Puri

Puri, a peaceful coastal town in Odisha, India, is known not just for its beaches but also for its spiritual importance. At the heart of this town lies the famous Jagannath Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. But what truly makes this temple stand out are the mysterious and unexplained phenomena that occur here every day, leaving visitors amazed and even scientists puzzled.

One of the most talked-about wonders of the Jagannath Temple is its flag. Unlike regular flags that move in the direction of the wind, this flag strangely flutters in the opposite direction. This unusual behavior has been happening for centuries, and so far, there is no scientific explanation for it. Adding to the mystery is the daily ritual of changing the flag. Every day, a priest climbs to the top of the temple—roughly as tall as a 45-story building—using only his bare hands, without any safety equipment. This tradition has continued for hundreds of years, and locals believe that if this ritual is missed even once, the temple will be forced to close for the next 18 years.

Another strange phenomenon can be experienced when you walk through the main entrance of the temple, called the Singha Dwara. As you step inside, the loud sound of the ocean waves, which is clearly heard outside, suddenly disappears. It feels as though the sound has been switched off. The moment you walk out of the temple premises, the sound returns. This silence inside the temple is most noticeable during the evening and continues to be a mystery that science has not been able to explain.

These unusual events make the Jagannath Temple in Puri one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in India. It is a destination where spirituality meets the unknown, attracting not only devotees but also curious travelers from around the world. If you're looking to visit a place full of history, faith, and unexplained wonders, Puri should definitely be on your travel list.

History of Puri

Also referred to as the holy land of Lord Jagannatha, Puri is known by many names in our scriptures like Rigveda, Matsya Purana, Brahma Purana, and Narada Purana. For instance, in the Rigveda, Puri is known by the name of Purushamandama-grama which means the creator deity of the world.

Ancient Period

One of the most popular destinations of Puri is the Jagannatha puri Temple. It is believed that the construction of the temple was started in 1136 AD and was completed in the 12th century. One can have a fair amount of idea of the spiritual prowess of this temple by the fact that after its construction, King Anangabhima III decided to dedicate his kingdom to Lord Jagannatha, who was known as Purushottama-Jagannatha during those times.

As per his resolve, he vowed that from then on, he, along with his descendants, would rule under the divine order, acting as Lord Jagannatha's son.

Major Attractions in and Around Puri

Things to Do in Puri

•  Visit the Jagannath Temple and witness the grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival).
•  Relax at Puri Beach and enjoy seafood at beachside stalls.
•  Explore Chilika Lake on a boat ride and spot Irrawaddy dolphins.
•  Shop for Pattachitra paintings and Odisha handicrafts at Raghurajpur.
•  Attend the Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach.
•  Take a day trip to Konark and visit the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best Time to Visit Puri

• October to March – The best time for sightseeing and temple visits.
• June to July – For the famous Rath Yatra Festival.
• August to September – Monsoon brings scenic beauty but occasional high tides.
• April to May – Hot summer months, but good for beach lovers.

How to Reach Puri

Puri is considered to be one of the most spiritual getaways in India. It is located at an approximate distance of about 1,780, 1,778, 498, 1,451 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. To reach Puri, follow the below-mentioned routes given.

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI) aka Biju Patnaik Airport which is situated 60 km away. The airport has been named after the former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. It is considered to be the 15th busiest airport in India. Many prominent airlines operate to and fro with overall good flight connectivity. Once you deboard at the airport, you will need to take a cab or some other means of local transportation available to reach your destination.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Puri

• Delhi to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Mumbai to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Kolkata to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Hyderabad to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Chennai to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Bangalore to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Ahmedabad to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Jaipur to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Guwahati to Bhubaneswar Flight
• Pune to Bhubaneswar Flight

By Train

Puri has its own railway station of the same name and has fairly good connectivity with other Indian cities. After deboarding your train, you will need to hire some local means of transportation available at hand to further reach your destination. 

By Road

Puri is well connected to other Indian cities via motorable roadways and national highways. So, if you are planning on a road trip, then it would be an overall hassle-free experience for you. You can consider travelling by booking interstate buses, private buses, hiring cabs or if it suits you then, travel in your own car. 

• From Bhubaneswar - 70 km via Bhubaneswar Puri Road
• From Cuttack - 90 km via Cuttack-Puri Bypass Road
• From Nayagarh - 115 km via NH57

Conclusion

Visiting Puri is not just a journey to a coastal town; it's an immersive experience that blends spirituality, history, and natural beauty. From the awe-inspiring Jagannath Temple with its mysterious phenomena to the serene beaches that offer a perfect retreat, Puri has something to captivate every traveler. Whether you're seeking spiritual solace, a cultural adventure, or simply a peaceful escape, Puri delivers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Puri

Q1: What is Puri famous for?
A1: Puri is famous for the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. It is also known for its annual Rath Yatra, golden beaches, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual atmosphere.

Q2: Which is the best time to visit Puri?
A2: The best time to visit Puri is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits and beach activities.

Q3: What happens every 12 years in Puri?
A3: Every 12 to 19 years, Nabakalebara is observed in Puri, a sacred ritual in which the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshan are replaced with new ones following ancient customs.

Q4: What to purchase in Puri?
A4: In Puri, you can buy Pattachitra paintings, traditional applique work from Pipili, conch shell items, palm leaf engravings, and handwoven textiles as unique souvenirs.

Q5: Which month is less crowded in Puri Jagannath Temple?
A5: The months of July to September (post-Rath Yatra and during the monsoon season) are generally less crowded at Jagannath Temple, offering a quieter spiritual experience.