Puri Odisha || Full Information

 

Puri is a famous coastal city in theeastern Indian state of Odisha, known for its religious significance, cultural heritage, and scenic beaches. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is especially renowned for the Jagannath temple’ dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a foem of Lord Vishnu).

Each year, Puri attracts millions of devotees and tourists, especially during the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), when the deities are paraded through the streets in hrand wooden chariots.

Apart from its spiritual charm, Puri is also Known for:

Ø  Golden beaches popular among tourists.

Ø  Traditional arts like Pattachitra painting and sand art (made famous by artist sudarsan Pattnaik).

Ø  Delicious local food and famous Mahapasad offered at the Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple in Puri

At the heart of Puri lies the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), where the deities are paraded in massive wooden chariots drawn by thousands of devotees along the Grand Road to the Gundicha Temple.

 One of the most prominent is the temple flag flying in the opposite direction of the wind. Other mysteries included the temple not casting a shadow, the temple not having a sound from the sea, and the unique way the Mahaprasad cooking.

Konark Sun Temple

Located about 35 km northeast of Puri, the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the shape of a chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses, it is dedicated to the Sun God and is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

Chandrabhaga Beach

Situated 3 km east of the Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach is known for its clean sands and serene environment. It holds religious significance and is India's first beach to receive the Blue Flag certification, indicating high environmental and safety standards.

Architecture

• The Jagannath Temple is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture, featuring a shikhara (spire) rising about 65 meters (214 feet) high.
• The complex includes over 120 temples and shrines within its 400,000 sq ft enclosure.
• It is enclosed by two walls: the Meghanada Pacheri (outer wall) and Kurma Bedha (inner wall).

Odissi – Classical Dance of Odisha

• Odissi is one of the eight classical dance forms of India and the most prominent from Odisha.
• It originated in the temples of Puri, especially around the Jagannath Temple.
• It is known for its graceful, fluid movements, tribhangi posture (three bends of the body), and expressive mudras (hand gestures) and abhinaya (facial expressions).

Food in Odisha

1.      Dalma

·         A comforting dish made with lentils (usually toor or moong dal) and vegetables like raw banana, pumpkin, papaya, and eggplant, seasoned with ginger, garlic, and panch phoron (a five-spice blend).

·         Often eaten with rice.

2.      Pakhala Bhata

·         Fermented rice soaked in water, often served with curd, fried or mashed vegetables, and green chilies.

·         Popular in summer for its cooling effect.

3.      Kanika

·         A sweet fragrant rice dish made with basmati rice, ghee, raisins, cardamom, and cloves.

·         Commonly offered as part of temple prasad, especially at Jagannath Temple in Puri.

4.      Santula

·         A light, boiled vegetable curry with minimal spices. It comes in two types: "bhaja santula" (fried) and "sijha santula" (boiled).

5.      Chhena Poda

·         A unique dessert made from baked fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom. Often described as “Odisha’s cheesecake.”