Quick Facts
General Information
- Location: Eastern Odisha, on the coast of Bay of Bengal
- District: Puri
- State: Odisha
- Coordinates: 19.81°N, 85.83°E
- Area: Approx. 16.84 km²
- Population (2011): ~200,000
- Languages: Odia (official), Hindi, English
- Climate: Tropical savanna climate; hot summers, pleasant winters
- PIN Code: 752001
Religious Importance
- Puri is one of the "Char Dham" pilgrimage sites (others are Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram).
- Jagannath Temple:
- One of the most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna).
- Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva (Eastern Ganga Dynasty).
- Famous for Rath Yatra, an annual chariot festival where deities are taken to Gundicha Temple.
- Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple.
Tourist Attractions
- Golden Sea Beach:
- Long stretch of clean, sandy beach.
- Received the prestigious Blue Flag certification for cleanliness and environmental standards.
- Chilika Lake (Satapada):
- Largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
- Known for Irrawaddy dolphins and migratory birds.
- Gundicha Temple:
- Destination of Rath Yatra.
- Known as the "Garden House of Lord Jagannath."
- Swargadwar:
- Sacred cremation ghat where many Hindus wish to be cremated.
Culture & Art
- Odissi Dance: One of India’s classical dance forms, originated from the region.
- Pattachitra: Traditional scroll painting style, often depicting Jagannath.
- Sand Art: Famous beach sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik is from Puri.
- Ratha Yatra: World's largest and most famous chariot festival.
- Festival Season: Snana Yatra, Chandan Yatra, Puri Beach Festival, and Kartik Purnima are celebrated with devotion.
Handicrafts & Markets
- Local Crafts: Seashell items, palm leaf engravings, appliqué work.
- Shopping Areas: Swargadwar market, Grand Road (Bada Danda), and Temple Road.
Cuisine
- Mahaprasad:
- Sacred food offered to Lord Jagannath, prepared in the temple kitchens.
- Cooked in earthen pots, stacked over fire—an example of traditional Odia food.
- Distributed in the Ananda Bazaar inside the temple complex.
- Typical Dishes: Dalma (lentil & vegetables), Khichdi, Kheer, Rasabali, Chenna Poda.
Transport & Connectivity
- By Rail: Puri Railway Station (major terminus); well connected to Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, etc.
- By Road: Connected via NH-316; buses available from all parts of Odisha.
- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (~60 km away).
Education
- Institutions: Sri Jagannath Sanskrit University, various colleges, and heritage schools.
Geography & Environment
- Located on the coastal plains of Odisha, with sandy beaches and coconut-lined roads.
- Natural Features:
- Close to Chilika Lagoon and River Bhargavi.
- Frequented by sea turtles and various aquatic birds during migration season.
Mythological & Historical Importance
- Legends say Lord Vishnu resides in Puri as Lord Jagannath.
- Site is associated with Adi Shankaracharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and many Vaishnava saints.
- Ancient name of Puri: “Purushottama Kshetra”.
Local Life
- Devotional Town: Spiritualism blends with daily life.
- Occupation: Temple services, tourism, fishing, handloom and handicraft works.
