JAGANNATH PURI TEMPLE
JAGANNATH PURI 2024 The Jagannath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Jagannath, a form of Vishnu in Hinduism. It is located in Puri in the state of Odisha, situated on the eastern coast of India. As per temple records, King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple of Jagannath at Puri. The present temple was rebuilt from the tenth century onwards, on the site of the pre-existing temples in the compound, but not the main Jagannath temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Many of the temple rituals are based on Oddiyana Tantras which are the refined versions of Mahayana Tantras as well as Shabari Tantras which are evolved from Tantric Buddhism and tribal beliefs respectively. The local legends link the idols with aboriginal tribes and the daitapatis (servitors) claim to be descendants of the aboriginals. The temple is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Vaishnavite traditional.
PURI BEACH
JAGANNATH PURI 2024 Puri Beach or the Golden beach is a beach in the city of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is known for being a tourist attraction and a Hindu sacred place.The beach is the my site of the annual Puri Beach Festival, which is co-sponsored by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the city of Puri
, the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center, Kolkata. The beach hosts sand art displays, including work by international award-winning local sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik. The Golden Beach at Puri was awarded the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ tag on October 11, 2020 by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmar
KONARK KA SUN TEMPLE
JAGANNATH PURI 2024 On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. Built in the 13th century, it is one of India’s most famous Brahman sanctuaries.
Outstanding Universal Value
Brief synthesis
The Sun Temple at Konârak, located on the eastern shores of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the outstanding examples of temple architecture and art as revealed in its conception, scale and proportion, and in the sublime narrative strength of its sculptural embellishment. It is an outstanding testimony to the 13th-century kingdom of Orissa and a monumental example of the personification of divinity, thus forming an invaluable link in the history of the diffusion of the cult of Surya,the Sun God. In this sense, it is directly and materially linked to Brahmanism and tantricbelief systems. The Sun Temple is the culmination of Kalingan temple architecture, with all its defining elements in complete and perfect form.
Integrity
The boundaries of the nominated property encompass the attributes necessary to represent the Outstanding Universal Value of the Sun Temple, Konârak. Within the inscribed and protected extent of the property, its surviving structures and sculptures, as well as the dislodged remains preserved in-situ, represent its quintessential qualities of architectural form, design and sculptural relief. Furthermore, the protected zone includes all areas that have the potential to reveal any unexplored archaeological remains that may possibly enhance the understanding of the property’s Outstanding Universal Value.
KONARK BEACH
JAGANNATH PURI 2024Konark Beach or Chandrabhaga Beach is situated in Odisha on the eastern coast of India and is considered to be India’s finest beach. It is situated three km east of the Sun temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India.It is 30 km from the city of Puri. Formerly Chandrabhaga Beach was considered a place of natural cure for lepers. The beach on the coast of Konark becoming India’s first to get the Blue Flag certification — a tag given to environment-friendly clean beaches, equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists.Nandankanan Zoological Park is a premier large zoo of India. Unlike other zoos in the country, Nandankanan is built right inside the forest and set in a completely natural environment. The animals are housed in enclosures with greenery with a feel of real forest and live with no fear or apprehension of becoming the hunter’s prey.
Nandankanan is 15 kms from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar. The Bhubaneswar railway station is at a distance of 18 kms and the Biju Patnaik International Airport is at a distance of 20 kms. Tourist cottages inside Nandankanan are available for accommodation, only during day time, on prior reservation from the office of Deputy Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park.
NANDAN KANAN ZOO PARK
JAGANNATH PURI 2024 Nandan Kanan National Park is located 20 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha . The name Nandan Kanan means garden of pleasure, which becomes meaningful when you enter the park. Kanjiya is situated amidst the lake shore and natural forest.Nandankanan Zoological Park is a premier large zoo of India. Unlike other zoos in the country, Nandankanan is built right inside the forest and set in a completely natural environment. The animals are housed in enclosures with greenery with a feel of real forest and live with no fear or apprehension of becoming the hunter’s prey.
Nandankanan is 15 kms from Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar. The Bhubaneswar railway station is at a distance of 18 kms and the Biju Patnaik International Airport is at a distance of 20 kms. Tourist cottages inside Nandankanan are available for accommodation, only during day time, on prior reservation from the office of Deputy Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park.Unfortunately the State Finance Department raised serious objections to the idea of starting a zoo in Odisha as it would involve a lot of expenditure for its establishment and maintenance. Such a venture at that point of time needed deliberation in the legislative assembly and special budget provision. In the meantime the wild animals arrived at Bhubaneswar by May, 1960 and their upkeep and feeding posed a serious problem for forest department. Fortunately the late P. Mohapatra, Divisional Forest Officer, Puri and the Late G.K. Das, Divisional Forest Officer, Deogarh came to the department’s rescue. With their co-operation and efforts, temporary structures with brush wood and thatched roof were constructed at Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar to shelter these wild animals. The Jain community also came forward with the help of feeding these wild animals at Khandagiri. These animals at Khandagiri attracted large number of visitors both from Bhubaneswar town and neighboring villages. On the 6th day Dr. H.K. Mahatab, the then Chief Minister of Odisha was pleased to see these wild animals. He immediately discussed with the Forest Minister, Forest Secretary, Finance Secretary, Chief Secretary and Chief Conservator of Forests regarding establishment of a Zoo in Odisha.
CHILIKA LAKE
JAGANNATH PURI 2024 Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and second largest coastal lagoon in the world, covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometres (420 sq mi). It is spread over the Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
VIMALA TEMPLE
Vimala Temple or Bimala Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vimala or Bimala (बिमला), located within the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri, in the Indian state of Odisha . It is generally considered as Shakta Peetha, one of the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Goddess.Vimala Temple – Recognition, Information & Temple timings
Amongst the holiest temples of Hindus, the Vimala temple is devoted to the Hindu Goddess located in the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri, Odisha. The Vimla temple which is also commonly known as Bimala Temple is a Shakti Peeth.
Vimala temple is considered as the Tantric Consort of Jagannath and the guards of Jagannath temple. Due to this, devotees show their love, trust, and respect to Goddess Vimala first and then worship the main Jagannath shrine. Goddess Vimala is appraised as a protector or guardian of Jagannath and defender of the temple complex. The food provided to Jagannath does not consecrate as Mahaprasad until or unless it is offered to Goddess Vimala.
History
The innermost icon of Goddess Vimala is of the sixth century CE. The Great Yayati Keshari ruler of the Somvanshi Dynasty of South Kosala constructed this temple. The Yayati Keshari entitled to Yayati I (c. 922-955) and Yayati II (c. 1025-1040). The sculptures and all the background slab of the central icon are the reflection of the Somvanshi style, especially the parshva devatas (attendant deities).
Religious Significance
Identified with Parvati and Durga, the Vimala Temple is one of the most dedicated temples of the Hindu Goddess and considered as a Shakti Peeth. It shows the importance of the Shakti Cult in Odisha. Goddess Vimala is associated with Shiva’s companion, Lakshmi, and Vishnu. Tantric considers the Jagannath as Shiva-Bhairava rather than a form of Vishnu. The prime holy place of Jagannath Temple has two godheads:
Worship
People take pleasure in Vimala Temple, which reflects that it is the most prominent temple of Goddesses. People visit here daily, occasionally, and praise the Lord mantras. The Goddess oriented festival of Durga Puja celebrates for sixteen days in the Hindu month Ashwin (October) and happily ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
Architecture
The Vimala temple is located in the southwest corner of the inner enclosure of the Jagannath temple complex and on the western edge of the tower of Jagannath. It is precisely next to the sacred pond Rohini Kunda. The temple is built of sandstone and laterite faces east. Vimala temple constructed in the Deula style with four major components:
Best time to Visit
Vimala Temple is the place where we can visit throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the temple is July to March except for April and June due to high summer. The Winter season is too good to enjoy the beach and temples as the weather is pleasant.
Other places to go around
Dwelling in the collection of Jagannath Temple in Puri, Goddess Vimala is as high, significant, and essential as the main goddess. Shaktism devotees honor a tantric manifestation of Goddess Vimala as a guardian of the temple and the God.
MARKANDESHWAR TEMPLE
Markandeshwar Temple is a place where sage Markandeya meditated on lord Shiva. He saw a small child on a banyan leaf floating on the sea and wondered upon. Finally lord Vishnu assured him from the doubt. The ancient Markandeswar Shiva Temple is situated in the Markandeswar street by the side of the Markandeswar tank, to the north of the Jagannath temple, Puri, Odisha, India. This place can be approached on the right side of Markandeswar road leading from Markandeswar chowk to Puri-Brahmagiri road. Markandeya tank is an open structure and it enclosed within a stone wall made of dressed laterite blocks. Bathing ghats are provided for the tourists in southern side of the tank. The tank is used for rituals as well as for normal bathing. Rituals like Pinda Dana, Mundan Kriya etc. are observed on the steps of the tank. Both Markandeswar temple and Markandeswar tank can be dated back to the 12th century AD. Puri became an important center of pilgrimage by the 12th century. The history in Puri also proves that Sri Ramanuja visited Puri during 1107 and 1117.
History of Markandeshwar Temple Puri
According to mythological stories, Lord Shiva once saved Rishi Markandeya from a great danger from the sea. After which Markandeya placed a Shivalinga at the exact spot, where God saved him and began his meditation in Lord’s dedication. This place came to be known as Markandeya. As per his historical records, the Ganga Dynasty built the present temple here around the 12th century.A number of festivals including Maha Shivaratri, Rishi Panchami, Sankranti and Janmashtami are celebrated in the temple with great fervor. The rituals of the Jagannath Temple such as Sital Sasthi, Chandan Yatra, Kaliyadalan, Balabhadra Janma, etc. are also associated with this temple.
Architecture of Markandeshwar Temple Puri
The Markandeshwar Temple is a white-colored, small structure with elaborate carvings at the top. The temple lies adjacent to the Markandeya Sarovar (Tank), which is believed to be the starting point of the Puri pilgrimage. This rectangular-shaped tank is enclosed by a stone wall, which is made of laterite blocks. It is an open structure that serves as the spot for ritual and normal bathing. Besides those other rituals such as Mundan Kriya, Pinda Dana, etc. are performed on the steps of this tank.
Things to do in Markandeshwar Temple Puri
Tourists, on a visit to this sacred temple, can relax on the steps of the Markandeya Sarovar and enjoy the cool breeze and view of the tall coconut trees in the background, besides offering their prayers here. In addition to this temple, tourists can head to other famous holy temples in the city including the Jagannath Temple, Loknath Temple, Gundicha Temple and Ramachandi Temple.