Puri – Puri is considered to be an abode of Lord Jagannath (The Lord of Universe). It is considered to be one of the four cardinal institutions or "Dhams". Being positioned on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the town of Puri is blessed with some of the most gorgeous sun-kissed beaches in India.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple enshrining Krishna - Jagannath in the form of a wooden image. Also enshrined are wooden images of Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra brother and sister of Krishna respectively. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of).
The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated chariots.
The vast temple complex occupies an area of over 4,00,000 square feet and is bounded by a 20 feet high-fortified wall. This complex contains about 120 temples and shrines. The shikhara of the Jagannath temple towers to a height of 192 feet.
IMP: Jagannath Temple is open till 1730 hrs - only Hindus are allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum.