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JAGANNATH TEMPLE

  The Orissan temple architecture which made an humble beginning before the Sixth Century A.D. had reached its pinnacle of perfection by the time the temple of Jagannath was built. According to tradition, the temple was originnaly built by Yajati Kesari (Yajati-II of Somavansi dynasty) on the site of the present shrine. Another tradition attributes the construction of the temple to Anangabhima Deva, grand son of Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.But the epigraphical records full support that it was Chodaganga Deva (1112-1148 A.D.) who built the present temple (The Sanctuary and the porch).
Lord Jagannath Temple

The temple makes Puri as one of the Char Dham of India, four cardinal centres of pilgrimage. After travelling the three Dhamas i.e, Dwarika in the west, Badrinath in the north and Rameswaram in the south the pilgrims visit this place known as Jagannath Dham.

The exact geographical location of the temple of Jagannath is lat. 19 18'17" and long. 85 51'39".Among the existing temples in Orissa, the temple of Jagannath is the highest.The temple (214 ft. 8 inches high from the road level) is on a perfect pancharatha plan. All the paraphernalia of feudal pomp and splendour observed in the daily life of the emperors or potentates of old can be noticed in the daily worship of Jagannath. The temple contains some of the finest specimens of Orissan architecture and sculpture. On the outer walls of the temple, thick layers of plaster had benn applied to save the beautiful works of art from the damaging effects saline air, which are now being removed, revealing exquisite sculpture depicting life of Krishna.

The Jagannath temple is a complete example of the fully developed Kalinga style,having all the four essential arts the Deul or the sanctum sanctorum, the Jagamohana or the Audience Hall,the Nata Mandapa or the Dancing Hall and the Bhoga Mandapa or the Hall of offering.

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SEA BEACH AT A GLANCE

Puri situated on the eastern sea-bed of India, is the only most popular sea-side resort where the beauty of the sky in radiant colours, the roaring waves and the golden beach can be experienced. The long sandy beach draws large numbers of western travellers and Indians. According to Hindu belief, there are five great holy spots(Pancha Tirthas) at Puri out of which sea is the greatest and holiest for tourists and travellers.
Puri sea beach is the best in India. In Mumbai, Goa, Cochin and Chennai as well as other sea beaches, taking bath in sea is a risk due to tides, under current and deepness. But in Puri to take sea bath is a pleasure and enjoyable experience. The beach is very wide and exposed and there's not a scrap of shade to be found.
Other Sea Beaches Around Puri

Puri offers the tourist the rare opportunity of witnessing the colourful Sun rise and Sun set. Puri sea beach is the right place to spend and enjoy morning and evening. Thousands of people from different part of India and world spend their morning and evening at Puri sea beach each and everyday. Sea shells are collected here in large quantity. These are the main wealth of Puri sea beach. It is highlight witnessing the dawn over the sea and fishing boats.The crude construction of the boats is unusual. They are made of solid tree trunks and are enormously heavy. Buoyancy is achieved purely from the buck of wood. They are made in two or three pieces, split longitudinally and bound together, when not in use they are untied and the pieces laid out on the beach to dry.

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Puri Beach

Fine white sands, roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal and countless devotees flocking the place for a purification dip are the synonyms to the Puri Beach. The beach has continued to be a sacred venue for an endless number of pilgrims coming to pay homage to Lord Jagannath.

With the annual Beach Festival taking place in November, the beach has now become a favorite haunt of both Indian and foreign beach lovers. Located at a mere distance of 35 kms from the Sun Temple and 65 kms from Bhubaneshwar, the beach is an ideal place for an introvert holiday maker for the scarcity of crowd here.

The beaches of Puri are also renowned for the sand sculptures created particularly by the internationally famed Sudarshan Patnaik. The subjects are generally inspired by sculptures covering the temple walls, characters and episodes from the mythology and also the contemporary events. An entire beach stretch can be completely yours given the immense number of beaches in Odisha (Orissa) and a comparatively lower number of fun lovers, the city being a popular pilgrimage point for Indians.

The beach at Puri offers a unique opportunity to witness the striking sunrise and the sunset on the same beach. Often crowded with holiday makers bathing in the afternoon, and enjoying the brightly lit kiosks in the night, the stretches, parallel to the main Marine Drive Road, form the domain of the domestic tourists, with a row of hotels, food stalls and kiosks selling souvenirs.

A comparatively clean and quite place for sunbathing and a relaxed swim can be found at the eastern end. Local fishermen easily distinguishable by their triangular straw hats and dhotis serve as lifeguards on the beach, and take visitors out to sea in their boats to watch the sunsets. On the Chakratirtha side, the long stretch of golden sand is more tranquil and pleasant place to stroll. Take enough precaution while swimming as the currents can be treacherous in Puri.

It is interesting to visit a fishing village along the coast, with dozens of boats made of solid trunks ply off the coast during the day. Once landed, the rich catch of prawn, pamphlets and other fishes drawn into the nets is transferred to baskets. The best time to pay a visit is around dawn, when the fishermen head out from the village and row the fleet towards the rising sun over the sea.

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