The holy town of Puri, located in the state of Odisha, is tucked away on India’s east coast and is a timeless symbol of cultural legacy and devotion towards religious sites. Millions of people come to worship in Puri, which is renowned for its most famous temple – The Jagannath Temple, a shrine that attracts devotees from all over the world. But Puri is also home to a combination of other beautiful structures, each with its own distinct appeal and spiritual importance, hidden behind the majestic presence of Jagannath Temple.
Throughout this blog, you’ll discover the famous temples in Puri Odisha that will enhance the spiritual environment and invite seekers, devotees, and individuals to experience the sacred energy of these sacred structures. Puri’s temples promise a trip packed with history, culture, and unshakeable faith, from the magnificent sanctums, echoing with chants of devotion to the architectural wonders that tell tales of history.
List of 10 Top Temples to Visit in Puri, Odisha
- Sri Jagannath Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Vimala Temple
- Lokanath Temple
- Varahi Temple
- Markandeshwar temple
- Bedi Hanuman Temple
- Sakshi Gopal Temple
- Mausima Temple
- Alarnath Mandir
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Sri Jagannath Temple (Puri)
Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, considered one of India’s four dhams (pilgrimages), is located in the historic city of Puri, in the state of Odisha and this is a must see temple in Puri during the pilgrimage tourism in Odisha. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath also known as the Lord of the Universe, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, draws millions of devotees yearly. This number rises significantly during the widely celebrated Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra festivals.
Visitors should definitely try the temple’s delicious Mahaprasad. Delicious cuisine is prepared in clay pots for thousands of people every day in one of India’s largest kitchens and served to devotees. Be it the purity, the great cuisine, the peace, or the enthusiasm for God, Jagannath Puri temple appears to satisfy everyone’s interest and thus becomes a site worth mentioning on the bucket list.
Architecture of the Temple
What makes the Jagannath Puri Temple stand out is its exquisite Oriya architecture. The four gates have exquisite carvings and a lovely pattern. The main temple stands on a raised platform in the centre of the inner courtyard. The temple, which was constructed in the Kalinga architectural style, is divided into four sections: Vimana, Jagamohana, Nata Mandapa, and Bhoga Mandapa. The shrine is composed of two temple structures: the Vimana, which is designed in the Nagara style of Rekha Deula, and the Jagamohana, which is designed in the Pidha Deula style.
The Vimana’s ground layout is Pancharatha, with a curvilinear spire and a vertical form at the bottom (Shikhar). The two enormous circular walls that encircle the entire temple are known as “Meghanada Prachira” and “Kurma Prachira” for their respective inner and outer walls, which stand between 20 and 24 feet tall.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- According to folklore, before being known as Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), the Lord was worshipped as ‘Purushottama’ – the one who is the creator, defender, and destroyer of the universe.
- The Ganga Dynasty’s founder, King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva, is said to have constructed the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 12th century AD. Anangbheema Deva III, who also placed the gods in the shrine, did, however, finish the temple in 1230 AD.
- One fascinating observation one can make during their religious tourism in Puri is that when on the premises, the temple’s shadow never hits the ground throughout the day.
- Not a single bird is visible resting or flying over the temple’s tower, in contrast to other temple complexes where birds may be seen perched at the top. Not even aeroplanes are visible soaring over the shrine.
- It’s fascinating to note that the sound of the waves at sea is entirely silenced after you pass through the shrine’s gates and reappears again after stepping outside.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: Shri Jagannath Temple, Chief Administration Office, Grand Rd, Puri, Odisha, 752001, India
How to Reach?
The Puri Shree Jagannath Temple is located 1.9 kilometres from the Puri Bus Stand and roughly 2.8 km from the Puri Railway Station. The Biju Patnaik International Airport, located in the city of Bhubaneswar and around 60 km distant, is the nearest airport to the temple. The travel time between Bhubaneswar and Puri is just over an hour. To go to the temple, one can simply hire private taxis, auto rickshaws, or cycle rickshaws from the bus stop and train station.
Gundicha Temple (Balagandi, Puri)
Gundicha temple is the place where every year during the Car Festival, also known as Rathyatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra come to live in their own chariots. Guchinda Temple is considered one of the top places to visit in Jagannath Puri Dham during the Rath Yatra. During this time of the year the Rath Yatra starts at the Jagannath temple and this temple holds special significance for the auspicious Jagannath festival. The entire Trinity of Jagannath temple is occupied for nine days during the celebration because a large number of devotees gather here for the darshan. It is situated on the opposite side of Badadanda, Puri’s famous street.
Architecture of the Temple
The temple’s architecture is in the traditional Kalinga style. The temple is constructed of light grey sandstone and is another example of Deula architecture. It consists of four sections connected by a short corridor to the rooms – Bhoga Mandapa, Nata Mandira, Jagamohana, and Vimana. The main sanctuary is called Vimana, the assembly hall is called Jagamohana, the celebration hall is called Nata Mandira, and the hall of offerings is called Bhoga Mandapa. The premises include a kitchen that is attached to the temple via a narrow passageway.
The temple is around 430 feet in length and 75 feet in height. It consists of a throne composed of chlorite called the Ratnavedi. During the Rath Yatra celebration ceremonies, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi are transported to this temple and put on this throne.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- The temple is connected to a few stories. One is that Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna, became fascinated with the statues of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi at the Jagannath Temple. She asked King Indradyumna to construct a temple for the gods, where these idols could be brought with processions and rituals during a Rath Yatra. Queen Gundicha, who is said to be the aunt of the deities, is the reason the temple bears her name.
- The Gundicha Temple is often referred to as the Garden House of Jagannath.
- Jagannatha and Gundicha temples are exactly 688.0696 metres apart from each other’s entrances.
- The important thing to remember is that the temple is only visited during these nine days of celebration; it is abandoned for the rest of the year.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Balagandi, Basanta Rd, near to Gundicha Temple, Puri, Odisha 752002
How to Reach?
Major cities including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have regular trains that stop at the Puri Railway Station, which is around 1.5 kilometres from the temple. From the train station to the Gundicha Temple, local buses, private taxis, auto rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are easily accessible. The airport closest to Puri is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. That is approximately 58 km away.
Vimala Temple
The Vimala Temple is located within the authentic Jagannath Temple complex. Additionally, here is Rohini Kunda, one of the Panch Tirtha. This temple is one of the many Shakti Peetha located across India. Here, Goddess Vimala is a tantric embodiment of the Goddess Mother, and devotees of Shaktism worship her as a guardian goddess of the temple and the Lord.
The God housed here has been regarded as the companion and protector of the Jagannath temple structure. It is important that worshippers first visit the Vimala Temple before offering prayers to Lord Jagannath. Here, visitors can witness the extravagant festivities held in honour of Durga Puja.
Architecture of the Temple
Using Deula architecture, the temple is built of sandstone. The four primary components of this east-facing temple are Vimana, Jagamohana, Nata Mandira, and Bhoga Mandapa. The primary sanctuary is called Vimana, the assembly hall is called Jagamohana, the celebration hall is called Nata Mandira, and the hall of offerings is called Bhoga Mandapa.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- Madala Panji says that Yayati Keshari, a monarch of the Somvanshi Dynasty, constructed the Vimala Temple in the sixth century. The Jagannath Temple’s record book, Mandala Panji, has a history of all the occasions related to Lord Jagannath and the Jagannath Temple.
- The Vimala Temple, built during the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the ninth century, may have been constructed in the sixth century and may have been damaged with restoration taking place in the ninth century.
- The Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle, restored the temple in 2005.
- It is interesting to know that this temple is so significant that even the prasad that you receive from Jagannath Mandir is sacred unless you give it to Vimala first.
- Separate non-vegetarian food is prepared and served to the goddess only during Durga Puja.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Location: Near Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, 752001, India
How to Reach?
Due to the number of auto-rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws, local buses, and private taxis in the city, getting to the temple is relatively simple. The Vimala Temple is roughly 3 km away from the Puri Railway Station, and the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the closest airport to Puri. It takes around 60 kilometres to the Vimala Temple from the airport.
Lokanath Temple (Chandanpur, Puri)
Loknath Temple also locally known as Shri Lokanatha Mandira is one of the most cherished and must visit temples of Lord Shiva in Puri because this shrine’s deepest sanctuary contains a Shivalinga that is only seen once a year, which makes it a fascinating aspect. The reason for this is that a natural fountain supplies water to the whole sanctuary, including the Shivalinga, throughout the year. Only on the eve of Pankoddhar Ekadashi, three days before the Shivaratri festival, the Shivalinga is visible as all the water in the sanctuary is drained out. During the event, thousands of devotees come to the temple to worship the Shivalinga.
Architecture of the Temple
The main temple is made of marble, and the rest of the structure is made of sandstone. The four components of the Lokanath temple are called Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandapa, and Bhoga Mandapa. The main temple is situated approximately thirty feet above the ground. The main temple’s outer walls displayed pictures of several deities. To the left of the inner courtyard is a small shrine that holds preserved images of Surya-Narayana and Candra-Narayana. The Satya-Narayan temple on the property features various brass statues and representations of Vishnu and Lakshmi.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
It is believed that Lord Rama founded the Lokanath Temple. Offerings made to the lingam throughout the year, such as flowers, milk, yoghurt, sandal paste, honey, coconut water, beetle and bilva leaves, decompose down in the water to provide a unique smell and aroma. It is believed that this composition, which is used as a prasad, has healing properties.
Visiting Hours: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: NH 203, Chandanpur, Odisha 752014
How to Reach?
The Lokanath Temple is located 4.5 kilometres from Puri Junction and 2 km from Sri Jagannath Temple. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, while the closest train station is Puri Junction. By road, Loknath Temple Road and Chandanpur are 13 km apart. The distance between Loknath Temple Rd and Chandanpur can be accessed as well by different modes of transportation, such as rail, bus, metro, and train.
Varahi Temple or Barahi Temple (Chaurasi, Puri)
Varahi Deula is a historical temple devoted to Maa Varahi in Chaurasi. The temple is located on the banks of the Prachi River in Chaurasi, close to Konark, in the Puri district of Odisha. The idol gained popularity since it is regarded as a masterpiece. The idol of Goddess Varahi and the two smaller ones on the sides make up the main shrine.
The Varahi Temple is the most exquisite structure in the Prachi Valley, with its magnificent architecture. The goddess’s idol has been carved with a fish in one hand and a skull (kapala) in the other, representing Lalitasana. The idol’s distinctive feature is its large belly, which represents the goddess holding the universe within her womb. Here, Goddess Barahi is honoured following tantric customs. Every day, fish are offered to Goddess Varahi.
Architecture of the Temple
The structure design is another attribute for which the temple is popular as the temple was constructed with sandstone and is an eastern-facing temple. The temple’s exterior walls are intricately carved, although it is constructed on a plain pedestal. The shrine has an unusually rectangular shape, and the semi-cylindrical peak that caps it is a form that evolved from the Kharkhara style. In the niche lies a magnificent statue of Lord Surya. The walls are covered in a variety of sculptures that show different deities and elements of everyday life.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- Varaha, Vishnu’s boar incarnation, has a female counterpart named Varahi.
- Varahi Devi belongs to the heptad, or seven celestial mothers, known as the Sapta-matrikas.
- The god worshipped at this temple dates back to the ninth century.
Visiting Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: 3459+9C Barahi Temple Chaurasi, Chaurashi, Odisha 752120
How to Reach?
The closest bus stop is located in Nimapada, almost 14 km away from Chaurashi Barahi Temple. The closest train station is located in Puri, approximately 47 kilometres away from Varahi Devi Mandir. The closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is 52 km away. There are convenient ways to travel to the temple, including cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws, and private taxis.
Markandeshwar Temple (Dhipa Sahi, Puri)
The Markandeswara Temple, which dates back to the 13th century, is well-known for its fine artistic and architectural details. One of the 52 sacred sites for Shiva worship and one of the five finest Shiva temples in Puri is the Markandeshwar Temple. A Shiva lingam is its main deity. The property has a ghat, or set of steps, that leads to the tank to provide a bathing space making it one of the beautiful temples in Puri to visit to relax your soul and mind. Markandeshwar celebrates several of the Jagannath Temple celebration customs with great enthusiasm which include Sital Sasthi, Chandan Yatra, Kaliyadalan, Balabhadra Janma, etc.
Architecture of the Temple
An image of Nataraja with ten arms graces the temple’s entryway. The Markandeshwar Temple is a small, white structure with intricate sculptures on top as it holds tiny, highly detailed miniatures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. There are shrines to Lord Shiva in various avatars located throughout the temple. Near the temple lies the Markandeya Sarovar, a water tank or ghat revered as one of Puri’s Panch Tirthas. The Markandeya Sarovar (Tank) is said to be the starting place of the Puri pilgrimage. The stone wall around this rectangular tank is made up of laterite blocks.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
This is where Guru Markandeya used to meditate. The mythological story states that Lord Shiva saved Sage Markandeya from grave danger from the sea. A Shiva temple was built by the sage Markandeya out of devotion. Old inscriptions on the steps of the Markandeya Sarovar (Tank) or ghat date possibly back to the Ganga Dynasty.
Visiting Hours: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: RR67+4XX, near Markandeshwar temple, Dhipa sahi, Brahmagiri Rd, Puri, Odisha 752001
How to Reach?
The Markandeshwar Temple is located 2.9 kilometres from the Puri Bus Stand and 4.1 km from the Puri Railway Station. The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the closest airport to the temple, situated around 59 kilometres away. Puri can be reached by car in approximately one hour from the Bhubaneswar Airport. To get to the temple conveniently, there are private taxis, auto rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws available.
Bedi Hanuman Temple (Chakra Tirtha Road, Puri)
Bedi Hanuman Temple is a small seaside temple located west of Puri’s Chakra Narayan Temple. It is one of the most widely recognised temples in Puri and is known as the Daria Mahavir Temple. Lord Hanuman is the temple’s dedicated protector. Daria Mahavir is said to shield Puri from the wrath of the sea. In the local dialect, “Daria” means “sea,” and Lord Hanuman is also known by the name Mahavir. The temple’s name, “Bedi Hanuman,” has a fascinating backstory as he has been also referred to as “Chained Hanuman” because he has rope wrapped around both of his hands and feet.
Architecture of the Temple
The temple’s architecture is simple and it faces east. The god who is in charge of it is the two-armed Lord Hanuman, who is holding a laddoo (sweet) in his left hand and a gada (mace) in his right. This shrine’s outside walls are decorated with images of several gods. Lord Ganesha is shown on the southern wall, Anjana, the mother of Hanuman, is shown on the western wall holding a newborn on her lap, and several goddesses are depicted on the northern wall.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
After the construction of the Jagannath Temple, Varuna, the God of the Sea, had the opportunity to visit the shrine and pay his homage. Meanwhile, seawater poured into the city, severely damaging the temple. In response to the prayers of the devotees, Lord Jagannath asked Hanuman to explain to him how the sea reached the city. According to Lord Hanuman, he went off for Ayodhya without informing. When Lord Jagannath learned of Lord Hanuman’s story, he had his hands and feet bound with rope (bedi) and instructed to remain watchful along the coast all day and night.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: RR3V+9RW, Chakra Tirtha Road, Puri, Odisha 752002
How to Reach?
Currently, the nearest airport to the city is the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is roughly 60 kilometres away. Tourists after departing at the airport can take a private cab from rental stands in Bhubaneswar to get to Puri. The Bedi Hanuman Temple is located 1.3 kilometres from the Puri Bus Stand and 3 km from the Puri Railway Station. To get to the Bedi Hanuman Temple, tourists can take auto rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws, or private taxis.
Sakshi Gopal Temple (Sakhigopal, Puri- Bhubaneswar)
Sakshi Gopal Temple, also known as Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple, is devoted to Lord Krishna and is believed to have been established in the 11th century. The food offerings presented by the devotees at this temple are distinctive since they are made of wheat rather than rice, as is the case at all other Vishnu temples around the world. Amla Navami is one of the main festivals celebrated at the temple. During the event, a lot of devotees come to this temple. Devotees are permitted to touch the feet of Goddess Radha on this particular day. Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, and Holi are three other festivals that are passionately commemorated at the temple.
Architecture of the Temple
The temple reminds one of the renowned Jagannath Temple and has a Kalinga architectural style. There are several bells on the main verandah, and the walls of the hall are adorned with beautiful murals. A bronze figure of Goddess Radha and a large statue of Lord Krishna playing the flute are positioned next to each other in the main shrine.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- According to one of the stories, King Vajra, the grandson of Lord Krishna, constructed this temple. It is thought that he also constructed other sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna all around this country.
- Another story where a poor rural boy fell in love with the village headman’s daughter, but his marriage was refused due to his poverty. But when the headman fell ill during a pilgrimage journey, the boy stayed with him. Being impressed, the headman consented to marry his daughter to the boy, but he later broke his word. The boy prayed to Krishna and was promised a witness by Lord Krishna to help the boy. The boy showed the statue as a witness to the villages, and the couple was allowed to marry. The locals named the statue “Sakshi Gopal.”
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Location: WRX5+9F9, Sakhigopal Temple Rd, Sakhigopal, Odisha 752021
How to Reach?
The Sakshi Gopal Temple and the Puri Railway Station are around 1.5 miles apart. However, the Puri Bus Stand is around 2.7 kilometres away. To get to the temple easily, private taxis, auto rickshaws, and battery-operated rickshaws are easily accessible. There are currently no airports in Puri; the closest one is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is located around 57 kilometres away.
Mausima Temple (Balagandi, Puri)
In Odisha, there is a renowned and widely recognised temple called Mausima Temple. The religious value of this structure is widely recognised as the deity Maa Ugratara is the centre of attention in the temple. It has been said that Goddess Ugratara is a manifestation of Goddess Durga. This site attracts a large number of visitors from all over the globe who seek blessings. Mausi Maa Temple is dedicated to Mausi Maa in Puri and Mausi translates to “Aunt” (mother’s sister), whereas Maa translates to “Mother.”
Architecture of the Temple
Within the temple, stunning architecture in the Kalinga style is maintained. The walls of the temple are covered in exquisite carvings and sculptures which makes Mausima Temple one of the best places to visit in Puri. The sanctum’s walls are decorated with exquisite representations of Hindu mythological animals and settings. There are sculptures and carvings all over the entryway.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- According to one story, Jagannath and Balabhadra fell into poverty after Goddess Lakshmi Devi left Shri Mandira, forced to go door-to-door begging. During that period, Subhadra Devi lived with Mausi Maa, Jagannath’s maternal aunt, while they were away.
- In the Skanda Purana’s Vaishnava Khanda, Mausi Maa, also known as Ardhashosini, protects Shri Jagannath’s home by drinking half of the flooded Puri seawater, and she and Kapalamochana Shiva serve as Shree Kshetra’s protectors.
Visiting Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: RR6H+J24, Grand Road, Mausima Ln, Balagandi, Puri, Odisha 752001
How to Reach?
By road, Puri Jagannath Temple and Mausima Mandir are separated by 1029 km. Private taxis, auto rickshaws, and battery-operated rickshaws are easily available ways to travel to the temple. As of right now, Puri does not have any airports; the nearest one is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
Alarnath Mandir
In the Brahmagiri region, close to Puri, is the historic Alarnatha Temple. This temple is one of the most renowned in Odisha and is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Alarnath, with four hands holding shankha, chakra, gada, and padma (conch shell, disc, club, and lotus) in the Lord Alarnath temple in Brahmagiri, some 25 km from Puri.
Following the Snana Yatra, devotees come to this temple during the Anavasara season. Due to a fever from Snana Purnima, the bathing festival, Lord Jagannath of Puri stays indoors during this period. Devotees travel to the Alarnath temple to ask for Lord Jagannath’s blessing because they are unable to meet him at this time.
Architecture of the Temple
The stunning Brahmagiri Alarnath Temple is designed in the traditional Odishan style. The temple was built using laterite blocks and stones. The Alarnath Mandir’s walls are covered in sculptures.
Special Things to Know About the Temple
- There is a connection between the temple and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Orissa. According to folklore, in order to get the deity Jagannath’s blessings, God told him to travel to Brahmagiri and visit the Alarnath temple.
- In front of the shrine lies a slab of stone that contains imprints from Lord Chaitanya’s body. With his delightful touch, the stone underneath Lord Chaitanya melted when he first laid in front of Lord Alarnath, with absolute devotion.
- According to stories, the Jagannatha shrine in Puri is two centuries younger than the current Lord Alarnatha shrine.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Location: NH 203A, Alarapur, Brahmagiri, Naragariamatha, Odisha 752011
How to Reach?
The closest airport is located roughly 76 kilometres away from Alarnatha Mandir at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The closest train station is located in Puri, approximately 22 kilometres away from Alarnath Mandir. The closest bus stop is located in Brahmagiri, approximately a km away from Alarnatha Mandir. Several private taxis, auto rickshaws, and battery-operated rickshaws are easily available to reach the temple.
These are the top ten popular temples in Puri that every traveller really must visit, so be sure to include them in your travel schedule. Puri is home to several spiritual and pilgrimage sites that draw thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. The city is popular worldwide for its embroidery and sand art as well as representing a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Everywhere you look in this place, devotion is guaranteed.
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About the author
Moumita Kundu is a dedicated writer and researcher covering topics related to travel, eco-friendly behavior, and sustainable living. She has turned her travel dreams into reality by penning travel blogs. Moumita writes with a creative flair, allowing her to share her insights and experiences. Beyond her talent as a writer, she harbors a genuine love for animals and those around her.
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