closed

According to a legend popular in Orissa, long ago, Puri was a centre of Shiva worship. It is said that Lord Ramachandra himself installed the Lingam in the Lokanath Temple. This lingam is always submerged underwater, which substantiates the legend that Goddess Ganga flows through the top of the shivalinga as a stream. It can only be seen on Pankodhar Ekadasi, before Shivaratri, when the water is removed from the lingam. On that day, thousands of devotees come for a darshan.

Timings: (Tuesday to Sunday) 5-30 AM to 8-30 PM, (Monday) 4-30 AM to 8-30 PM 

Sakshigopal temple has a few legends about how it became a revered shrine for Lord Vishnu. One is about the lord coming to bear witness to a village wedding. Another myth is that the temple is one of the 16 shrines of King Vajra, the grandson of Lord Krishna built for the Lord. Nevertheless, the temple acts as a marking gateway for those who arrive to the holy city of Puri via train or roadway.

Goddess Vimala residing within the complex of Jagannath temple in Puri is as important as the main deity. Regarded as a Shakti Peetha, one of the many shrines scattered around India dedicated to the supreme goddess. Goddess Vimala here is a tantric manifestation of the Goddess Mother and is revered by the Shaktism followers as a protector guardian of the temple and the Lord.

Situated near the Jagannath Temple, this is a very important temple owing to the beliefs around the history of this structure. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati happened on the sixth day of the fortnight of Jyeshta and they were invited to this temple by Goddess Lakshmi. This temple is a must-visit for all tourists and devotees in Puri.

Inside the famous Jagannath temple complex in Puri, is situated a small Ganesh temple, housing an exclusive image of Ganesh known as Natya Ganesh i.e. Dancing Ganesh. This lingam is always submerged with water, which substantiates the legend that Goddess Ganga flows through the top of the shivalinga as a stream.

Located 3 kilometres away from the main temple complex of Jagannath, the Gundicha Temple acts as the summer retreat for Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra. This temple marks the ending of the Ratha Yatra, where the deities rest for seven days, before making the journey back to their original home. Gundicha temple is empty for the rest of the year, except for the many images depicting the Lord's life.

Assumed to have been constructed during the 13th century, Markandeswara temple is known for its magnificent architectural and artistic essence. The entrance of the temple is adorned with a figure of Nataraja with ten arms. The tiny figurines of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha are intricately detailed and are placed in the niches of the main shrine. The corners of the temple have shrines of Lord Shiva in different avatars.

Alarnatha Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Brahmagiri near Puri. The legend says that the Lord's devoted follower Chaitanya Mahaprabhu could not see his God for the 15-day period of Anavasara, following the Snana Yatra, when the three idols of Jagannath temple are kept hidden in a secret chamber. Taking pity on his beloved worshipper's devastation, Lord Vishnu directed him towards the Alarnatha Temple. Every devotee ever since follows the same ritual during that phase.

Located 3 kilometres away from the main temple complex of Jagannath, the Gundicha Temple acts as the summer retreat for Lord Jagannath, his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra. This temple marks the ending of the Ratha Yatra, where the deities rest for seven days, before making the journey back to their original home. Gundicha temple is empty for the rest of the year, except for the many images depicting the Lord's life.

Ramachandi Temple is the most celebrated temple in the region. Considered as one Shakti Pitha in Odisha, it is located at the river mouth of River Kushabadra. The scenic location adds to the charm of the temple and besides being a revered religious spot, it is also a popular picnicking place.

Located 7km away from Puri, the Bata Mangala Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangala. It is said that the Goddess Bata Mangala was responsible in guiding Lord Brahma out of the confusion - the Universal void with no creation - towards Lord Jagannath. This simple thus commemorates the focus and dedication required to proceed towards being able to create. Most pilgrims pray here before they visit the Jagannath Temple.

Sonar Gouranga Mandir in Puri is one of the main centres of pilgrimage. It is located near the Puri Jagannath Temple, only three kilometres away, and close to the beach. The temple has the shrines of Shri Rama, Lord Jagannatha, Balaram and Subhadra, while also including other incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Located on the Chakratritha Road, photography is prohibited within the temple.

The Mausima Temple is located on the Grand Road in Puri. The name of the temple translates to 'Aunt Mother' and is closely related to the tradition of Rath Yatra which is so famously prevalent here. The legend says that Goddess Mausi Ma saved Puri from floods by drinking half of the sea water. The temple itself has strong fortress-like walls and intricate architecture, representing safety.

The beautiful temple of Amruteshwar carved out of stone, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It lies in the little village of Ratanwadi and can be approached from Igatpuri via Bhandardara dam.