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Puri as known to the Hindus all over the world is a holy town located on the eastern coast of India. Besides being a religious center, Puri is also known for the good stretch of the white sand beaches on the banks of Bay of Bengal. The easy accessibility from almost all the major towns and cities of India, wide beaches, the fishing farms and the superb resorts make it an important tourist destination and a major base point to visit the nearby important sites. The famous temple of Lord Jagannath and the annual Rath yatra festival here attract a large number of tourists every year. The Jagannath Temple is one of the four most important Hindu pilgrimage sites or the chardham, the other three being Dwarka, Badrinath, and Rameshwaram. Moreover, the scenic spots all over this small town with the beaches that offer breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset and the traditional methods of fishing used by the local fishermen are some of the other aspects for which Puri has always attracted the attention of the people.
Puri, the name itself attracts the attention of all those who are aware of its importance. This shows that Puri has a lot to offer to the tourists here. Starting from the Jagannath temple, a massive temple structure made in the style of Kalinga architecture, to the much talked about white sand beaches on the Bay of Bengal, the list of attractions here is endless. Moreover, the Gundicha ghar, the home of lord Krishna's dear aunt, also attracts attention of the tourists especially during the time of Rath yatra. Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank attracts tourists in hordes because of its close relation with Lord Krishna. Atharnala bridge was built over Mandupur stream in the 13th century. Overall the calm and cool nature of the locals here makes Puri a peaceful getaway.
A number of interesting places exist around the city of Puri where you can go out for the excursions. The sites being natural wonders, architectural marvels and local delight, definitely make themselves worth a visit. Some of such sites would include the Raghurajpur village, a village where work is worship and fine craftsmanship runs in the local people's blood. The excursion also includes a visit to the famous Konark Temple also called the black pagoda, an angle in the golden triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark. The inviting beaches of Konark and the exotic aquatic experience in the Chilika lake is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be close to nature in her best. Moreover, the interesting legends and a life size image of Lord Krishna at Sakhi Gopal make this spot a must visit site in your excursion.
Apart from the regular Hindu festivals celebrated according to the solar calendar, Puri is famous for its Rath Yatra festival held once a year. In June-July every year, Lord Jagannath's legendary return to his kingdom on earth is he occasion for the famous Rath Yatra or car festival at Puri. From all over the country thousands of pilgrims flock to participate in this stately event. The proceedings commence with the installation of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra, and brother Balabhadra in massive, lavishly decorated chariots. Frenzied devotees pull the three gigantic chariots through the streets of Puri.
History:
Puri used to be a hilly region in the ancient times and is believed to have been inhabited by the Sabaras, a tribe belonging to pre-Aryan and pre Dravidian Austric linguistic group. Puri has, to its east the Bay of Bengal, Khurda district on its west, Sambalpur on its south and the state capital Bhubaneswar on its northern side. Being in the tropical climatic region and being the first to receive the seasonal southwest monsoon, this place is humid and hot, yet it has a pleasant weather all through the year.
Puri was a part of Kalinga kingdom and was taken over by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire. After passing through the hands of various dynasties, the entire Puri region came under the British rule in the year 1803.
The history of the Jagannath temple itself is quite interesting too. The temple was completed in the later part of the 12th century. The original temple was built in the Kalinga style. The temple consists of Jagmohan (hall) and the Deul (main shrine) in its front. The Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandir were built later in the 14th and 15th century in the typical Orissa style.
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