A quaint old town with little else to sell than
an ancient religious heritage as one of Hindu India’s four most sacred
Hindu pilgrimages, Puri is a rambling seaside town on the eastern coast of Orissa
overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Puri attracts visitors and lulls them into a
soporific trance, a state of mind popularly known as Puri Paralysis. Its other
major claim to fame is that it is the home of the Lord of the World, Lord Jagannath,
whose awesome chariot procession through the streets gave English language,
the word "juggernaut", the unstoppable force. The ‘Rath Yatra’
or chariot procession is the only frenzied activity that transpires here when
the gods who reside in the Jagannath Temple are ceremoniously transported to
a garden retreat and the town is flooded by vast multitudes seeking salvation.
History
The earliest history of Puri has it that it was once a thickly wooded hillock
inhabited by the Sabaras, a Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austro-Asiatic
linguistic family. The sacred Buddhist site called Dantapura (town of the tooth)
may also have been here, as legend has it that Buddha’s tooth was kept
here before being spirited off to Sri Lanka.
Till the seventh and eighth centuries, the city was a provincial outpost along
the coastal trade route linking eastern India with Southeast Asia. Shankaracharya,
the Hindu reformer, declared Puri as one of his four mathas (centres for the
practice of a new ascetic form of Hinduism). Learned and holy men came here
to debate the new philosophies from across the whole subcontinent, a tradition
that is still carried on to this day.
The kings of the Ganga dynasty consolidated the religious and political importance
of Puri in the beginning of the 12th century. In 1135, Anantavarman Chodaganga
founded the great temple in Puri, and dedicated it to Purushottama, one of
the thousand names of Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu Trinity. The Gajapati
rulers changed the town’s name to Jagannath in the fifteenth century.
Puri remained a temple town, a holy place till the British realised its potential
as a seaside resort. Since then, Puri has developed into a pilgrimage cum
holiday destination with the Rath Yatra, the annual festival at the Jagannath
Temple still the main draw.
Places to See
Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple dedicated to Krishna is one of the four dhams or holy places
venerated by Hindus and mandatory pilgrimage for the devout. This temple complex
was built during the 12th century A.D. by Anantavarman Chodaganga as a place
to offer prayers to the God Vishnu. The main features of the temples are its
sculpted figures from Hindu mythology and its tapering 65m high spire. The Jagmohan,
the inner sanctum has images of the black hued Jagannath ( an incarnation of
Vishnu, the god Krishna), his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. It is
said that the prasad or the sanctified food served at the temple is the tastiest
morsel cooked in Puri. The temple is strictly off limits for non-Hindus.
Rath Yatra
Puri's annual "
Car Festival", the Rath Yatra is held
in the full moon phase of the Oriya month of 'Jestho’ - June/July in the
Gregorian Calendar. Then, the town is chockfull of pilgrims who come to celebrate
the return of the three gods to their mother’s home, a journey through
the streets of Puri on a colossal wooden chariot/car hand pulled by king (the
erstwhile Raja of Puri) and commoner alike. The more secular visitors include
thousands of tourists who come to observe the procession of the colossal Jagannath
chariots. The festival rituals begin with Chandan Yatra, when special replicas
of the three temple deities are taken to the Narendra Sagar, a sacred pond,
where they are rowed around in a traditional, swan-shaped boat and anointed
with sandalwood paste (chandan) for twenty-one days. After this the holy trio
take a dip in the tank in a ceremony known as Snana Yatra following which they
take fifteen days to prepare for the Rath Yatra in solitude.
Sea Beach
The golden beach of Puri is one of the best in the country for Sun, Surf and
Sand. The beach area has been a popular seaside resort for decades, and some
of the old hotels capture the charm of bygone days. For this shining beach,
Puri has got its dual importance of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important
pilgrimage centre. A stroll along the beach or a much desired bath here in
the sea is very much refreshing. The beach goes festive on occasions like
"Kartik Purnima" i.e. the full moon day of the lunar month of Kartik
when Hindus gather here in the early morning to take a holy deep and pray
sea God. The five days long Beach Festival in the months of February is now
very popular in the Festival calendar. Beach clothes are appropriate for this
sea side resort.
Sun Temple
The Sun Temple of Konark marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga
architecture depicting the grace , the joy and the rhythm of life all it's
wondrous variety. There is an endless wealth of decoration from minute pattterns
in bas-relief done with a jeweller's precision to boldly modelled free standing
sculptures of exceptionally large size. Under the crackling wheels of past
events , the Sun Temple has lost its main sanctuary but the remaining structure
and the ruins around testify till today the boundless creative energy of Orissan
artistes and their impressive contribution to the treasury of Indian Art and
building technique. Standing majestically on the sandy coast of the Bay of
Bengal, the porch, in its solitary grandeur is an eloquent testimony of a
gracious and mysterious past. Dedicated to Sun God, this temple was constructed
by Raja Narasinghs Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty was dazzling supreme in the
political firmament of India
Chandra Bhaga
At about 3 kms from the Sun Temple at Konark is the Chandrabhaga beach. The
strong currents do not make it either safe or easy for swimming. But the picturesque
view of the sunrise and sunset at this place is enchanting. According to a
myth, the Sun God is believed to have sought a beautiful sea-maiden named
Chandrabhaga. After chasing her up to this point, she is said to have disappeared
into the sea. A river by the same name Chandrabhaga is supposed to have existed
just 3 kms away from the temple where (as another legend goes), Shamba, the
son of Lord Krishna prayed to the Sun God for 12 years to be cured of leprosy.
In memory of Shamba’s successful penance, the Chandrabhaga Mela (festival)
is held every year. During the full-moon phase in the month of Magha, the
festival
Chilika Lake
Nesting in the heart of Coastal District Puri, Asia's largest & biggest
inland Brackish water lake, Chilika, stretching across the length of the three
districts of Puri, Khurdha & Ganjam ,it joins up with the Bay of Bengal
through a narrow mouth ,forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water .Spread
over an area of 1,100 sq. km it was declared a sanctuary in 1987. Dotted with
many emerald green islands with colorful names such as honeymoon islands and
Breakfast island ,Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna .It is
also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds like a bird watcher's
paradise. Sun rise and Sun set are memorable experiences here. Winter is the
loveliest time at Chilika ,with thousands of migratory birds flying in from
as far as Siberia to make their winter sojourn in strange waters . The water
come alive with their raucous cries and colorful plumage as the birds’
battle to find space to make their new homes . While the lake's Nalabana island
has been declared a sanctuary for its varied flora and fauna , Kalijai island
is home to Goddess Kalijai and the venue for annual Makar Mela .
Boating and fishing facilities are available in this lake containing a large
variety of fish. The lake provides a livelihood to thousands of fishermen. Chital
and Black buck roam freely on the scrubby shores while Dolphins gambol playfully
in the foam of the churning waters at Chilika mouth near Satapara .For crushing
and visiting the islands , one can make use of the motor launches of the OTDC
at Barakul and Rambha , and the revenue department at Balugaon. Private boats
are also available here. Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's blue
expanse in search of mackerel, Prawn Crabs, the sight providing an insight into
the pageant of rural India at its colorful best.
Satapara
A retreat in nature on Chilika lake, is poened up to the tourists . For its
location near the confluence of the lake with the ocean and proximity to puri(48km),
it is an ideal spot to enjoy Chilika . The thrilling sight of dolphins round
the year and abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make it a
preffered place for a vacation with nature.
BALIGHAI : It is 10 K.M. from Puri in marine drive in Puri-Konark Road. Beautiful
isolated beach , attractive for tourist.
Baliharachandi
At about 20 kms from Puri, on sand dunes near the confluence of the expanded
sea and calm River Bhargavi is situated the temple of Baliharchandi. The place
derives its name from ‘Baliharchandi’-the revered goddess who
is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
This place is most often the first choice for a picnic or pleasure trip.
The solitude that the place enjoys along with the visual enchantments is a
haven for lovers of nature. The wild flora and fauna around this place are
often the subject of study for young students with a scientific bent of mind.
Take care not to wander away into the unknown without the help of local people
as quicksand pervades the area.
Beleswar
20 K.M. from Puri in Puri-Konark road lies the famous Lord Shiva Temple .
It is near the sea beach, a beautiful picnic spot.
Bramhagiri
20 K.M. from Puri towards Satapada is the Bramhagiri bazar. It is famous for
Lord Alarnath the god of Vishnu. Legent says Lord Jagannath stays in Alarnath
during the ANASARA (suffering from fever) period before car festival every
year.
Pipli
Appliqué in Orissa is an old temple art , which has been refined to
perfection. A fine example of the craft is the enormous appliqué canopies
above the reigning deity of Puri , Lord Jagannath . Appliqué art is
the process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals , birds, flowers,
leaves and other decorative motifs and stitching them on to a piece of cloth
that can ultimately be used as a lamp shade , a hand bag or even a garden
umbrella . The village of Pipli , 40 kms. from Puri , is the site of beautiful
appliqué work, created by artists, quite a few of whom have won national
awards for their crafts.
Raghurajpur
The artists' village of Raghurajpur, 16 km from Puri , is famous for its Pattachitras
created by traditional chitrakaras , who have for centuries , also churned
out palm-leaf etchings with exquisite detail . Quite a few of the craftsmen
are winners of national awards.
Sakshigopal
Is 20 km from puri is famous for Radha Krishna temple . It is also famous
for Satyabadi bana vidyalaya and bakulabana
Excursion
Balighai
8 km from Puri is a popular picnic spot at the point where the River Nuanai
meets the sea. Brahmagiri with the shrine of Alarnath and the shrine of Baliharachandi
on the solitary sand dunes near the River Bhargavi is only 25 km away.
Satyabadi or Sakshigopal
20 km from Puri and a trip to Puri is considered incomplete if one does not
visit the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal(Krishna) here.
Raghurajpur
A famous artist’s village in Orissa is 16 km from Puri. Besides art
– pattachittra and talapattachittra, this village is the hometown of
Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, one of the most renowned exponents of Odissi, the
lyrical classical dance genre born in the temples of Orissa and handed down
from generation to generation in the Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition.
Birapratapur and Ganganarayanpur
They are two traditional Brahmin villages, situated inland amongst the coconut
palms, paddy fields, muddy lakes and rivers. Thatched houses of baked clay
and wood, painted with gay designs, and small temples are the main attractions
of these quaint villages that worship Lord Vishnu.
Dining Out
The rich verdant land brings forth vegetables that are lush and fruits
that brim over with beneficial properties and are therefore form a large part
of Puri 's diet. Rice drawn from the emerald paddy fields in sun-drenched valleys
finds its way to the table --sweet smelling and delicious . With the religious
leanings of the District , meat consumption is relatively low , though most
hotels and restaurants have it on their menus.
what is rich and plentiful is the diverse selection of sea-food , with crabs
and lobsters steeped in the ever present ingredients of -- Puri's cuisine --
curd (yoghurt) and Coconut milk . The curd here is rich and creamy and gives
the succulent flesh an additional flavour . It is not only the sea-food which
is traditionally cooked in curd and coconut milk but also yams , brinjals and
pumpkins are liberally used in curd with mustard seeds giving the whole preparation
that extra zing.
Small cakes or 'Pithas' which are both sweet and savoury are extremely popular
in Orissa . Chhenapodapitha the caramelised custard-like dessert is popular
not only with the locals but also with the tourists .
Another traditional must is the tasting of the 'Mahaprasad 'or the sacred
food offered as 'bhog' to Lord Jagannath . Available at the ananda Bazar of
the Jagannath temple , your hotel can help you procure it quite easily . The
temple kitchen is believed to be the largest kitchen in the world . Created
on a cooking facility which is highly efficient despite its age , 400 'Supkars'
(cooks) work around 200 hearths daily to feed over 10,000 people.
Most hotels and restaurants in Puri have a good selection of multi-cuisine
on their menus including some house specialties . The fish and prawn catch
of Puri coast basically the prawn of Chilika are totally free from toxic substances
like mercury and lead etc.
Shopping
Puri is famous for various handicraft items , Appliqué, Brass materials,
Wood carvings, Stone carvings, Shale products, Sola carving, Handloom sarees,
Bangles, Patta Chitra, Palm Leaf Archiesand many local handicraft and handloom
items.
The main market areas are Swarga Dwar area, New marine Drive Road, On the sea
shore in front of Swarga Dwar, Grand Centre, Near Sri Jagannath temple. Special
wood carvings , patta paintings, greetings, Photos, Palm Leaf items are available
at Sun Crafts, V.I.P. Road, Puri.. Sudarsan Crafts is famous for stone carving
statues. Besides Sarees and handloom products are available at Boyanika near
Jagannath temple and Swarg Dwar, Utkalika near Sea Beach in Swarga Dwar.
Visiting
While one can visit Puri any time of the year, winter months from November
to February are the best times to visit as the weather is at its balmiest
best. If you don’t mind being part of a crowd of thousands of people
and are seriously devout, then come here during June and July when the Rath
Yatra takes places. It is the annual Chariot Festival of the Jagannath Temple
when devotees throng this town to pull the Lord’s chariot. The rainy
season (June to September) is best avoided as the southeast monsoon really
pours its heart out.
Special Events and Festivals
The singular most spectacular event held in the city which draws hundreds
of thousands of people to Puri is the month long Rath Yatra or the Chariot
Festival. Held in the month of June/July this festival is the annual holiday
of the gods of the Jagannath Temple.
How to get there
By Air : The nearest national airport in the state is at Bhubaneshwar.
There are frequent flights from Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. Puri
is 62 km away, a distance that can be covered by road or by rail.
By Train :Direct express trains link Puri with Delhi, via Varanasi
or Agra. There are trains to Calcutta and Guwahati too. Puri has a branch line
of South Eastern Railway network connecting the southern Indian states to Puri.
From other places in India, trains arrive at the nearest major junction at Bhubaneshwar,
62 km away or at Khurda Road, 44 km from Puri.
By Road : Puri and Bhubaneshwar are well connected by road;
with frequent and fast state transport buses and minibus services that do the
journey in few hours. Cars, Jeeps and other private vehicles also ply on the
same route as do luxury buses run by Orissa Tourism Development Corporation.
