This holy city, Puri, is a place of pilgrimage with history, heritage, art, artistry, temple architecture, and devotion. The city is famous for its heavenly beaches and the temple of the supreme Lord Jagannath. Every year during the Rathyatra, the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra embark on a journey in three majestic chariots with millions of devotees. Puri is the fourth holy place in Hinduism, and it is believed that Lord Krishna's heart was placed there after his death.
Jagannath Temple is a classic example of Kalinga temple architecture, with intricate carvings of scenes from mythology, celestial dancers, and mythical creatures.
What is the Puri Parikrama Project?
The Shreemandira Parikrama project is a 75-meter corridor around Shree Jagannatha Temple at Puri to provide expansive, unobstructed corridors around the Meghanada Pacheri, giving devotees and pilgrims the opportunity to explore 360° and visually connect with the soul of the temple, Lord Jagannath, Neelchakra, and Meghanada Pacheri. Shreemandira Parikrama will also serve the function of providing amenities for pilgrims and strengthening the safety and security of the temple and its devotees.
Art and Architecture of the Temple
You can start your parikrama at one of the four grand gateways: the Eastern Lion Gate (Singha Dwara), the Southern Tiger Gate, the Western Horse Gate, and the Northern Elephant Gate. Each gate will whisper tales of time, the beliefs of Hinduism, and the enthusiasm of devotees. The 20-foot walls of Meghanada Pacheri will embrace you with their grandeur.
This Meghanada Pacheri protects the perimeter, preserves the heritage, and peps up the cultural unity and identity of Hinduism as magnificently as its height. Within the Pacheri stands the Jagannath Temple, a majestic symphony of Kalinga architectural style.
Its towering structure rises in tiers, with a capping end of the Nila Chakra (wheel of Vishnu). If you look closer, you will find intricate carvings that prove the architectural intelligence and artistic impressions of our ancestors.
At Anand Baazar, you can find some of your offerings for deities and God's Mahaprasad for yourself.
You will carry the sight of the sea, the sound of waves, and the serenity of devotion with you forever and ever.