Places to Visit Near Jagannath This July, such as Puri Beach for relaxation, Konark Sun Temple for architectural marvels, and Chilika Lake for birdwatching. Experience spiritual sanctuaries and natural beauty in the vicinity.
Places to Visit Near Jagannath This July
Legends and stories about legendary figures meld together with the chronology of historical events to the point that you can no longer tell one from the other. This harmonious blending of many characteristics is what makes the seaside city of Puri, the extravagant land of culture and religion, wholly unique. Puri hosts the annual Ratha Yatra, or Jagannath Yatra, drawing devotees and travelers worldwide to witness India’s largest coastal lagoon, Chilika Lake.
The significance of Ashada
Ashada, a Hindu month that occurs in June and July, is a time of great festivity and celebration throughout the city as it gets ready for the Ratha Yatra. The second day of the Ashada new moon is when the yatra starts, thus this is the ideal time to take your family to witness this holy spectacle.
The story of the yatra
While there are several legends surrounding the yatra, the most well-known one describes how Lord Krishna sets off on a journey with his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra because he wants to see his birthplace. Every year, the Jagannath Yatra is held to commemorate this journey, and new chariots made of various materials are constructed.
Because it is only during this period that devotees and followers of all religions can see the idol up close, the yatra is especially important. Other than that, only Hindus are allowed access to the sanctum sanctorum.
Puri boasts a variety of attractions including golden-sand beaches, winding estuaries, and imposing temples that embody the essence of the Kalinga architectural style.
Places to visit near Jagannath:
Chilika Lake
Under the Ramsar convention, the lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, earned recognition as India’s first wetland of national importance.
Bring the kids here for a peaceful day of bird watching and dolphin sightings at Satpada Island, or take a boat ride into the Bay of Bengal for a family picnic. Take a boat to the bird refuge on Nalabana Island or cruise to Chilika Island to see the Kalijai temple.
Konark Sun Temple
One of the best examples of architecture from the 13th century is the Sun Temple at Konark. It is fashioned like a massive chariot with twelve wheels and seven horses, symbolizing the sun god Surya’s journey across the sky.
The stone building, also referred to as “The Black Pagoda,” was a well-known landmark for European traders and sailors. Massive and full of mythical stories, believers love the Sun Temple just as much as enthusiastic architecture aficionados do. The main temple is surrounded by numerous lesser shrines that house Shivalingas and various forms of Goddess Durga.
Raghurajpur Artists Village
You can’t help but think what the village from Malgudi Days would have looked like when you meander around the small alleyways of Raghurajpur Artists community. Encircled by mango, coconut, and palm trees, colorful painted walls of the houses greet you with a tropical feel.
Master Pattachitra paintings, a type of traditional scroll painting on a piece of fabric or dried palm leaf, are the village’s most well-known export. The art genre, which originated in the fifth century BC, frequently features elaborately carved representations of demons, gods, and goddesses, as well as floral, animal, and bird motifs. The village offers a real-life master class in Orissan crafts and customs.
Vimala temple
The Ganga Dynasty built the Vimala Temple in the ninth century within the Jaggannath Temple complex in Puri. Despite its size, it holds significant importance for Shukla and Tantric devotees. It’s a prime example of Orissa’s prevalent Shakti religion.
Puri Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxed and laid-back time, visit Puri beach, take off your shoes, and put your feet in the sand! This golden sand beach, which faces the Bay of Bengal, delivers a breathtaking dawn that you can’t miss. When the waves are gentle and the coast is empty, go to the beach early in the morning to escape the crowds. Savor a tasty fish fry, street cuisine, and a cup of tea while relaxing on the beach. There are plenty of options to take the kids on a horse or camel ride if you’re searching for some entertaining things to do with them.
With so much to see and do for the entire family, there’s no reason not to make a trip to Puri a vacation to remember for everyone.
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