Jagannath Puri Tour: Temple Darshan, Beaches, and Festivals!

Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will enrich your soul and mind? If yes, then you should consider taking a Jagannath Puri tour. Jagannath Puri is one of the four sacred dhams of India, where Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, resides with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The city is also famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant festivals. We will tell you what to expect from a Jagannath Puri tour and how to make the most of it.

Temple Darshan

The main attraction of Jagannath Puri is the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India. The temple is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture, with four towering gates, a huge courtyard, and a 65-meter-high spire. The temple houses the wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, who are adorned with different costumes and ornaments throughout the year. The temple also has many other shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, such as Lakshmi, Vimala, Saraswati, Shiva, Ganesha, etc.

The temple darshan is a unique experience that will fill you with devotion and awe. You can witness the daily rituals and ceremonies performed by the priests, such as Mangala Arati, Abhishekam, Bhog, Sandhya Arati, etc. You can also partake in the Mahaprasad, which is the sacred food offered to the Lord and then distributed among the devotees. The Mahaprasad consists of various vegetarian dishes prepared in huge earthen pots using firewood. The Mahaprasad is considered to be very auspicious and delicious.

The best time to visit the temple is during the festivals, such as Ratha Yatra, Snana Yatra, Chandan Yatra, etc. The Ratha Yatra is the most famous festival of Jagannath Puri, which takes place in the month of June or July. During this festival, the deities are taken out of the temple in three giant chariots and pulled by millions of devotees along the Grand Road to the Gundicha Temple. The Ratha Yatra is a spectacle of faith and joy that attracts people from all over the world.

Puri Beaches

Jagannath Puri is also blessed with some of the finest beaches in India, such as Puri Beach, Golden Beach, Swargadwar Beach, Balighai Beach, etc. The beaches are ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, boating, etc. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal and the sunrise and sunset. The beaches are also dotted with many stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks, etc.

Puri Beach is the most popular beach in Jagannath Puri, which is located near the Jagannath Temple. The beach is famous for its sand art festival, which showcases the amazing creations of sand artists from different countries. The beach is also a hub of cultural activities and events throughout the year.

The Golden Beach is another beautiful beach in Jagannath Puri, which is located near the Swargadwar cremation ground. The beach is named so because of its golden sand that sparkles in the sunlight. The beach is also known for its clean and calm water and its serene atmosphere.

Other Attractions of Puri

Apart from the temple and the beaches, there are many other attractions that you can visit during your Jagannath Puri tour. Some of them are:

Sakshi Gopal Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his devotee Sakshi Gopal. The temple has a life-size idol of Lord Krishna holding a flute and Sakshi Gopal standing behind him with folded hands. The temple has a legend associated with it that narrates how Sakshi Gopal came to testify for his devotee in a court case.

Alarnath Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his four-armed form. The temple was visited by many devotees during the Anavasara period (the fortnight when Lord Jagannath went into seclusion after Snana Yatra). It is believed that Lord Vishnu manifests himself as Alarnath during this period and fulfills the desires of his devotees.
Chilika Lake: This lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The lake is home to many migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cranes, etc., as well as dolphins and other aquatic animals. You can take a boat ride on the lake and visit some of its islands such as Nalabana Island (a bird sanctuary), Kalijai Island (a temple island), etc.
Konark Sun Temple: This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of ancient Indian architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is designed as a huge chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses. The temple is adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures depicting various aspects of life, culture, and mythology. The temple is also famous for its erotic sculptures and its alignment with the sun’s movement.