Tourist attraction in Puri and near by locations

Puri is a place of tourist attraction for both religious reason and sea beaches. Puri is very special for Bengalis. A short tour of 4-5 days and the name of Puri comes first. Historical religious temples and maths become live once you visit Puri. Here is a brief description of what to visit in Puri. 

Jagannath Temple

Puri is famous for Jagannath Temple. The temple has a total height of about 65 meters and it was established in the 12th century. Lord of the Universe is the God of this temple. The name ‘Jagannath’ comes from 'jag' and 'nag'. ‘jag’ means universe and ‘nag’ means 'lord'.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is situated on the Nilgiri Hills and it is one of the Char Dham. The other three dhams of Hindu religion are Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram.

 Konark 

Konark or Sun Temple is at the seashore and a heritage spot in Puri. UNESCO has declared Konark as a World Heritage Site. Tourists cannot enter inside the temple. Konark temple is a wonderful evidence of ancient Indian architecture from where we can get an idea about the culture of the people of that time carved on stones of the walls of the temple. Erotic sculpture adorn are there on the temple walls of Konark.

Konark Festival on every winter is very special as famous dancers from all over India participate in this prestigious festival.

Konark is nearly 31kms from Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneswar.

 Gundicha Ghar Temple

Gundicha Ghar Temple in Puri is one of the most important tourist attractions here. Puri is a town of temples and Gundicha Ghar Temple is one of the most well known temples of the place.

According to popular belief, the Gundicha Ghar Temple at Puri is the abode Lord Jagannath’s aunty (Massi in Bengali), who is called Gundicha. During the Rathyatra, Lord Jagannath spends 9 days at the Gundicha Ghar Temple in Puri with his associates.

During Rathyatra, Lord Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra are transported on beautifully decorated wooden chariots to Gundicha Ghar and it is believed that Gundicha welcomes them with a special delicacy made of rice called 'padoapitha'.

The distance between the gates of Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple is exactly 2,688.0696 meters (8327 feet). 

Loknath Temple 

Loknath Temple is another place of interest in Puri. Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple. Loknath Temple is also popular as Shiva temple. Loknath Temple was established in the 11th century or the 12th century AD and according to popular belief, Lord Rama established this lingam.It is also believed that Lord Loknath cures people from all types of health related problems.

Saranti Somobar Fair is held every year in this Loknath Temple.

Loknath temple is 1 km from Puri’s Jagannath temple.

The Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple

Daria Hanuman and Sonar Gouranga Temple in Puri is one of the most famous temples in Puri.

Suna Goswami Matha 

There are many mathas in Puri and Suna Goswami Matha is the most famous among them. Many Hindu religious festivals are celebrated at Suna Goswami Math and those are: Banaklagi, Chandan Yatra, Agni Utsava and Snana Purnima.

 Bauli Matha 

Bauli Matha is a famous Sikh pilgrimages in Puri. The matha is located just 3.5 kilometers away from Puri and is easily accessible through bus or car from Puri

It is said that when Guru Nanak visited Jagannath Temple in Puri, he took rest at Bauli Matha. 

Govardhan Matha 

Govardhan Matha is one of the famous mathas in Puri. This matha was built nearly 1000 years ago. Govardhan Matha is situated at Swargadwar.

The Govardhan Matha is also known as the Bhogo Vardhan Math. 

Related Post: Trains with Time Table Between Bengal and Puri

Swargadwar 

The Swargadwar is the land mark of hotels and lodges in Puri. Swargadwar is the famous burning ghat in Puri.

Sakhigopal

Sakhigopal is situated at a distance of 17 Km from Puri. This holi place is famous for the shrine of Lord Krishna. The temple looks like a mini Jagannath temple.

Bakulabana, open air school of early part of 20th century A.D. still exists near the Sakhigopal Temple.

Ardhasani Temple

Ardhasani Temple is situated on the way to Gundicha temple. This is a very small sized temple and Godess Ardhasani is worshiped here. Ardhasani is known as as Mausi Maa (mother’s sister) of Lord Jagannath. 

Siddha Mahavir Temple

Siddha Mahavir Temple is located at a distance of nearly half a mile to the west of Gundicha Temple. Siddha Hanuman is worshiped here and it is said that Tulasidas resided here while he was in Puri.