Puri, located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is renowned for its temples, the most famous being the Jagannath Temple. Here are some notable temples in Puri:
- Jagannath Temple:
- Significance: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna).
- Architecture: Kalinga style, with a towering main shrine (Shikhar) and intricate carvings.
- Rath Yatra: Hosts the annual chariot festival, attracting millions of devotees.
- Gundicha Temple:
- Significance: Associated with the Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra stay for nine days during the festival.
- Architecture: Simple but elegant Kalinga style, surrounded by gardens.
- Loknath Temple:
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to have been built in the 11th century.
- Specialty: Famous for its Shiva Linga submerged in a natural underground stream.
- Markandeshwar Temple:
- Significance: Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, named after the sage Markandeya.
- Features: Known for its peaceful ambiance and ancient structure.
- Alarnath Temple:
- Location: Near Brahmagiri, around 25 km from Puri.
- Significance: Important during the Anavasara period when deities are believed to be unwell and inaccessible in Jagannath Temple.
- Sakshi Gopal Temple:
- Location: In Sakshi Gopal, around 20 km from Puri.
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Gopal (Krishna), and known for its legend involving a devotee’s journey.
- Sonar Gouranga Temple:
- Significance: Dedicated to Gouranga (Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), a revered saint and incarnation of Lord Krishna.
These temples reflect the rich cultural and religious heritage of Puri and are important pilgrimage sites for devotees from around the world.
