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Jagannath Puri - 10 things to know with detail

• Jagannath Puri is a famous pilgrimage town located in the state of Odisha, India. It is known for its Jagannath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
• The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus, along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram. It is considered one of the holiest Hindu temples in India.
• The temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, where the deities of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out in a procession on chariots through the streets of Puri.
• The temple complex is spread over a large area and includes several smaller shrines, temples, and tanks. The main temple is surrounded by a high wall known as Meghanada Pacheri.
• The main deities in the temple are Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. The deities are made of wood and are replaced every 12-19 years in a ritual known as Navakalevara.
• The temple kitchen, known as the Ananda Bazaar, is famous for its Mahaprasad, which is offered to the deities and then distributed as blessed food to the devotees. The Mahaprasad is considered highly auspicious and is believed to have healing properties.
• The temple has a strict entry policy, with only Hindus allowed inside the main sanctum sanctorum. Non-Hindus can view the temple from a designated platform outside.
• The temple is an important cultural and architectural landmark, with its unique Kalinga style of architecture and intricate carvings depicting various stories from Hindu mythology.
• Puri is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Puri Beach and Chandrabhaga Beach, which attract tourists and pilgrims alike. The annual Puri Beach Festival is a popular event that showcases the local culture, arts, and crafts.
• Puri is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with the nearest airport being Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away. The town is also a popular stop on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Bhubaneswar and Konark.