Toshali Sands

PURi, the city by the sea, is a major pilgrim centre in india. Adi Shankara founded one of the Peethas here. Puri is also famous for its Golden Beach, ideal for swimming and surfing.

But the fame of Puri emanates most from the Jagannath Temple, which contributed the word ‘Juggernaut’ to the English language. This 12th century temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra or Car Festival. Within its precincts are the smaller temples of Vimala, Lakshmi, Vishnu and innumerable Gods and Goddesses and the Ananda Bazar, the world’s biggest food market. Gundicha Ghar is a small sanctum about 2 km from the main temple, where the idols are taken during Rath Yatra for a week’s sojourn. On the outskirts of the city is Shri Lokanath, an honoured shrine of Lord Shiva.

The grand road called Bada Danda is a shopper’s delight. it offers typical Puri handicrafts like miniature stone sculptures, wood carvings, sea-shell items, patta-paintings on cloth and applique work. Shoppers have another avenue at Swargadwara at the southern end of the beach. The atharnala Bridge near Puri spans seven centuries. Built in the 13th century A. D. this engineering marvel over the Madhupur stream is still is use. Talking of beaches, never miss the Balighai. This is an estuary of the river Nuanai, 8 km north of Puri. A famous picnic spot, it abounds in deer and colourful birds.

Brahmagiri, 25 km from Puri, is known for the Alaranath shrine. The Baliharachandi shrine is nearby. Only 27km from Brahmagiri is Satpada, an ideal place to enjoy Chilika and to have a glimpse of cavorting Dolphins. The Sakshigopal Temple, with a life-size image of Lord Krishna and the Artists village, Raghurajpur are 25 km and 15 km respectively from Puri.

Puri-Sacred place where Purusottama (Jagannath) has made perpetual abode - called “Martya Baikuntha” -famous pilgrim centre of India and world,known as Sankha Ksetra. Jagannatha temple, Lokanath temple and sea beach are the attractions - centre of Vaisnvism. Vadrinatha, Dvarkanath, Ramesvaram and Puri are the four dhamas (Eternal city) of the Hindus. City of pan -Indian significance .It is also known as Kanakapuri,Uddiyana pitha, Jamanika Ksetra, Shriksetra,Niladri and Uchhista Ksetra.Famous for car festival -spiritual capital of Orissa Purusottam See Puri.

The town of Puri is as old as the history of India. It finds special mention in the Skanda Purana where it is considered the resting place of Bhagavan Vishnu (Krishna). When the Lord takes rest, He comes to Puri. According to Jyotish principles, the gods sleep during the dakshinayana and awake after three months. This is the period of His rest and the place is Puri. Among the four most sacred places of Hinduism, this is considered the foremost as it is the Purushottama kshetra.
Logistics

Puri is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in eastern India and is connected by rail to Kolkata and New Delhi. The capital of Orissa, Bhubaneswar, is only 65 km. away and is connected by air to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata and by rail with all the metros of India. SJC has arranged for airport pick-ups for those arriving by air. Taxis are also easily available at Bhubaneswar airport and railway station for the 1½ hours drive to Puri.

Nearest airport: Bhubaneshwar (65 km.)

Nearest International airport: Kolkata

Nearest railway station: Puri