Jagannath Puri Odisha

Ancient Vedic literature describes Avantipur as a peaceful place ruled by King Indradyumna. There was abundance everywhere during the enlightened age of Satyuga, except in the heart of the king. Indradyumna yearned for bliss beyond material limits: he wanted to see the Lord face to face.

This is a difficult feat even for the greatest emperor of the world. How is it possible for a king absorbed in worldly affairs to receive God’s special mercy? One day when Indradyumna lamented that he was not able to serve the Lord directly, a pilgrim suddenly appeared. This person revealed that the Lord appears in the form of stone or wood throughout the ages to please His devotees and accept His loving service.The traveler narrated how, on the remote mountain peak of Niladri, he had seen the deities worshiping the Lord. After a month’s journey without rest, Vidyapati found Niladri mountain, married the daughter of the tribal chieftain Vishwavasu, who was worshiping the Lord in great secrecy. Due to his daughter’s pleas, Visvavasu finally agreed to show Lord Neela Madhava to Vidyapati only when he went to the site blindfolded. But the brahmin found that Neela Madhav had disappeared.

Only Vishwavasu could have suspected the removal of the deity. Not believing his lament, he arrested Vishwavasu. Suddenly Narada Muni appeared and told what really happened to Neela Madhav.The Lord withdrew because of his own choosing, but he would reappear again in the form of Lord Jagannath to bless the whole world. His presence in the form of Jagannath will be for the benefit of all. First of all, a great temple should be built. Then Lord Jagannath will plan for the holy establishment of Swami.

When the temple was completed, Lord Brahma further narrated how Lord Jagannath would appear in the form of wood from a great Kalpa-Vriksha tree, which was taken from the spiritual planet of Shvetadvipa.

Amazing Facts About Jagannath Temple

• There are some amazing facts about Jagannath temple.Which will shock you because they have no logical explanation.
• The flag atop the temple has been observed to flap in the opposite direction of the breeze.
• Irrespective of where you stand in Puri, it seems to you that the Sudarshana Chakra on top of the temple is always facing you.
• Usually in coastal areas during the day-time, the breeze blows from the sea towards the land and during evening hours it blows from the land towards the sea. But in the case of Puri it is the reverse.
• No birds fly above the Jagannath temple in Puri.
• The shadow of the main dome of Jagannath temple is not visible, whatever be the time of day. Maybe an architectural feat or the Lord’s desire.
• The food cooked inside the temple everyday will not go waste.
• After entering the temple from Singha dwara’s entrance, after the first step you cannot hear any sound produced by the ocean. But, when you exit it can be clearly heard. This can be noticed clearly during the evening.

Perfect Time For Visit

• The timing of Rath Yatra is always ideal for Puri Yatra.
• After that the time from October to February is also considered very good. Because the climate remains cool, pleasant and soothing during this time. And Puri tourism also touches its peak hosting the maximum number.

How To Reach Puri

• Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.
• Puri is a major railway junction.
• Puri is connected with the neighboring cities through well constructed roads. Buses are considered to be the main option to travel to Puri as the bus stand in near the Gundicha Temple.