Shri Markandeswara Swamy Temple, located in the Markandeswar street near the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India, holds significant historical and religious importance. Temple is a sacred place where the sage Markandeya meditated on Lord Shiva. To legend, the sage witnessed a miraculous sight of a small child floating on a banyan leaf in the sea, prompting him to seek assurance from Lord Vishnu.
Markandeswara Swamy Temple Location:
Temple is conveniently located on Markandeswar Street, adjacent to the serene Markandeswar Tank, and lies to the north of the iconic Jagannath Temple. Visitors can easily reach this spiritual haven via Markandeswar Road, which branches off from Markandeswar Chowk towards the Puri-Brahmagiri Road.
Location: RR67+4XX, near Markandeswar temple, Dhipa sahi, Puri, Odisha 752001
Markandeswara Swamy Temple Timings:
Temple opens its doors to devotees and tourists alike from early morning until late evening. Specific timings can vary, so it’s advisable to check locally or with the temple authorities before planning your visit.
Architectural Splendor:
Markandeswar Shiva Temple, with its classic Odia temple architecture, features intricate carvings and a towering spire that pierces the skyline. Temple’s construction dates back to the 12th century AD, a period when Puri emerged as a pivotal center of pilgrimage.
Markandeswara Swamy Temple Photo
Markandeswara Swamy Temple Nearby Place
- Jagannath Temple: Less than 1 km (within walking distance)
- Vimala Temple: Approximately 0.5 km
- Loknath Temple: Roughly 2 km
- Kanchi Ganesha Temple: Less than 1 km (within the Jagannath Temple complex)
- Raghurajpur Artist Village: About 10 km
- Konark Sun Temple: Around 35.8 km
- Chilika Lake: Approximately 50 km
Markandeya Tank:
Adjacent to the temple is the Markandeya Tank, an open structure enclosed by laterite stone blocks. Tank is not only a source of water for the temple’s rituals but also a place for visitors to engage in spiritual practices such as Pinda Dana and Mundan Kriya. Southern side of the tank is equipped with bathing ghats, welcoming tourists to partake in the purifying waters.
How to Reach Markandeswara Swamy Temple?
To reach Markandeswara Swamy Temple:
By Air
Nearest airport to Puri is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 60 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Puri. The journey by road takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train
Puri is well-connected by rail to major cities across India. The Puri Railway Station is just 3 kilometers from the temple. From the railway station, you can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or cycle-rickshaw to reach Markandeswara Swamy Temple.
By Road
Puri has a good network of roads and is well-connected to various cities in Odisha and neighboring states. Here are the options:
By Bus
- Public Buses: State-run buses and private operators provide regular services to Puri from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Konark, and other nearby cities.
- Private Buses: Several private bus operators offer deluxe and semi-deluxe buses to Puri from various locations.
By Car
- Self-Drive: You can drive to Puri via NH316 from Bhubaneswar, which is a scenic route with good road conditions.
- Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Bhubaneswar or any other nearby city is a convenient option. Taxis are readily available and can be booked through various travel agencies or ride-hailing apps.
Local Transportation in Puri
Once you reach Puri, several local transportation options are available to get to Markandeswara Swamy Temple:
- Auto-Rickshaws: Popular and economical choice for short distances.
- Cycle-Rickshaws: Ideal for a leisurely ride around the city.
- Taxis: Convenient for families or groups, taxis can be hired for local sightseeing as well.
- Bicycles and E-Rickshaws: Available for rent, offering an eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Walking Directions
If you are staying near the Jagannath Temple or in the central part of Puri, you can reach Markandeswara Swamy Temple by walking. It is located on Markandeswar Street, near the Markandeya Tank. Here are some landmarks and directions:
- Start from the Jagannath Temple and head north.
- Take the Markandeswar Road leading from Markandeswar Chowk towards Puri-Brahmagiri Road.
- Follow the signs to Markandeswar Street, where the temple is situated by the side of the Markandeswar Tank.
Visit to the Shri Markandeswara Swamy Temple is an immersion into a legacy of faith. It’s an invitation to experience the divine, to see where sage Markandeya once sought truth, and where countless souls have found peace.
