Puri
Puri is the holiest place in Orissa and one of the biggest pilgrimage centres
in India. It is known for its cult and Jagannath, originating in the times
when the people of Orissa worshipped trees and hence the practice of carving
his image in wood. The climax of Jagannath worship is the Rath Yatra festival
celebrated every year in June-July at Jagannath Temple, since the 10th Century.
The beach at Puri is one of the best in India, though the sea can be very
rough with giant waves and strong and erratic currents. However, the exotic
blend of golden sunshine, miles of idyllic yellow sand, blue waves and the
white surf make Puri a worthwhile destination.
Places of Interest
The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga
Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple
(65 metres) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments
of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar
(11 metres high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of
the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century A.D. Some
of the other important temples are Gundicha, Lokanath, Sunaragauranga, Daria
Mahabir and Tota Gopinatt. There are also a number of holy tanks like Narendra,
Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna. There are many Monasteries locally
known as Mathas also of touristic interest.
Jagannath Temple
Long before one reaches Puri, the 214 feet spire of the temple can be seen
towering over the countryside. This visual dominance is symbolic of the
influence which the temple commands over almost every aspect of life in
Puri. Just before the gate stands an opulent 16 sided monolithic pillar
measuring 11 meters in height, Arunastambh; architectural zenith with exquisite
carvings which was brought here from Konark in the 18th century.
The Swargadwar
On the seashore to the south of the temple, Swargadwar is a sacred spot
where a dip in the sea is believed to give eternal salvation. According
to ancient scriptures, the Brahmadaru, from which the three main deities
of the Jagannath temple are carved out, floated to the beach at Swargadwar.
Moreover this place still resonates to the footsteps of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu,
harbinger of Vaishnav sect, who spent so much time here with his intimate
associates.
The Puri Beach
The Puri Beach is one of the most sought after beaches in India and is an
indispensable part of the city. The abode of Lord Jagannath attracts millions
of tourists round the year who come here to take a holy bath, which they
believe is a golden path to Moksha or Eternal salvation.
Atharnala Bridge
Built in the 13th century, this 88 mt long bridge is situated at the entrance
to the city. Stretched over 18 spans and built of laterite and sandstone,
this site is also very popular among devotees where they extend their respect,
with folded hands to the bridge and the temple.
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