Top 10 Temples To Visit In Puri
Tucked away on India’s east coast, the holy town of Puri, which is part of the state of Odisha, is a timeless representation of dedication to religious places and cultural tradition. Puri is known for its most well-known temple, The Jagannath Temple, which draws pilgrims from all over the world. Millions of people travel there to pray. Beneath the imposing facade of Jagannath Temple, Puri is also home to a variety of other stunning buildings, each with a unique charm and spiritual significance.
You will learn about the well-known Puri Odisha temples that will uplift the surrounding atmosphere and welcome pilgrims, seekers, and people to feel the divine energy of these hallowed buildings via this blog. A journey filled with history, culture, and unwavering faith is promised by Puri’s temples: from the imposing sanctums that resound with devotional chants to the architectural marvels that reveal historical tales.
Top 10 Temples in Puri, Odisha to Visit
- Sri Jagannath Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Lokanath Temple
- Varahi Temple
- Bedi Hanuman Temple
- Sakshi Gopal Temple
- Kapal Mochan Temple
- Vimala Temple
- Astachandi Temple
- Chakranarayan Temple
1.Sri Jagannath Temple
In Puri, Odisha, the Jagannath Temple is a famous representation of devotion and architectural magnificence. This holy place, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, welcomes millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.
Built in the Kalinga architectural style, this magnificent temple features an elaborate design enhanced by detailed sculptures and carvings. The striking architecture of the temple complex and its soaring spire (shikhara) draw attention and are symbols of the rich cultural legacy of the area.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and his brother Balabhadra are housed in the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees from all over the world come to witness the spectacularly decked chariots these deities parade in during the yearly Rath Yatra.
For anyone looking for a full cultural experience in India, the temple is a must-visit because of its spiritual significance and ceremonies as well as its historical and architectural splendor. Visitors are enthralled by the Jagannath Temple’s supernatural aura and centuries-old customs, which provide a profound spiritual trip within its sacred walls.
- Location: Puri, Odisha 752002
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
2. Gundicha Temple
Located in Puri, Odisha, the Gundicha Temple is very sacred because it was Lord Jagannath’s temporary residence during the yearly Rath Yatra. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are removed from the Jagannath-shrine and placed at this shrine, which is also referred to as the Garden-House of Jagannath.
Devotees swarm to the tranquil setting, surrounded by tranquil gardens, to see the gods’ arrival and stay during the week-long celebration. The temple is an essential component of Puri’s religious fervor, due to its affiliation with the Rath Yatra and its sanctity as the last resting place of the adored idols.
- Address: Puri, Odisha
- Timings: 6:00AM to 3:00PM, 4:00PM to 10:00PM
3. Lokanath Temple
One of the five well-known temples dedicated to worshiping Lord Shiva is the Lokanath temple, and this ancient temple is said to have been founded by Lord Rama. Dieses temple’s architecture is in the Deula style.
Regarding the temple, the main part is made of marble. The remainder of the temple is being built by hand. The Shiva Lingam, the sanctum sanctorum, is the main source of filth in this temple. Normally concealed, the natural spring that cascades over the Lingam is accessible for darshana during the Shivratri Festival.
- Address: Loknath Temple Rd, Puri, Odisha
- Timings: 5:00AM to 9:00PM
4. Varahi Temple
The god worshipped at this temple dates back to the ninth century. The idol’s reputation stems from its status as a masterpiece. The building design is another item for which it is renowned. The idol of Goddess Varahi and the two smaller ones on the flanks make up the main sanctum.
The goddess’s idol is carved with a fish in one hand and a skull (kapala) in the other, representing Lalitaasana. The idol’s distinctive feature is its protruding belly, which represents the Goddess carrying the universe within her womb.
- Address: Chaurashi, Odisha
- Timings: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
5. Bedi Hanuman Temple
The temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, as the name would imply, and this temple is also known as Darya Mahavir because of its stunning location adjacent to the sea. Diese Image of Lord Hanuman holds a mace in one hand and a laddoo in the other. Anjana and Lord Ganesha are among the other gods etched on the walls in addition to the ruling deity, Lord Hanuman.
According to legend, Lord Jagannath commanded Lord Hanuman to be chained here because he failed to carry out his task of preventing seawater from entering Puri, hence the name Bedi Hanuman. Hanuman Jayanti, Pana Sankranti, and Rama Navami are the holidays observed there. In the area, they are also well-liked.
Address: Chakra Tirtha Road, Puri, Odisha
6. Sakshi Gopal Temple
Located in Puri, Odisha, the Sakshi Gopal Temple is a hallowed sanctuary honoring Lord Krishna as Gopala. This historic temple draws both history buffs and devout with its elegant architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
According to legend, Lord Krishna answered a devotee’s plea for justice by showing up here as a witness, or Sakshi. In order to obtain Sakshi Gopal’s heavenly blessings, pilgrims frequently tie the knot of eternal love (Radha-Krishna) in the hopes of discovering a genuine witness to their devotion. For Puri visitors and Krishna followers alike, the temple is a treasured location because of its spiritual aura and historical significance.
7. Kapal Mochan Temple
Specifically, the Kapal Mochan Temple is located in Puri, Odisha. Generally speaking, “Kapal Mochan“ refers to Lord Shiva, who is frequently portrayed as the one who frees souls from the cycle of birth and death.
If a Kapal Mochan Temple has emerged or been built in Puri since then, on the other hand, it could be a highly regarded location for worshippers who are hoping to receive blessings from Lord Shiva. Shiva-temples are popular among those looking for inner calm and a break from material attachments, since they frequently represent spiritual liberation.
8. Vimala Temple
The Jagannath Temple Complex includes the Vimala Temple. Additionally, this is Rohini Kunda, one of the Panch Tirtha. Dieses temple is one of the many Shakti Peetha located throughout India.
Again using Deula architecture, the temple is composed of sandstone. The god housed here is revered as the consort and protector of the Jagannath temple complex. It is imperative that devotees first visit the Bimala Temple before offering prayers to Lord Jagannath.
Dieses temple is so significant, that even the prasad, that you receive from Jagannath Mandir, is sacrosanct, unless you give it to Vimala first. You can witness the elaborate celebrations that are held here during Durga Puja.
Address: Puri, Odisha
Timings: 5:00AM to 1:00PM, 4:00PM to 11:30 PM
9. Astachandi Temple
Puri is considered as one of the Shakti Peeth (seat of Mother Goddess), in addition to being one of India’s Char Dham and a spiritual hub for Vaishnavism. The name of the temple, Harachandi Sahi, refers to a specific place, lane, or street. It is dedicated to the Goddess Harachandi. As one of Puri’s Asta Chandis, or Eight Chandis, Harachandi is revered.
This temple observes many auspicious festivals with great devotion, including Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Chaitra Mangala Bara, among others.
Along with the other seven goddesses Vimala, Ramachandi, Vaseli, Varahi, Alamchandi, Dakshina Chandi, and Jhadeswari, Harachandi is often referred to as one of the Asta Chandi (eight Chandis) of Puri.
The shrine has a significant role in Puri’s religious history, even if it is not very significant from an architectural standpoint.
How to reach Harachandi Temple
The temple is situated on Harichandi Lane, which leads west from Jagannath Temple. The temple may be found on the left side of the Harachandi Sahi road, which connects Dhipa Jaga and the Jameswara Siva temple.
10. Chakranarayan Temple
Worshipped by people from all over the world, the Lakshmi-Narasimha is the object of great importance at the Chakranarayan-temple. The Subaru-Gouranga temple, which is situated on its northern flank, is well-known for its exquisite idol, which is a sight to behold.
The East is where the Temple faces. The temple’s exterior walls held representations of several Deities. The wall on the western side is carved with a picture of Anjana carrying a baby in her lap. On the northern sidewall, there is a female deity atop a beautifully adorned pedestal.