Spiritual Places To Visit In Jagannath Temple, Puri | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places to Visit in Jagannath Temple, Puri

The history of Jagannath Temple in Puri dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have been constructed by King Indradyumna in the 12th century AD. The temple is a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, as it is believed that a visit to the temple can help one attain Moksha, which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Main Attraction: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra

The main attraction of Jagannath Temple is the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The idols are made of wood and are replaced every twelve years. The Rath Yatra, or the chariot festival, which takes place every year, is dedicated to these deities. During the festival, the deities are taken out of the temple and placed on chariots, which are then pulled by thousands of devotees.

Apart from the main deities, there are many spiritual places that devotees can visit in Jagannath Temple, Puri. Let's explore some of them:

Mukti Mandap

Mukti Mandap is a small temple located in the temple complex. It is believed that a visit to Mukti Mandap can help one attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and devotees can offer prayers to the Linga present here.

Gundicha Temple

Gundicha Temple is located about 3 kilometers away from Jagannath Temple. It is believed that Lord Jagannath stays here for nine days during the Rath Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

Ananda Bazar

Ananda Bazar is a food court located in the temple complex. It is believed that Lord Jagannath visits Ananda Bazar every day to taste the food that is prepared here. Devotees can have a taste of the food that is served here, which is considered to be sacred.

Rohini Kund

Rohini Kund is a sacred pond located in the temple complex. It is believed that a dip in the pond can wash away all sins and purify the soul. The pond is named after Rohini, one of Lord Krishna's wives.

Markandeya Sarovar

Markandeya Sarovar is another sacred pond located in the temple complex. It is believed that a dip in the pond can help one attain Moksha. The pond is named after the sage Markandeya, who is believed to have meditated here.

Nila Chakra

Nila Chakra is a massive disc-shaped object made of metal. It is located at the top of the temple's main spire and is considered to be a significant symbol of the temple. It is believed that a glimpse of the Nila Chakra can help one attain Moksha.

Jagannath Ballava Matha

Jagannath Ballava Matha is an important spiritual place located near the Jagannath Temple. It is believed that the matha was founded by the great saint, Adi Shankaracharya. The matha is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

Gundicha Ghar

Gundicha Ghar is a small temple located near the Gundicha Temple. It is believed that Lord Jagannath stays here for a night during the Rath Yatra. The temple is an important spiritual place and is visited by many devotees.

Swargadwar

Swargadwar is a sacred place located near the temple complex. It is believed that a visit to Swargadwar can help one attain Moksha. The place is considered to be a gateway to heaven, and it is believed that the souls of the departed attain Moksha here.

Narendra Sarovar

Narendra Sarovar is a small pond located near the temple complex. It is believed that Lord Jagannath used to take a bath in the pond during ancient times. The pond is considered to be sacred, and devotees can take a dip in it to purify their souls.

Nilachakra Besha

Nilachakra Besha is a special decoration of the Nila Chakra that takes place once every year. The Nila Chakra is decorated with various ornaments, and it is considered to be a significant event in the temple. Devotees can witness the event and experience the divine energy.

Other Spiritual Places

Apart from the places mentioned above, there are many other spiritual places that devotees can visit in Jagannath Temple, Puri. These include Alarnath Temple, Lokanath Temple, and Sakshi Gopal Temple.

Jagannath Temple in Puri is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus all over the world. The temple complex comprises many spiritual places that devotees can visit to experience divine energy. A visit to the temple can help one attain Moksha, which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Hidden facts about Jagannath Temple, Puri:-

The Jagannath Temple, located in the city of Puri in the Indian state of Odisha, is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. Here are some hidden facts about the temple:

The temple is over a thousand years old and was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century.

The temple is home to three deities - Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and his elder brother Balabhadra. The deities are made of wood and are replaced every 12-19 years in a grand ceremony known as Nabakalebara.

The temple kitchen, also known as the Ananda Bazar, is one of the largest kitchens in the world. It can feed up to 100,000 people every day and the food is cooked in traditional earthen pots over wood-fired stoves.

The temple is surrounded by a 20-foot-high wall, which is known as Meghanada Pacheri. There are four gates to the temple - the Singha Dwara, the Ashwa Dwara, the Vyaghra Dwara, and the Hasti Dwara.

Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises. This rule has been in place since the 16th century, when the temple was attacked by Muslim invaders.

The temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture, which is characterized by the use of sandstone and intricate carvings.

The temple is also known for its annual Rath Yatra, which attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. During the Rath Yatra, the deities are taken out of the temple in huge chariots and pulled by devotees.

The temple has a unique flag that flies above its main spire. The flag, known as the Nila Chakra, is made of eight metals and weighs over a tonne.

Legend has it that the temple was built on the site where Lord Krishna's body washed ashore after he was killed by a hunter's arrow.

The temple has faced several challenges over the years, including attacks by Muslim invaders and natural disasters like cyclones and earthquakes. However, it has always been rebuilt and remains a symbol of Hindu culture and heritage.

How to travel by road to Jagannath Temple and the nearest bus stand

If you're planning to travel by road to Jagannath Temple, there are several options available depending on your starting location.

If you're coming from Bhubaneswar, which is the nearest major city, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Puri, where Jagannath Temple is located. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic.

Once you reach Puri, you can take a cycle rickshaw or walk to Jagannath Temple, which is located in the heart of the city. The temple is easily accessible by foot from most parts of Puri.

If you're coming from other parts of Odisha or India, you can take a bus or train to Puri. The Puri railway station is located just a few kilometers away from Jagannath Temple, and there are regular buses and taxis available to take you to the temple.

The nearest bus stand to Jagannath Temple is the Puri bus stand, which is located in the center of the city. From there, you can take a cycle rickshaw or walk to the temple.

How to travel by train to Jagannath Temple and the nearest railway station

If you're planning to travel by train to Jagannath Temple, the nearest railway station is the Puri railway station. It is well-connected to most major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore.

Once you reach Puri railway station, you can take a taxi or a cycle rickshaw to Jagannath Temple, which is located just a few kilometers away. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

There are several trains that run daily to Puri from different parts of India. Some popular trains that connect Puri to major cities are the Purushottam Express, Konark Express, and Puri Express.

It's recommended to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as Puri is a popular pilgrimage destination and trains can get crowded.

Overall, traveling to Jagannath Temple by train is a convenient and affordable option, and the Puri railway station is well-equipped to handle the needs of travelers.

How to travel by air to Jagannath Temple and the nearest airport

If you're planning to travel by air to Jagannath Temple, the nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is located around 60 kilometers away from Puri.

Once you reach Bhubaneswar airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Puri, where Jagannath Temple is located. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic.

There are several domestic airlines that operate regular flights to Bhubaneswar from major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Some popular airlines that fly to Bhubaneswar are Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara.

From Puri, you can easily reach Jagannath Temple by foot, cycle rickshaw, or taxi. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible from most parts of Puri.

Overall, traveling to Jagannath Temple by air is a convenient and time-saving option, especially if you're traveling from a distant location. The Bhubaneswar airport is well-equipped to handle the needs of travelers and has several facilities like ATMs, food outlets, and shopping options.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the significance of Jagannath Temple in Puri?

Jagannath Temple in Puri is believed to be the abode of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

Q.2 What are the main attractions of Jagannath Temple?

The main attractions of Jagannath Temple are the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The temple complex also comprises of many other spiritual places.

Q.3 Can non-Hindus visit Jagannath Temple?

Yes, non-Hindus can visit Jagannath Temple, but they are not allowed inside the main sanctum.

Q.4 What is the significance of the Rath Yatra?

The Rath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. During the festival, the deities are taken out of the temple and placed on chariots, which are then pulled by thousands of devotees.

Q.5 What is the best time to visit Jagannath Temple?

The best time to visit Jagannath Temple is during the winter months, between October to March. The weather is pleasant during this time, and there are many festivals and events that take place in the temple complex.