Puri

Puri is a town situated in east coast of India, In the state of Odisha (Orissa). It is about 60 kilometer from Bhubaneswar, the capital town of Odisha. Puri is a prime religious place for the hindus. It is holy town. It is one of the four Dhams established by Sri Sankaracharya. Puri is famous for the temple of lord Jagannath. Jagannath means the lord of the universe. The scripture says that there were several thousands of temples in puri. Several temples are ruined. Today one can see at least some hundreds of temples dedicated to different hindu god and godesses. The temple architecture is just marvellous.

The height of Puri temple is 214 feet and 8 inches. The Jagannath temple was built by king Anangabhimadeva of Ganga dynasty.


Puri is also called as Jagannath Puri and Jagannath temple as Puri temple.

Puri also has more than half a dozen other names. The most used names are Srikhetra, Neelachal dham, Purusottam dham etc.

Rath Yatra (Car Festival)

Puri is famous for Rath Yatra or car festival. The Rath Yatra is celebrated each year towards the end of June or beginning of July. The date is fixed as per the Hindu calendar.

Rath Yatra is not just the biggest festival of Puri rather it is the biggest event or festival in India. Each year nearly a million of devotees come to Puri for Rath Yatra. Perhaps Rath Yatra is one of the biggest events of the mankind. People from all religion, caste, nationality attend this great event or festival. Usually men, women and children go to place of temple, church or masjid, etc. for worshipping and have a darshan (look) of the god. But Rath Yatra is something where god himself come out of the temple so that any follower of lord Jagannath can have a darshan irrespective of his religion, race, caste or country of origin. At the time of Rath Yatra the population of Puri swell to more than four or five times its actual population. While visiting Puri at this time one should plan well in advance.

Puri Beach

Puri has one of the best sea beaches in India. While taking bath at Puri beach one should be very cautious as there has been lots of incidences of death in sea current. Each year many people die due to careless swimming in the Puri sea or simply due to lack of awareness.

Ideal time to visit Puri is from December to February. Lots of tourists come to Puri during the period from December 25th to first wek of January. Especially hindu people want to start the new year from Darshan of lord Jagannath.  In this time it is very difficult to get accommodation in any of the lodges and hotels at Puri. Any one wishing to visit Puri during this period are advised to book hotels in advance.