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Located on India’s east coast, Puri is a city widely known for its religious value and lively culture. Puri, well-known for the Jagannath Temple, is an attraction for pilgrims and adventurers equally, offering a truly divine experience with its diversity of historic temples. Every temple in Puri is a source of divine energy, and its beautiful architecture and history add to the city’s spiritual atmosphere. This guide discusses the most sacred Puri temples, allowing you to gain insight into their importance and spirit.
The 10 Most Sacred Temples In Puri
From the majestic Shri Jagannath Temple to the sacred Ramachandi Temple, explore the 10 most divine Puri temples steeped in tradition.
1. Shri Jagannath Temple
Photo: SamhitaB / Wikimedia Commons
A fundamental part of Puri’s religious identity, the Shri Jagannath Temple is the city’s spiritual centre. Devoted to Lord Jagannath, a form of Krishna, this temple is well-known for its magnificent annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), in which the deities are carried through Puri’s streets in giant chariots. The holiness of the deities, colourful rituals, and beautiful handiwork at this temple attract millions of pilgrims each year. Being one of the most sacred Puri temples, it is a must-visit for those looking for a strong spiritual connection because of its spiritual atmosphere.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
Nearby Attractions: Gundicha Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Puri Beach
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Lokanath Temple
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Known for its quiet atmosphere and spiritual importance, the Lokanath Temple is one of the most sacred Puri temples, devoted to Lord Lokanath, a form of Shiva. It is believed that the renowned poet and saint Shankaracharya constructed the deity here. The temple is a great place for meditation and reflection because of its peaceful environment and architecture, which is inspired by traditional Odia design. Adding to the temple’s heavenly appeal is the legend that Lord Lokanath’s Lingam self-manifests.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Sakshi Gopal Temple, Vimala Temple, Alarnatha Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Sakshi Gopal Temple
Photo: Bhavesh Parmar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One significant location for pilgrimages to honour Lord Krishna is the Sakshi Gopal Temple. A highly sacred tradition states that Lord Krishna made an appearance at this temple to bear witness to a devotee’s vow. Known for its strong spiritual experience and quiet surroundings, being one of the most sacred Puri temples, it is home to a stunning idol of Lord Krishna. People come here to take part in religious activities and ask for blessings.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shri Jagannath Temple, Lokanath Temple, Ramachandi Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
4. Vimala Temple
Photo: കാക്കര / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most important Shakti Peethas in Puri is the Vimala Temple, often called the Vimala Temple of Goddess Vimala. Being one of the most sacred Puri temples, it is well-known for its ethereal, old ambience and is devoted to the goddess Vimala, who is an avatar of Durga. Before the Jagannath Temple was built, the goddess Vimala is believed to have been the first to be worshipped in Puri. Key components of the city’s spiritual existence are the temple’s rituals and the goddess’ divine aura.
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shri Jagannath Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Mausima Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Lakshmi Temple
Photo: Bikashrd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Lakshmi Temple, honouring Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Jagannath’s wife, is located next to the Jagannath Temple. Many who visit this temple to seek blessings for wealth and well-being consider it to be of great significance. Being one of the most sacred Puri temples, its architecture features complex artwork and a revered ambience, fitting well with that of the Jagannath Temple. It offers a peaceful setting for worshippers and is a vital part of Puri’s religious atmosphere.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shri Jagannath Temple, Ganesh Temple, Puri Beach
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Ganesh Temple
Photo: Gitartha.bordoloi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A cherished shrine in Puri, the Ganesh Temple is devoted to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. The temple is a centre of spiritual activity, well-known for its lively festivals and devoted followers. Numerous followers are drawn to the temple throughout its festivals since the idol of Lord Ganesh is highly respected for its powerful presence. It serves as a place where visitors come to seek divine intervention and blessings at one of the most sacred Puri temples.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shri Jagannath Temple, Sakshi Gopal Temple, Vimala Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Gundicha Temple
Photo: Kamalakanta777 / Wikimedia Commons
A short distance from the Jagannath Temple lies the Gundicha Temple, which has a strong connection to the Rath Yatra celebration. It is believed to be Lord Jagannath’s garden residence during the celebration. Being one of the most sacred Puri temples, it honours Gundicha Devi. The grand celebration of the Rath Yatra also takes place on its spacious grounds. In addition to offering a place of quiet from the city’s hectic pace, the Gundicha Temple provides a unique glimpse into the religious importance of the festival.
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shri Jagannath Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Puri Beach
Best Time To Visit: June to July (for Rath Yatra), October to March (for general visits)
8. Alarnatha Temple
Photo: SamhitaB / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the neighbouring village of Brahmagiri, the Alarnatha Temple honours Lord Alarnatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a popular destination for devotees and is known for having a peaceful setting. The legend of Lord Jagannath’s return from the Gundicha Temple has connections with the legend of Lord Alarnatha. Being one of the most sacred Puri temples, it is an ideal spot for prayer and meditation because of its quiet ambience and sacred atmosphere.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Brahmagiri Village, Ramachandi Temple, Lokanath Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Ramachandi Temple
Photo: Ranjan Kumar Panigrahi / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the banks of the Kushabhadra River, the Ramachandi Temple is one of the most sacred Puri temples, dedicated to the goddess Ramachandi. This temple is known for its comfortable environment and spiritual value and is an important Shakti Peetha. The temple’s pleasant settings make it a popular destination for people in search of peace and divine blessings. The goddess Ramachandi is worshipped here as a protector of believers.
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Kushabhadra River, Alarnatha Temple, Puri Beach
Best Time To Visit: October to March
10. Mausima Temple
Photo: Aditya Mahar / Wikimedia Commons
The goddess Ardhashini, a form of Devi, is related to the Mausima Temple, popularly referred to as the grandmother’s temple. Being one of the most sacred Puri temples, it is famous for its association with the ceremonies of the Jagannath Temple, where it is believed that Mausima, the deity’s grandmother, is worshipped. The temple provides a glimpse into Puri’s social and religious customs and is a vital part of the ceremonial framework of the Jagannath Temple.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shri Jagannath Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Mausima’s Festival Locations
Best Time To Visit: October to March
With each temple adding to the city’s fascinating past and cultural heritage, temples in Puri offer an unforgettable spiritual journey. Every temple presents a different perspective on the region’s spiritual life and invites visitors to connect with the divine in their way. To fully appreciate the religious essence of Puri temples, you need to visit these holy sites and be completely absorbed in their traditional practices. Begin your spiritual journey to Puri with TripXL’s curated travel packages. Let TripXL be your gateway to an unforgettable pilgrimage.
Cover Photo: AmlanBiswal25 / Wikimedia Commons
