7 Stunning Puri Temples

Puri is recognized by Jagannath temple, and it is one of the well-known and most visited temples in Puri. However, there are many other shrines associated with this place that are equally important. Puri is a coastal district that sits very close to the Mahanadi along the Bay of Bengal. Due to the presence of numerous temples, Puri was established as an important pilgrimage site for the Hindu by the 12th century. To get a clear view of other temples in Puri, take a look at seven of these famous shrines that ate visited in large numbers from devotees around the world.

1. Jagannath Temple

Deity Worshipped- Jagannath

Jagannath temple is one of the most important temples in Puri. Around 80% of the economy of the puri comes from Jagannath and the treasuries in the Jagannath temple have successfully made this temple one of the wealthiest in the world. This temple celebrates around 24 different festivals and some of them are done on a very large scale. One of the most important well-known festivals is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival in which the three idols are taken to three different directions in Puri. This festival is quite popular and numerous tourists visit the location to be a part of it.

See More: 7 Interesting Facts about Jagannath Temple

2. Pancha Tirtha

Famous for - Five sacred bathing spots

This place is famous for all the right reasons. People visit the Puri temples only after taking a holy bath in the sacred bathing spot in the Pancha Tirtha. The five spots are considered important for every devotee that is

•    Rohini Kunda
•    Indradyumana Tank
•    Swetaganga Tank
•    Markandeya Tank
•    The sea

The devotees are attracted from around the world to this incredible location. Every Tirtha is located in a different direction and anyone visiting the bathing spots visits the important pilgrimages like Balarama, the Akshay Vata, Indradyumna tank, and Markandeya tank.

3. Lokanath Temple

Deity Worshipped - Lord Shiva

This temple was built in the 11th century and it’s one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is said to be established by Lord Rama, and it is made in the Deula architectural style. The temple looks stunning because it is made with white marble out of the remaining that is made with sandstones. There is a natural fountain that flows above the main deity of the temple. Lord Shiva is offered with several different offerings like flowers, milk, sandal paste, honey, leaves of beetle and bilya, and coconut water, and these are washed off after the water is ejected to make the lingam visible for the darshan. This mixture of these properties is used as prasad, and are said to have healing powers.

4. Varahi Temple

Deity Worshipped- Goddess Varahi

This temple was built in the 9th century and is said to hold a masterpiece deity called Goddess Varahi. People who have visited this place praise the temple for its architecture and spiritual vibe. There are two small deities placed on two sides of the Varahi idol with the main deity in the center. The goddess is found holding a fish in one hand and a skull in the other. You will also notice her large belly which is said to hold the entire universe in her womb. This place is artistic, spiritual, and extremely beautiful to explore.

5. Vimala Temple

Deity - Vimala

This temple is set in the complex of the Jagannath Temple, which is next to the sacred Rohini Kundu pond. This temple resembles the features of a Deula style of architecture and closely related to the famous Jagannath Temple. The goddess is also considered to be the protector and guardian of the Jagannath temple complex. The bond and belief of the people are such that they make sure to pray in this temple before visiting the Jagannath temple. There is also another aspect that the temple offerings are not presented to Jagannath before it is presented to this deity. One of the very famous festivals celebrated in this temple is the Durga Puja festival.

6. Baliharachandi Temple

Deity Worshipped - Goddess Durga

This temple is a famous spot not just because of its spiritual vibe but also because of the scenic beauty in the surrounding area. The temple is set near the convergence of sea and river Bhargavi, you will love to enjoy the sandy beaches that sit next to the temple. If you are planning for this location, you must visit this place during sunset and sunrise. The famous deity in this temple is said to have a special place among the fishermen and boatmen, as the deity goddess Durga rules the water and navigation. This temple celebrates the ritual of the Mahanavami Festival that is associated with the Jagannath temple.

7. Alarnath Temple

Deity Worshipped - Vishnu

The famous belief among the Hindu is that they believe Lord Jagannath leaves Puri during the Ashadha month which is an important festival of the Hindu calendar. The deity in the Alarnath temple is said to be dedicated to Lord Jagannath and the idol has four arms with Chakra, conch, lotus, and club in its hands. This temple also celebrates an annual festival called the Chandan Yatra known as the sandalwood festival that is celebrated at the back of the lake for 21 days.

Apart from these main temples, numerous other Puri temples deserve a visit. After exploring these incredible temples if you have some time in hand, do check out temples like Kapalamochana Temple, Gundicha Temple, Markandeshwar Temple, Mausi Maa or Ardhashosini Temple, and more. Most of these places radiate with a spiritual vibe much different from each other. Some visits to these temples can bring you extreme peace and tranquility leaving you content in the presence of the creator.

Temple Etiquettes

Now that you will be visiting several temples, you must have a rough idea about the temple etiquette to help you have a smooth visit to these spiritual places. Some of them are:

•    Open your footwear outside the temple
•    Prayers are done by folding hands
•    Don’t wear body-hugging clothes, and follow the dress code of the temple if any
•    Cover your head before entering
•    Avoid carrying any leather made items
•    Accept the prasad from the temple.

Have a great journey to the land of temples. Some of these Puri temples are so stunning that it will compel you to take a second visit.

See Also:

Sun Temple, Konark - A Must Visit Shrine