On India’s eastern coast, there’s a wonderful city called Puri. It’s a beautiful place full of rich culture and spirituality. One of the reasons it’s so special is because of the stunning temples that decorate the city. These temples...
On India’s eastern coast, there’s a wonderful city called Puri. It’s a beautiful place full of rich culture and spirituality. One of the reasons it’s so special is because of the stunning temples that decorate the city. These temples make Puri even more attractive and spiritually meaningful. People come here for its deep connection to the Hindu religion. The illustrious Jagannath Temple and the spiritual aura of Gundicha Temple define Puri’s sacred landmarks. Explore these magnificent Puri temples and commence your spiritual expedition.
List of Puri’s 14 Spectacular Temples
Go on a trip to Puri, where mythology blends with architectural wonders, giving an experience that feels timeless and connects the heart with divine greatness.
1. Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. This ancient temple attracts many people because of its vibrant architecture and spiritual importance. Its significance lies in the belief that a glimpse of the deities within brings salvation. The Rath Yatra, a grand festival, sees colossal chariots carrying the gods through the streets, symbolising their journey. Stories say that Lord Jagannath is a version of Lord Vishnu, and his wooden statues are replaced every 12 years. This special place holds tradition, faith, and strong devotion.
2. Lokhanath Temple
Lokanath Temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere and simple architecture. Legends tell of its creation by Lord Rama to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Stories depict how Lord Rama installed this Linga, and locals believe touching it absolves sins. One fascinating feature of this temple is that a submerged deity symbolises Lord Shiva, which is visible only once a year. It attracts worshippers on Mahashivratri.
3. Gundicha Temple
The Gundicha Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath’s aunt, Gundicha. During the annual Rath Yatra festival, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, pays a visit to this temple, symbolising familial ties. Its simple yet elegant architecture reflects the Kalinga style, featuring intricate carvings. The tales say that Gundicha’s strong devotion brought Lord Jagannath to her house. The Gundicha Temple symbolises strong family connections and sincere worship.
4. Markandeshwar Temple
Markandeshwar Temple, close to Jagannath Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built around the 12th century, it marks where Sage Markandeya prayed to Shiva. The temple hosts festivals like Maha Shivaratri and shares rituals with Jagannath Temple. It is notable for its white structure, which is adorned with intricate carvings.
5. Ganesha Temple
Three Ganesha temples exist within the Jagannatha temple complex—Ganesha, Bata-Ganesha, and Kanchi Ganesha. Ganesha temple, built in laterite and sandstone, faces south. Bata-Ganesha, also facing south; Kanchi Ganesha faces east, and folklore links it to King Purushottama Deva’s expedition to Kanchi. These shrines, famous for their importance in rituals, attract devotees with their historical ties and unique sculptures.
6. Sakshi Gopal Temple
Lord Gopinath presides in Sakshi Gopal Temple. Unique for its wheat-based offerings, unlike typical rice offerings in Vishnu temples worldwide, it celebrates festivals like Holi and Janmashtami with zeal. This serene temple allows darshan (sight) of Lord Krishna in a standing posture, is easily accessible from Puri, and hosts the Amla Navami annual fair.
7. Lakshmi Temple
Lakshmi Temple, near Jagannath Temple, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and joy. Legend recounts Lakshmi inviting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi here, believed to bless married women and fulfil wishes. Constructed by the Hoysala Empire, the traditional Hindu-styled temple holds a 5000 to 6000-year-old gemstone idol weighing 40 kg.
8. Varahi (Barahi) Deula Temple
Varahi Temple worships Goddess Varahi, depicted as a pot-bellied deity with a boar’s face. Erected in the 10th century by the Somavamshi dynasty, it showcases Khakhara architecture. Spanning 2 acres, the temple’s superstructure lacks supporting pillars. Notable for its east-facing sandstone structure, it remains popular for Vijaya Dashami celebrations and the Chaitra fair. Varahi, also known as Matsya Varahi, receives daily fish offerings.
9. Ramachandi Temple
The Ramachandi Temple has Goddess Chandi as the presiding deity and survived Kalapahad’s destruction in the 17th century. Celebrating festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra, it also hosts Sola Puja for 16 days. Following traditional Odisha architecture, the north-facing temple comprises Vimana, Jagamohana, and an open Mandapa. Crafted with bricks, sandstone, and laterite, the sanctum holds a seated Goddess Chandi idol atop a lotus, partly concealed by sand mounds.
10. Mausi Maa Temple
Mausi Maa Temple in Puri, Odisha, is dedicated to the Goddess Ardhashosini, Lord Jagannath’s aunt, known for significant Rath Yatra rituals. During the Bahuda Yatra, deities halt for Poda Pitha offerings made by the aunt. Legends tell of the goddess saving Puri by absorbing floodwaters. Constructed by the Keshari dynasty, the temple houses a two-armed goddess idol in black stone flanked by Parshava Devis and diverse deities in the Jagamohan. Grand ceremonies like Jalasayi on Narasimha Chaturdashi provide annual importance.
11. Alarnatha Temple
The Alarnatha Temple holds high regard among Krishna devotees. Lord Vishnu’s idol is made of black stone holding chakra, conch, and lotus. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s stay during Lord Jagannath’s rest period holds significance. Rukmini, Satyabhama’s idols, and a Chaitanya shrine add depth. The temple’s Prema Sila stone, Lakshmi Temple, and Chandan Yatra enhance its spiritual aura.
12. Pancha Tirtha of Puri
Pancha Tirtha in Puri comprises five sacred bathing spots: Indradyumna Tank linked to King Indrayumna’s Yagna; Swetaganga, Mahabharat-connected, near Jagannath Temple; Rohini Kunda within Lord Jagannath Temple; Markandeya Tank where Sage Markandeya meditated; and the revered Sea, significant for pilgrims’ sanctity and rituals. Each spot holds religious narratives. The Samudra arati boosts spiritual importance for pilgrims and travellers.
13. Shri Vimala Shakti Peetha Temple
Shri Vimala Shakti Peetha Temple inside Jagannath Temple worships Goddess Vimala, a Shakti Pitha of Odisha. The temple receives offerings cooked for Lord Jagannath, symbolising Mahaprasad. Its Deula architecture includes four sections: Vimana, Jagamohana, Nata Mandira, and Bhoga Mandapa. The chlorite stone idol of Goddess Vimala with four hands holds Akshyamala, Nagaphasa, and Amrit Kalasa, attracting devotees as an important shrine in Puri.
14. Asta Chandi of Puri
Eight Chandis, namely Vimala, Ramachandi, Alam Chandi, Harachandi, Baseli, Varahi, Dakshina Chandi, and Jhadeswari, are worshipped in Puri. The Alam Chandi Temple, one of the Eight Chandis, is linked to Lord Jagannatha’s Navakalevara festival. Bali Harachandi, another Chandi, worships Goddess Durga as Asta-Bhuja Mahisamardini. The Asta Chandi of Puri, preserving spiritual traditions, attracts devotees with its cultural significance and ritual importance.
In Puri, these 14 magnificent temples blend spiritual heritage with architectural marvels. From Jagannath Temple to Lokanath and Gundicha, each has its own story. Visit Puri to feel the rich spirituality and cultural beauty these temples offer.
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