About Jagannath Temple Puri
Puri is well-known for the famous Shri Jagannath Temple and its Longest Golden Beach. It’s considered one of the holiest places in India, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites that include Puri, Dwarika, Badrinath, and Rameswar.
The main attraction in Puri is the Shri Jagannath Temple, where Lord Jagannath, along with his sister Devi Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra, is worshipped. This holy place is often referred to as Purusottama Kshetra. The temple, built in the 12th century by King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva of the Ganga Dynasty, stands impressively on the seashore.
The temple is a remarkable example of Kalinga architecture, towering at 65 meters on an elevated platform. Throughout the year, various festivals are celebrated, including Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Ratha Yatra (chariot festival), Sayan Ekadasi, Chitalagi Amabasya, Srikrushna Janma, and Dussehra.
The most significant festival is the world-famous Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) and Bahuda Yatra, where a large crowd gathers to witness the grand procession of Lord Jagannath.
How to Reach Jagannath Temple, Puri
By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, about 60 kilometers away. Once you land, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Ola to reach Puri. The journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train: Puri is well-connected by train, and the Puri Railway Station is a major hub. Trains from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai connect to Puri. Make sure to check train schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during busy times
Traveling from Delhi to Puri by train is an exciting option! The distance is about 1,800 kilometers, and the journey takes around 28 to 36 hours. You’ll find various train choices, from superfast to express. So, you can pick the one that suits your style and enjoy the Beautiful ride to Puri!
Here is a list of trains from Delhi to Jagannath Puri:
| Train Name | Train Fair |
| Neelachal Express(12876) | Rs. 720 to 3000 |
| Nandan Kanan Express(12816) | RS. 640 to 2900 |
| Kalinga Utkal Express(18478) | RS. 675 to 2795 |
| Purushottam Express(12802) | RS. 715 to 3100 |
These are some Trains which are run regularly in the weeks from New Delhi station to Puri
By Road:
Self-Driving: Hop in your own vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive to Puri. The roads are good, and if you take the coastal route, it’s even more picturesque.
Bus Adventure: There are plenty of government and private buses from nearby cities. Choose the one that fits your comfort and budget for a road trip to Puri.
Taxi Comfort: For a more personalized journey, hire a taxi. Just make sure to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand.
Once you’re in Puri, reaching the Jagannath Temple is easy. Though cars aren’t allowed near the temple, you can walk or take a cycle rickshaw from your drop-off point. Enjoy the road trip and the temple vibes.
Jagannath Temple, Puri Visit Timings
Morning: The temple opens at 5 AM for the morning darshan, a special time for devotees to see the deities. The day begins with the Mangala Aarti, the first worship of the deities.
Afternoon Break: Between 1 PM and 4 PM, the temple takes a break. It’s closed during this time for cleaning and preparations for the evening rituals.
Evening: Reopening at 7 PM, the temple welcomes visitors for the evening darshan. This session includes the Sandhya Dhupa, the evening meal offered to the deities. Plan your visit accordingly to experience the spiritual moments at these different times of the day.
Best Time To Travel Jagannath Temple Puri
- Winter (October onwards): Ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures. It’s comfortable, but do pack accordingly.
- Monsoon (June or July): Good for those who enjoy the rain. Experience the Rathayatra, the grand chariot festival, but plan accommodations in advance.
- Summer: It can be hot and humid, so be prepared for that. If you’re comfortable with warmth, it’s an option.
- Personal Perspective: As a true Odia, visits to Puri aren’t strictly tied to seasons. It’s more about the inner call. If the urge to visit Lord Jagannath strikes, that’s when we head to Puri.
Besides the Jagannath Temple and the beach, explore Loknath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Gundicha Temple, Pipili for beautiful handicrafts, Chilika Lagoon’s backwaters, Ramachandi Temple for breathtaking evenings, Chandrabhaga and Ashtanga beaches, Jahania Beach, the scenic marine drive, and the Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary. There’s always something wonderful to experience in Puri
Popular Place To Visit Puri Destination
1. Lokanatha Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its spiritual significance and intricate architecture. It attracts devotees seeking blessings and peace.
2. Pancha Tirtha: A sacred spot where five important water bodies converge. Pilgrims often visit to take a dip in these holy waters, believed to have purifying qualities.
3. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary: Nature lovers will enjoy exploring this wildlife sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. It’s a great place for bird watching and experiencing the beauty of the natural surroundings.
4. Chilika Lake: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Take a boat ride to witness the migratory birds and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
5. Kanchi Ganesha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is known for its unique architecture. It’s a peaceful place for devotees and those interested in exploring the cultural and religious heritage of Puri.
How Much Money is Required to Travel to Puri?
- If you’re traveling alone in Jagannath Puri, you can manage with about 2,200 INR a day. If you choose a hotel, it’ll cost around 3,520 INR a day. A couple will need approximately 6,340 INR for a day, and a family with two kids should budget around 10,360 INR for a day in Mumbai.
Daily Rituals In Jagannath Temple, Puri
- Mangala Aarti: Start of the day, waking up the deities with songs, marking the beginning.
- Mailam: Post Mangala Aarti, the deities get new clothes, a ritual called “Mailam.”
- Abakash: After dressing up, devotees get a chance to have a darshan of the deities, a cherished moment.
- Beshalagi: Next, the deities get adorned with special attire and jewelry in the “Beshalagi” ritual.
- Gopala Ballav Bhoga: Time for offering morning bhog (food) to the deities. Devotees can make offerings and receive blessed food.
- Sakala Dhupa: The main morning feast presented to Lord Jagannath, a significant event with various dishes.
- Madhyanha Dhupa: An afternoon offering to the deities, attracting devotees for darshan.
- Sandhya Dhupa: Evening offering of food to the deities, continuing the day’s rituals.
- Badasinghara Bhoga: The last offering of the day, including fruits and sweets, marking the end of daily food offerings.
- Pahuda: After evening rituals, the deities rest, and devotees can witness the ceremony when the gods retire for the night.
Famous Food In Puri
Chhena Poda – A popular dessert made with cottage cheese, sugar, and semolina that is baked until it turns golden brown.
Dahi Vada Alu Dum – A popular street food made with lentil fritters served with spicy potato curry and topped with yogurt and chutneys.
Machha Besara – A popular fish curry made with mustard paste, turmeric, and garlic, and served with steamed rice.
Pakhala – A traditional dish made with cooked rice and water, served with toppings like fried fish, roasted vegetables, and lentil fritters.
Rasagola – A famous dessert made with round balls of cottage cheese soaked in syrup.
Chhena Gaja – A sweet snack made with cottage cheese, flour, and sugar, which is deep-fried and soaked in syrup.
Biryani – A flavorful rice dish made with meat or vegetables, aromatic spices, and fried onions.
Dalma – A popular lentil-based dish made with vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, and raw papaya, and flavored with ginger, garlic, and cumin.
Khaja – A crispy, layered pastry made with flour and ghee, and soaked in syrup.
Pitha – A type of rice cake made with coconut, jaggery, and sesame seeds, and served as a dessert during festivals.
Hotel to Stay In Jagannath Temple, Puri
- Hotel Mayur (Price Range: 1500-2000)
- Hotel Sonargaon (Price Range: 1800-2300)
- Hotel Puri Greens (Price Range: 1400-1900)
- Jai Jagannath Hotel (Price Range: 1600-2100)
- Shri Nivas Homestay (Price Range: 1200-1900)
Conclusion
Puri is renowned for the Jagannath Temple and its Longest Golden Beach, a holy destination forming part of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The temple, built in the 12th century, is a significant example of Kalinga architecture and hosts various festivals, including the famous Rath Yatra. Travel options include air, train, or road, with a variety of trains connecting Puri.
The temple follows a daily schedule of rituals, attracting devotees for different darshans throughout the day. Puri offers diverse attractions, including other temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic drives. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences, with winter and monsoon being popular. Besides spiritual experiences, Puri offers a variety of delicious local dishes.
