Beyond Jagannath Temple: A Spiritual Trail Through Puri's Sacred Sites

Guru Nanak travelled to Puri in 1506 as part of his second missionary journey to spread the message of universal brotherhood. It was here he met Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who had covered over 500 km from Bengal to reach Puri and spend the final 18 years of his life. Historical lore and spiritual traditions suggest Saint Kabir also travelled to Puri as part of his spiritual journeys across the subcontinent. When in Puri he was requested by King Indradyumna to help with the raging sea which was hindering the construction of the temple. Before them was Adi Shankaracharya who is credited with consolidating the worship practices and rituals.

Puri is not only about the Jagannath Temple but a network of religious places which have developed with the influx of people and development of various crafts. From the 12th century, civilisations and religious practices have grown around the Jagannath Temple, making the town a prime seat for Vaishnavism. Here are some other places which you must include in your spiritual trail while travelling to Puri.

Lokanatha Temple

Situated just 2 km from the Jagannath Temple, this sanctuary is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique feature of the temple is the Shivalinga, which is only revealed once annually. The inner sanctum is filled with natural spring water, which is drained only on the night of Pankoddhar Ekadashi, three days before the Shivaratri festival. Thousands of worshippers gather here to catch a glimpse of the linga and pay their respects.

According to legend, during Lord Ram’s journey to Lanka, he stopped at Puri and wanted to worship Lord Shiva, when a local named Sabaras provided him with a pumpkin (lauka or lau) that resembled a Shivalinga. Lord Ram set the vegetable up as a representation of God and prayed for his success. This later came to be known as Laukanatha or Lokanatha.

Gurudwara Aarti Sahib

This gurudwara commemorates the visit and spiritual contributions of Guru Nanak. He was accompanied by his devoted companion, Mardana, when he arrived in Puri and settled near the area now known as Swargadar. This is when he delivered his spiritual message of equality, peace and devotion to the people. His visit is linked to several miracles, like the one of the sweetening of the salty seawater. The story goes that one day Mardana felt very thirsty, but there was no water around except the seawater. Moved by his suffering, Guru Nanak touched the seawater with his toe, and it turned into sweet, drinkable water. 

Markandeshwar Temple

This is considered as one of the Panch Tirthas (Five Pilgrimages) in Puri and is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its roots are as old as the Jagannath Temple and is associated with the Sage Markandeya. Legend has it that was the very spot where he offered his prayers to Lord Shiva. Folklore suggests once he was saved from the imminent danger of the sea by the Lord, and in gratitude he set up the Shivalinga at that very location. 

Historical accounts attribute the temple's construction to the Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century. The temple is painted white and adorned with intricate carvings and stands beside the Markandeya Sarovar. 

Kumbharpada Harnihaat Jama Masjid

This mosque in Kumbharpada near Puri is at the centre of the centuries-old potters’ quarters which has been here from the 12th century. During the consolidation of the ritual practices, Adi Shankaracharya had initiated the Mahaprasad ritual at the Jagannath Temple. It is said the potters from this area, known for crafting earthenware, were asked to do the same for the divine offerings. The mosque is from the medieval period and adds another lesser-known layer of history to the temple region. 

Brahmagiri Temple

 Around 20km from Puri this shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped here as Lord Alarnath. This becomes important especially during the Anavasara period, two weeks before Rath Yatra, when the deities of the Jagannath Temple take their ritual rest. Devotees believe visiting this temple offers the same blessings. On your visit to this temple you can also visit the nearby Satapada on the southern edge of the Chilika Lake. The Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary offers visitors boat rides to spot the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins. 

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