Puri

Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)

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Puri district Map

Puri (Hindi:पुरी, Odia:ପୁରୀ ) is a city in the east Indian state of Orissa. The city is famous for its Jagannath temple. The temple was built in the late eleventh century. Puri is one of the oldest cities in the eastern part of the country. According to Alexander Cunningham Xuanzang visited and has mentioned it as a town named Che-li-ta-lo-ching or Charitrapura (चरित्रपुर) in 639 AD.

Location

It is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is a popular beach resort, positioned in a unique place so that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach. Located at 19.8|N|85.85|E|. It has an average elevation of 0.

Puri is well connected by road through National Highway No.203 starting from Rasulgarh of Bhubaneswar (Orissa State, Capital) and by Indian Railway which runs mail and express trains. The nearest airport is at about 57 km. from Bhubaneswar.

Gateway to famous Sun temple (from Puri 36 km.) at Konark from Konark towards north "Kurma" is the location of a famous Buddhist place. It is possible to walk along the beach from Puri all the way to Konark (or Konarak the name it is also known by) in order to see the Konarak Sun Temple.

Variants

• Chāritra (चारित्र) (AS, p.332)
• Che-li-ta-lo-ching (Xuanzang)
• Charitrapura (चरित्रपुर)
• Puri पुरी =1. Elephanta (AS, p.565) = Gharapuri (घारापुरी) (AS, p.172), (AS, p.312)
• Puri पुरी =2. Jagannathpuri (AS, p.565)
• Shri Kshetra (श्रीक्षेत्र)
• Pooree पूरी

Origin

The Puri beach

The word "puri" in ancient Sanskrit stands for 'Town or City.' But, in this case, the word Puri is derived from Jagannath Puri. Another belief is that the name Puri is derived from Purushottama one of 108 Shakti Peethas, Purushottama. Bada Thakura/Bada Danda/Bada Deula/Bada Raja/Maha Prasad/Maha Deepa are Puri's famous names.

It is the only shrine in India, where Goddess Radha also referred to as Durga, Sati, Parvati, Shakti lives here with Lord Krishna who is Jagannatha.

Puri district Administrative divisions

Puri district is a coastal district of the Odisha state of India. It has one sub-division, 11 tahasils and 11 blocks and comprises 1722 revenue villages. Puri is the only municipality of the district. Konark, Pipili and Nimapara are the three NACs in this district. Satyabadi, Gop, Kakatpur and Brahmagiri are major semi-urban areas.

List of Blocks (CD) / Tehsils in Puri 1 Astaranga, 2 Brahmagiri, 3 Chandanpur, 4 Delanga, 5 Gadisagada, 6 Gop, 7 Kakatpur, 8 Konark, 9 Krushna Prasad, 10 Nimapada, 11 Pipili, 12 Puri, 13 Ramachandi, 14 Sadar, 15 Satyabadi,

History

Puri is the site of the Govardhana matha, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Sri Adi Shankara Charya, the others being those at Sringeri, Dwarka and Jyotirmath.

Puri is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or "Festival of Chariots", when the deities Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian calendar, typically in the month of July.

The town is famous for its many Mathas (monasteries of the various Hindu sects). It also houses the relics of many Hindu Saints as traditionally it is seen as a holy place to die in or to be cremated. As a result, it has had a disproportionate number of widows. Like other old Hindu religious towns it has a lot of character that is difficult to be glimpsed or picked up on easily by a casual visitor.

Pre-history: Like many other parts of Odisha, the Puri district contains Pleistocene river gravels and silts. So far, no prehistoric stone tools have been found in this region, although they are found in similar formations (river gravels, secondary laterite pits and murrams) in the nearby districts of Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar and Sundergarh.

Early records: In the dramatic poem Anargharāghava, believed to date from approximately the 9th century CE, the town of Puri was called Purusottama. The name of the town is given as Purusottama Kshetra in the records of Anangabhima Deva III from the 13th century CE. The town was given this name, or Purusottama Chhatar or simply Chhatar, in the records of the Mughal Empire, the Maratha Empire, and the early British rulers. In the Yogini Tantra and the Kalika Purana the town is referred to as Purusottam, and the Puri region was known as Utkal.

Purusottama Kshetra became referred to as Purusottama Puri, then contracted into Kshetra or Chhatra, or simply Puri. In many early British records this town is known by the name Pooree.

Archeological Sites

Excavated archeological sites in Puri district include:

• Kuruma or Kurum - This site is 8 km from Konark and contains the remains of a Buddhist monastery from the 10th century CE.
• Manikapatana - This site is on the left bank of the Kushabhadra river, at the northern end of the Chilika Lake. It has been identified as the medieval port of Chelitalo described by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang.
• Khalkatapatna - on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive road is an ancient port that shows evidence of trade with Arabia and China in the 13th-15th centuries CE.

Places of Interest

1. Puri: Puri is famous for the world famous Jagannath Temple & Longest Golden Beach. It is one of the Dhamas (Holiest of the holy place) out of four Dhamas i.e. Puri, Dwarika, Badrinath & Rameswar, in India. Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra are being worshipped in Puri (The Purusottama Kshetra). The deities are seated on the Bejeweled Pedestal (Ratna Simhassana). Shree Jagannath Puri Temple is one of the most impressing monuments of the Indian State Odisha, was constructed by a famous king of Ganga Dynasty Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva dating back to 12th century at the seashore Puri. The main temple of Jagannath is an impressing and amazing structure constructed in Kalinga architecture, with a height of 65 meters placed on an elevated platform. There are so many festivals of Sri Jagannath during the year observed in Puri. Which are Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Ratha Yatra (car festival), Sayan Ekadasi, Chitalagi Amabasya, Srikrushna Janma, Dussehra etc. The most important festival is the World famous Rath Yatra (Car Festival) & Bahuda Yatra. A large crowd is gathered to witness Lord Jagannath durig this festival.

2. Konark: Konark is a small town in the Puri District in the state of Odisha. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, built in black grinite during the reign of Narasimhadeva-1 a distinguished ruler of Ganga Dynasty. The temple is a World Heritage Site. The temple is now mostly in ruins, and a collection of its sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum, which is run by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Konark is also home to an annual dance festival called Konark Dance Festival, held on 1st to 5th December of every year, devoted to classical Indian dance forms, including the traditional classical dance of Odisha, Odissi. The name Konark is derived from the Sanskrit word Kona (means angle) and word Arka (means sun) in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun god Surya.The Sun Temple was built in the 13th century and designed as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. Some of the wheels are 3 meters wide. Only six of the seven horse still stand today. The temple fell into disuse after an envoy of Jahangir desecrated the temple in the early 17th century.

3. Chilika: Chilika is largest brackish water estuarine Lake of Asia. It sprawls over an area of 1100 sqkms. Covering parts of three districts of Odisha i.e Puri on the East, Khurda on the North and Ganjam on the South. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the World. Satapada is one of the most popular tourist place of Odisha. Irrawady Dolphins are major attraction of Satapada. Apart from that the scenic of Sea Mouth, Islands like Nalabana, Honeymoon, Breakfast & Rajhans attract large number of tourists throughout the year. It has the second largest congregation of migratory Birds in the world after Lake Victoria in Africa. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. In Winter the migratory birds come from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other parts of Russia, Kirghiz Steppes of Mangolia, Central& South-East-Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas. Cruise in Chilika at Satapada is interesting. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. The lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands. One can enjoy the taste of variety of fishes, Prawns & crabs here. Bird-watchers or nature-lovers, young or old, Chilika has a lot to offer everyone. One can also visit the Temple of Maa Kalijai from Satapada by Boat.

4.Kakatpur : Kakatpur is famous for the Shrine of Goddess Mangala situated on the bank of Prachi River. The present temple dates back to the 15th century A.D and the deity belongs to the 9th century A.D. Goddess Mangala sits in Lalitasana on a double lotus pedestal. The mother Goddess is Surrounded by a host of ParswaDevatas. Ritualistically Mangala is related with Navakalebar of Lord Jagannath of Puri. The belief is that She gives direction for locating the holy log which forms the icon of the Lord at the time of Navakalebar.JhamuYatra is the famous festival at Kakatpur which generally falls in the month of Chaitra (April) . On this occasion a large no. of Visitors gather at Kakatpur to witness the miracles of fire walking Prasad Sevanat the Temple.

5. Kuruma: Kuruma is famous for the excavated site of Buddha Vihar. It is a small village known as Jama–Dharma situated at a distance of 8 kms from Konark. The village has come to prominence due to discovery of Archaeological remains like the image of Lord Buddha seated in Bhumi Sparsa Mudra along the image of Heruka (a Buddhist deity). There is a brick wall measuring 17 mtrs. In length which consists of layers of ancient bricks. The place is also important feeding ground for historical research purpose).

6. Satyabadi: Sakhigopal or Satyabadi is famous for the shrine of Sakhigopal. It is one of the pilgrimage centre in the district and believe that ones pilgrimage to Puri is incomplete without visiting Sakhigopal. The name sakhigopal literally means witness Gopal (Srikrishna). The temple of Sakhigopal is 60 ft height & the image of Shri Krishna and Radha is 5 ft& 4ft height respectively. It is surrounded by sasanas or Brahmins settlements and is centre of trade of coconuts. Anla Navamee is the biggest festival of the centre, which attracts a large crowd every year to witness Radha Pada(feet of Goddess Radha). By Road, The distance from Nearest Airport at Bhubaneswar to Sakhigopal Temple is 42 Kms on NH 203 and from Nearest Railway Station at Sakhigopal to Sakhigopal Temple is 1 Km and from Puri to Sakhigopal Temple is 18 Kms. Regular Bus and Taxi services are available from these cities to Sakhigopal Temple

7. Brahmagiri: Alarnath Temple: The Vishnu Mandira. (Long years back (in 1610 A.D) Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed at Alarnath during anavasara period of Lord Jagannath . Anavasara is the two weeks period when Lord Jagannatha take rest in isolation from the rest of the world after suffering from fever due to the annual bathing festival (Snana Yatra). Lord Chaitanya claimed that he visualised the appearance of Lord Jagannath in Alarnath and spent a long period in worshipping the deity here. It is believed that those who cannot worship Lord Jagannath during his stay in the sick chamber can get the blessings of the deity if they visit the Alarnath temple. During this period the temple servitors offered holy porridge (rice pudding sweetened by jaggery), known as ‘Kheer’ in local language, to the lord. During anavasara period of every year thousands of devotees visit Alarnath temple to get the blessings of Lord Alarnath and to taste a pot of famous holy ‘Kheer’)

8. Chaurasi: Chaurasi, a small village which is famous for the ancient temple of Varahi. Varahi is the mother Goddess with the face of a boar. It is believed that She holds a fish in one hand and a cup in the other. The deity belongs to the 9th century A.D. She is worshipped accordingly to tantric rites. The existing temple of Laxminarayan and the deity of Nilamadhab are the additional attraction of the place. Close to the village Charasi, Amareswar is also famous for the shrine of Amareswar (Siva).

9. Biswanath Hill: The Temple is located on the upper part of Biswanath Mundia hill near Delang in Puri district, close to Puri and Bhubaneswar. Archeologists opine that there are many Buddhist stupas in this hill. Biswanath Hill is known for its ancient monastery of Dignag, the Buddhist Logician and Philosopher.There is also the archeological remains of a Varaha image.

Biswanath temple, Popularly known as Biswanath Mundia is famous for Lord Siva Biswanath. It is situated at the top of a Mundia (ROCK). It is 1/2 km from Delang Block in Puri district and the Block is situated at just lower to the Biswanath Mundia. The nearest Station is Motari and Kanas Road. But Motari station is at walkable distance from the Biswanath Mundia. Mahasivratri, Mahabisuvsankranti and many more days of Lord Siva, are celebrated here. Marriages are also held here. It is a very good place for picnic.

10. Raghurajpur: The village is also famous for Gotipua dance. Near to Raghurajpur is another better known destination is Danda Sahi, which has the potential of becoming a heritage village of tomorrow. A small village of about 50 households, Dandasahi is on the side of the historical road, through which Sri Chaitanya had travelled to Puri.The Raghurajpur village, idyllic setting on the Southern bank of the river Bhargavi, surrounded by coconut, palm, mango, jackfruit, groves & other tropical trees. A number of betel vine gardens also dot the surrounding paddy fields. The visitors not only come here to see a typical Orissan village from very close quarters but also to enjoy the rich traditions of Orissan Arts & Crafts at one place. It has a community of artisans who produce different varieties of handicraft items like patta paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone carvings, paper mache toys & masks, wood carvings, wooden toys, cow dung toys, tusser paintings etc. For its rightful place both in the Cultural & Tourist maps of the country as a heritage destination, Orissa Tourism & Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India have developed this village under Rural Tourism Projects. The facilities like Restaurant, Accommodation, Gurukul as well as craft center were created for the tourist. The Tourism & the Heritage

11. Bali Harachandi: There is a temple dedicated to goddess Harachandi at 27 km South West of Puri on the national highway 203 leading from Puri towards Brahmagiri and Satapada. In Odia language ‘Bali’ means Sand & ‘Harchandi’ means angry form of Goddess Durga. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is mounted on a sandy hill near the ocean. Beach is very near to the temple which is another major attraction of this place. The exact geographical location of this temple is LONGITUDE 850 41′ 39 E and LATITUDE 190 45′ 28 N. The sunrise and sunset scene of beach is amazing for tourists. The tourists can also enjoy sunbath on the calm and quite sea beach of Baliharachandi. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic. Baliharachandi, the well known tourist destination of Odisha, is worth a visit.)

12. Ramachandi: The temple of Goddess ‘Ramachandi’ on the river mouth of Kushabhadra River is a splendid scenic picnic resort. It is situated 7 kms before Konark on the Marine drive road from Puri to Konark. Ramachandi is popularly believed the presiding deity of Konark, and the most benevolent Chandi known. It is certainly more ancient than the Sun temple at Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Saktapithas of Puri) Lunch at Lotous Resort of Ramachandi .03.30 Water Sports & Boating in Kusabhadra River.

13. Pipili: Pipili is a NAC town with an area of 6.4 Square Kms. The place is famous for Applique works which is a traditional craft of the local People. They prepares Chandua (colorful Arts on clothes), umbrella, cloth bags, purses, wall hangings, carpets, garments for ladies & other applique works which have a good market in India and abroad. During World famous Ratha-Yatra, the chariots (Raths) are being decorated by colorful clothes made by the People of pipili.By Road, The distance from Nearest Airport and Nearest Railway Station at Bhubaneswar to Pipili is 20 Kms on NH 203 and from Puri (District Headquarter) to Pipili is 40 Kms. Regular Bus and Taxi services are available from these cities to Pipili.

14. Satapada (Chilika): Satapada is located at a distance of 48 KM from temple town of Puri. It is nearly 100 KM from Bhubaneswar. National Highway (NH) number 203 A connects Satapada to Puri. This place is located by the side of Chilika and close to the mouth opening of Chilika lake to sea. The main attraction at Satapada is its Chilika boating and Dolphin watch. Tourist come to Satapada for a boat ride in Chilika lake and to watch Dolphins

15. Jahaniapira: The Shrine of Pir Mukudan Jahania Jahagast a Muslim saint, is located near Astarang on the Beach. According to tradition in the 16th Century the Muslim saint with his disciples came to India from Baghadad and after staying in Bengal he came to Odisha . He visited many places & finally he settled down near Astarang .Both Hindus & Muslims offer worship at the shrine. It is also a Beautiful Picnic spot) .

16. Beleswar: Beleswar-pitha is located on the revenue village Bada Gaon of Gope block at a distance of 17 kms from Puri . Right from Balighaichhack it is located at a distance of 4 kms from marine drive road it is only 3 kms towards Sea.There are many stories about the Beleswar-Pitha. Some People believed that Lord Rama had established the ‘Siva Lingam’ here and had worshiped by offering “Bela” before proceeding to lanka for war with the Demon king Ravana. Since this place was known as “Beleswar-Pitha”. The temple Beleswar has been constructed on sand dune. Since the temple as located only at distance of 4 kms from Sea, it has got more tourist potentiality.

17. Balighai: Balighai is situated on Puri- Konark marine drive at distance of 14 Kms from Puri & 22 Kms from Konark. It is an ideal picnic spot due to thick casuarinas grooves, sand dunes, Sea beach and gently sea breeze. The picturesque Puri -Konark marine drive is passing through this place which the tourist can be delighted by observing the natural scenery of the place.

18. Baligaon: Baligaon , the birth place of Bhakta-Siromani-Dasia-Bauri under Pipili block of Puri district is one of the identified tourist centres of the state. It is 30 kms from Puri, 34 kms from Bhubaneswar & 2 kms from Nuagadi Chhaka of NH. 203. A good number of religious Tourists from different parts of our country visit this place every year. The two important dates of the centre are Kartik Sukla Ekadasi & Magha Sukla Ekadasi the birth & death anniversary of Bhakta Dasia, the famous devotee of lord Jagannath respectively. These two festive dates attracts a large no of local tourists. The important dates / festivals of lord Jagannath are also observed here.

19. Baral Balunkeswar: Baral Balunkeswar Pitha is famous for its Lord Shiva Shrine named as Sri Sri Baral Balunkeswar Dev. This Place is situated 25 kms distance from Puri. As legand says in Tretayayuga this place was surrounded with dense forest and it was the Ashram place of “Bhrugu Muni”. During the exile of Sri Rama Chandra, Laxman& Mata Sita they have visited this place, Prabhu Sri Rama Chandra had placed Shiva Lingam in sand under a Banyan tree. So this place is called as “Baral Balunkeswar”. This place was also called as “Guptakasi.

20. Astaranga: Astaranga is an identified Tourist centre of Puri District. It is famous for its excellent sea beach, Fish & salt trading centre. Astarang literally means the colorful sunset. Astarang is connected by good road with Nimapada (31 kms) regular bus services available from Puri& Bhubaneswar

21. Manikaptana: Manikaptana is located along the outer channel of Chilika on Brahmagiri Tahasil under Krushnaprasad Block. Manikapatana traditionally associated with Lord Jagannath. According to the tradition the story goes that Lord Jagannath & Lord Balabhadra taken some delicious curd from Manik Gauduni, while going for a war with Kanci sitting on the back of horses (they are known as Kalaghoda & Dhalaghoda) to help Purusottam Dev/ the then king of Puri. Accordingly the village named after Manik i.e “Manikapatana”. The present status the village Manikapatana has a 13th century Shiva temple known as “Bhabakundaleswar”. There are two statue of Lord Jagannath & Balabhadra sitting on horses (Kalaghoda & Dhalaghoda) at the temple.

22. Matrushakti Pitha Jaliapada: Situated at a distance of 46 kms away from Puri, Maa Mangala Pitha in the village Jaliapada under Kanas Block. It is a very famous religious centre for its presiding deity MaaMangala. Around the year, a good number of visitors/devotees visit the place. Every Tuesday and Sankrantis are the festive days of Mangala Pitha (place). Chaitra Parba is the biggest festival of the centre. Every Tuesday of Chaitra(April) attract a large crowd from far & near every year. From Ekadasi to Purnami the Mahajangya will be held. There are more than 40,000 people gather on this place. According to the devotees all the wishes are fulfilled by the presiding deity Maa Mangala.

Source - https://puri.nic.in/places-of-interest/

पुरी

पुरी का श्री जगन्नाथ मंदिर

पुरी (Puri) : ओड़िशा राज्य के पुरी ज़िले में स्थित है। भारत के चार पवित्रतम स्थानों में से एक है पुरी, जहां समुद्र इस शहर के पांव धोता है। पुरी, भगवान जगन्नाथ, सुभद्रा और बलभद्र की पवित्र नगरी है। हिंदुओं के पवित्र चार धामों में से एक पुरी संभवत: एक ऐसा स्थान है जहां समुद्र के आनंद के साथ-साथ यहां के धार्मिक तटों और 'दर्शन' की धार्मिक भावना के साथ कुछ धार्मिक स्थलों का आनंद भी लिया जा सकता है। पुरी को चारित्र, चक्रक्षेत्र, नीलगिरी, नीलाद्रि, नीलाचल, पुरुषोत्तमक्षेत्र, शंखक्षेत्र, श्रीक्षेत्र, जगन्नाथ धाम, जगन्नाथ पुरी आदि नामों से जाना जाता है।

पुरी का श्री जगन्नाथ मंदिर: पुरी का श्री जगन्नाथ मन्दिर एक हिन्दू मन्दिर है, जो भगवान जगन्नाथ (श्रीकृष्ण) को समर्पित है। यह भारत के ओडिशा राज्य के तटवर्ती शहर पुरी में स्थित है। जगन्नाथ शब्द का अर्थ जगत के स्वामी होता है। इनकी नगरी ही जगन्नाथपुरी या पुरी कहलाती है। इस मन्दिर को हिन्दुओं के चार धाम में से एक गिना जाता है। यह वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय का मन्दिर है, जो भगवान विष्णु के अवतार श्री कृष्ण को समर्पित है। इस मन्दिर का वार्षिक रथ यात्रा उत्सव प्रसिद्ध है। इसमें मन्दिर के तीनों मुख्य देवता, भगवान जगन्नाथ, उनके बड़े भ्राता बलभद्र और भगिनी सुभद्रा तीनों, तीन अलग-अलग भव्य और सुसज्जित रथों में विराजमान होकर नगर की यात्रा को निकलते हैं। श्री जगन्नथपुरी पहले नील माघव के नाम से पुजे जाते थे। जो भील सरदार विश्वासु के आराध्य देव थे। अब से लगभग हजारों वर्ष पुर्व भील सरदार विष्वासु नील पर्वत की गुफा के अन्दर नील माघव जी की पुजा किया करते थे। मध्य-काल से ही यह उत्सव अतीव हर्षोल्लास के साथ मनाया जाता है। इसके साथ ही यह उत्सव भारत के ढेरों वैष्णव कृष्ण मन्दिरों में मनाया जाता है, एवं यात्रा निकाली जाती है। यह मंदिर वैष्णव परम्पराओं और सन्त रामानन्द से जुड़ा हुआ है। यह गौड़ीय वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय के लिये खास महत्व रखता है। इस पन्थ के संस्थापक श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु भगवान की ओर आकर्षित हुए थे और कई वर्षों तक पुरी में रहे भी थे।

यह 65 मी. ऊंचा मंदिर पुरी के सबसे शानदार स्मारकों में से एक है। इस मंदिर का निर्माण 12वीं शताब्दी में चोड़गंग ने अपनी राजधानी को दक्षिणी उड़ीसा से मध्य उड़ीसा में स्थानांतरित करने की खुशी में करवाया था। यह मंदिर नीलगिरी पहाड़ी के आंगन में बना है। चारों ओर से 20 मी. ऊंची दीवार से घिरे इस मंदिर में कई छोट-छोटे मंदिर बने हैं। मंदिर के शेष भाग में पारंपरिक तरीके से बना सहन, गुफा, पूजा-कक्ष और नृत्य के लिए बना खंबों वाला एक हॉल है। इस मंदिर के विषय में वास्तव में यह एक आश्चर्यजनक सत्य है कि यहां जाति को लेकर कभी भी मतभेद नहीं रहे हैं। सड़क के एक छोर पर गुंडिचा मंदिर के साथ ही भगवान जगन्नाथ का ग्रीष्मकालीन मंदिर है। यह मंदिर ग्रांड रोड के अंत में चार दीवारी के भीतर एक बाग में बना है। यहां एक सप्ताह के लिए मूर्ति को एक साधारण सिंहासन पर विराजमान कराया जाता है।

बौद्ध मूल: कुछ इतिहासकारों का विचार है कि इस मन्दिर के स्थान पर पूर्व में एक बौद्ध स्तूप होता था। उस स्तूप में गौतम बुद्ध का एक दाँत रखा था। बाद में इसे इसकी वर्तमान स्थिति, कैंडी, श्रीलंका पहुँचा दिया गया। इस काल में बौद्ध धर्म को वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय ने आत्मसात कर लिया था और तभी जगन्नाथ अर्चना ने लोकप्रियता पाई। यह दसवीं शताब्दी के लगभग हुआ, जब उड़ीसा में सोमवंशी राज्य चल रहा था।

महाराजा रणजीत सिंह, महान सिख सम्राट ने इस मन्दिर को प्रचुर मात्रा में स्वर्ण दान किया था, जो कि उनके द्वारा स्वर्ण मंदिर, अमृतसर को दिये गये स्वर्ण से कहीं अधिक था। उन्होंने अपने अन्तिम दिनों में यह वसीयत भी की थी, कि विश्व प्रसिद्ध कोहिनूर हीरा, जो विश्व में अब तक सबसे मूल्यवान और सबसे बड़ा हीरा है, इस मन्दिर को दान कर दिया जाये। लेकिन यह सम्भव ना हो सका, क्योकि उस समय तक, ब्रिटिश ने पंजाब पर अपना अधिकार करके, उनकी सभी शाही सम्पत्ति जब्त कर ली थी। वर्ना कोहिनूर हीरा, भगवान जगन्नाथ के मुकुट की शान होता।

चक्रक्षेत्र

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर ने लेख किया है ...चक्रक्षेत्र (AS, p.324) - जगन्नाथपुरी के क्षेत्र का प्राचीन नाम है.

चारित्र

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर ने लेख किया है ...चारित्र (AS, p.332) चीनी यात्री युवानच्वांग (सातवीं सदी ई.) द्वारा उल्लिखित उड़ीसा का एक बंदरगाह है जिसका अभिज्ञान सामान्यतः पुरी से किया जाता है. (देखें मेहताब, हिस्ट्री ऑफ उड़ीसा, पृ.35)

ब्रह्मगिरि

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर ने लेख किया है ... 5. ब्रह्मगिरि (AS, p.649) = जिला पुरी, उड़ीसा. चोड़ गंगदेव (12 वीं सदी ई.) के बनवाए अलारनाथ के मंदिर के लिए प्रसिद्ध है. यह विष्णु, लक्ष्मी, रुक्मणी और सरस्वती का मंदिर है.

शंखक्षेत्र

शंखक्षेत्र (AS, p.885): उड़ीसा में जगन्नाथपुरी के क्षेत्र का पौराणिक नाम है. कहा जाता है क्योंकि इसका भौगोलिक आकार शंख के समान है. शाक्तों के अनुसार इसका नाम उड्डियान पीठ है.

जगन्नाथपुरी

विजयेन्द्र कुमार माथुर ने लेख किया है ...जगन्नाथपुरी (AS, p.352) पूर्वी भारत का प्रसिद्ध तीर्थ है. कहा जाता है कि पुरी में पहले एक प्राचीन बौद्ध मंदिर था. हिंदू धर्म के पुनरुत्कर्षकाल में इस मंदिर को श्रीकृष्ण के मंदिर के रूप में बनाया गया. मंदिर की मुख्य मूर्तियां शायद तीसरी सदी ई. की हैं. ययातिकेसरी ने 9 वीं सदी में पुराने मंदिर का जीर्णोद्धार करवाया और तत्पश्चात चौड़ गंगदेव ने 12वीं सदी ई. में इसका पुन:नवीकरण किया. इस मंदिर का आदि निर्माता कौन था, यह निश्चित रूप से नहीं कहा जा सकता. 12 वीं सदी में मंदिर का अंतिम जीर्णोद्धार गंगवंशीय राजा आनंग भीमदेव ने करवाया था. इसी रूप में यह मंदिर आज स्थित है.

इस मंदिर पर मध्यकाल में मुसलमानों ने कई बार आक्रमण किए थे. कालापहाड़ नामक मुसलमान सरदार ने जो पहले हिंदु था - इस मंदिर को पूरी तरह नष्टभ्रष्ट किया था. मंदिर का पुनर्निर्माण कई बार हुआ जान पड़ता है. 15वीं शती में चैतन्य महाप्रभु ने इस मंदिर की यात्रा की थी. तीन सौ वर्ष पूर्व मराठों ने (भौंसला नरेश ने) मंदिर का जीर्णोद्धार करवाया था. यह मंदिर दक्षिणात्य शैली में निर्मित है. जान पड़ता है कि पुरी की महाभारत या पूर्वपौराणिक काल तक तीर्थरूप में मान्यता नहीं थी. चीनी यात्री युवानच्वांग ने संभवत: पुरी को ही चरित्रवन नाम से अभिहित

[p.353]: किया है. शाक्तों के अनुसार जगन्नाथपुरी के क्षेत्र का नाम उड्डियानपीठ है. इसे शंखक्षेत्र भी कहा जाता था. दक्षिण के प्रसिद्ध वैष्णव आचार्य है रामानुज ने पुरी की यात्रा 1122 ई. और 1137 ई. में की थी. उनकी यात्रा के पश्चात यह मंदिर उड़ीसा में हिंदू धर्म का प्रबल एवं प्रमुख केंद्र बन गया था.

Visit by Xuanzang in 639 AD

Alexander Cunningham writes that The kingdom of U-cha. or Oda, corresponds exactly with the modern province of Odra, or Orissa. By a reference to the ' Biography of Hiouen Thsang,' it would appear that the capital of Odra was 700 li to the south-west of Tamralipti, and as this bearing and distance agree with the position of Jajipura, I think that the pilgrim must have returned to Tamluk from Kirana Suvarna before proceeding to Odra. In the travels of the pilgrim the bearing and distance are taken from Kirana Suvarna; but this is perhaps a mistake, as they are usually referred to the capital, which, whether we place it at Jajipur or at Katak, is due south of Kirana Suvarna.

The province was 7000 li, or 1167 miles, in circuit, and was bounded by the great sea on the south-east, where there was a famous seaport town named Che-li-ta-lo-ching, or Charitrapura, that is, the " town of embarkation " or " departure." This was probably the present town of Puri, or "the city," near which stands the famous temple of Jagannath. Outside the town there were five contiguous stupas with towers and pavilions of great height. I presume that it is one of these which is now dedicated to Jagannath. The three shapeless figures of this god and his brother and sister, Baladeva and Subhadra, are simple copies of the symbolical figures of the Buddhist triad, Buddha,

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[p.511]: Dharma, and Sangha, of which the second is always represented as a female. The Buddhist origin of the Jagannath figures is proved beyond all doubt by their adoption as the representative of the Brahmanical Avatar of Buddha in the annual almanacs of Mathura and Banaras.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Puri had a population of 157,610. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Puri has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 70%. In Puri, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

River system

The rivers of Puri district are generally tributaries of the Mahanadi River. They are largely dry or small streams in the hot season, while in the rains they receive more water than they can carry. Major rivers include:

1. Kushabhadra River: A branch of the Kuakhai River originates from Balianta and meets the Bay of Bengal at the shrine of Ramachandi, located 15 miles east of Puri. Its tributary Mugei joins with Kushabhadra.

2. Daya River: A branch of the Kuakhai river drains into the Chilika lake. Two small rivers, the Gangua and the Managuni, join with the Daya river below Kanas. The Daya river is believed to be the cause of silt build-up in Chilika Lake.

3. Bhargavi River: A branch of the Kuakhai River meets the Bay of Bengal after breaking up into numerous tributaries in the last two and a half miles of its course. Four main branches, the Kanchi, the East Kania, the Naya Nadi and the South Kanchi (which drains into Sar Lake) all derive from the left bank of the Kuakhai. The first three of these interconnect through several channels and finally join the Suna Munhi river, which in turn joins the Baliharchandi and ultimately drains to the Bay of Bengal via the mouth of Chilika. The South Kania dissipates in the marshes on the western shore of Chilika.

4. Kadua River: This is a monsoon fed river that drains into the Prachi River.

5. Prachi River: This river has its origin near Kantapara on Cuttack-Gop road and passes through the village of Kakatpur before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

6. Devi River: This is a branch of the Kathajodi River.

Tourism

Puri has a very long, broad sand beach. The sea produces very big waves here. It attracts many national and international tourists because of its beautiful long beach and world famous Jagannath Temple. The place to start a pilgrimage is here and Puri is a pilgrim's destination too. There are many ashrams and sacred temples in Puri.

Tank Jat rulers

A Tak kingdom is mentioned by Hiuen-Tsang (631-643 A.D.) It is mentioned as situated towards east of Gandhara. Hiuen-Tasng Gives its name as Tekka, and the History of Sindh, ChachNama, mentions it as Tak. Its capital was Shekilo (Sakala, modern Sialkot) and formerly King Mihiragula was ruling from this place. In seventh century A.D. Its people were not preeminently Buddhists, but worshiped the sun, too. Abhidhana Chintamani Says that Takka is the name of Vahika country (Punjab). For what follows, we are indebted to Chandrashekhar Gupta for his article on Indian coins. The Tanks must have come to India, Prior to fourth century A.D. i.e. with the Kushana. And with the Kushanas, they must have spread up to Bengal and Orissa, like the Manns and Kangs who spread into southern Maharashtra and the Deccan. In Orissa, the Tanks, had their rule in Orissa proper, Mayurbhanj, Singbhoom, Ganjam, and Balasore Districts. They are called by historians as “ Puri Kushans” or Kushanas of Puri (Orissa). Their coins have been found at Bhanjakia and Balasore (Chhota Nagpur) and these coins have the legend Tanka written in Brahmi script of the fourth century A.D. Allan suggested the reading Tanka as the name of a tribe “ and others generally accepted the reading Tanka as correct. Allan placed them in the third or early fourth century A.D., while V.A. Smith placed them in the fourth or fifth century A.D. ; R.D. Bannerji called them “ Puri Kushanas”

टांक जाट गोत्र के पुरी कुषाण सिक्के

भीमसिंह दहिया ने लिखा है कि उड़ीसा और उसके आसपास के क्षेत्रों में जाटों का शासन लंबे समय तक रहा है। उड़ीसा में टांक जाट गोत्र के सिक्के खुदाई में पाये गए हैं , जिनकी पहचान इतिहासकारों द्वारा पुरी कुषाण के रूप में की गई है। सन् 592 ई. में उड़ीसा में केसरी वंशी राजा ययाति ने टांक जाटों को अपने अधीन कर लिया। गुप्त शासकों को कुछ इतिहासकारों द्वारा कारस्कर कहा गया है और यह उनका कबीलाई नाम माना गया है। वास्तव में यह एक देश का नाम था। महाभाष्य में एक औषधीय पौधे का उल्लेख है, जिसका नाम कारस्कर है, जो निश्चय ही देश के नाम से है। वायु पुराण कहता है कि कारस्कर, कलिंग और सिंधु नदी के उत्तर के भूभाग में आश्रम धर्म (हिंदूओं की जातियों में वर्गीकरण आदि) को नहीं मानने वाले लोग बसते हैं। यह इस बात का प्रमाण है कि गुप्त शासक मूलरूप से भारतीय नहीं थे क्योंकि कारस्कर के रूप में भारतीय जाति व्यवस्था का पालन नहीं करते थे। महाभारत में कारस्कर, महिषक, करम्भ, कटकलिक, कर्कर और विरक लोगों का उल्लेख है। इससे साफ है कि खटकल, काकरान, विर्क आदि की तरह कारस्कर भी जाट थे।

भीमसिंह दहिया ने लिखा है कि यह संभव है कि महिषक जिनको हाथीगुंफा अभिलेख में मुसिक लिखा है, बैंस का संस्कृत रूप हो क्योंकि भारतीय भाषाओं में बैंस को भैंस बोला जाता है।

Jat clans

Following Jat clans have similarity with places shown in bold in this tahsil/block. There is need to further research this correlation.

Villages in Puri District

Abadan, Achutpur, Agarkothabada, Alaguma, Alanda, Alarapur, Alarpur, Alasahi, Alautabelapada, Alibada, Alisa, Alisi, Amaranga, Ambiligan, Ampora, Amuri, Anantapur, Anasara, Andarsingha, Andhraichhapur, Anjira, Ankula, Anlajodi, Ansalo, Antuara, Aragada, Arisal, Arisandha, Arolapattana, Asana, Astaranga, Athatira, Badabandhakera, Badabenakudi, Badagan, Badal , Badamachhapur, Badaninigan, Badas, Badasurubila, Badatara, Bageswarpur, Baharana, Bajapur, Bajrakote, Balabhadrapur, Balabhadrapur Uttarhana, Balanga, Balapur, Balara, Balarampurgarh, Balia, Balikerapachhipala, Balipantal, Balukhanda, Bamabarada, Bamadeipur, Bamadeipur, Bamanal, Banakhandi, Banapur, Bangar, Bangurbagadadharpur, Bangurigram, Baniasahi, Bankijala, Bantalasingha, Bantaligan, Bantilo, Barala, Barudi, Basudeipur, Batagan, Bedapur, Begunia, Beguniabasta, Beguniapada, Beldal, Benagan, Beraboi, Beraboi, Berhampur, Bhagabanpur, Bhagabatipur, Bhandagarh, Bhandarikuda, Bhandisahi, Bhansara, Bharagola, Bharatipur, Bhatabandha, Bhatapur, Bhilideuli, Bhiligram, Bhimapur, Bhuan, Bidyadharpur, Bijeramachandrapur, Bijipur, Bijipur, Bilipada, Bilipada, Bindhana, Biragobindapur, Birakesarpur, Biramakundapur, Biramchandrapur, Biranarasinghpur, Birapratappur, Biritunga, Bishnupur, Bisulipada, Biswanathapur, Bolakana, Brahmagiri, Brahmanataraboi, Budhanga, Budhibar, Chadheigan, Chainpur, Chandanpur, Chandaparabalajitpur, Chandradeipur, Chapamanik, Chhaitana, Chhanaghar], Chhenua, Chhotapur, Chhuriana, Chitikana, Chupurungi, Dakhinapantal, Damodarpursasana, Dandamukunda Pur, Dangura, Dasabidyadharpur, Davara, Deipur, Dekhata, Delangakothabar, Denuan, Derunia, Dhanakera, Dhanakerapanchapana, Dharanikudi, Dhumalo, Dibyasinghapur, Dighalo, Dihakarada, Dimiri, Dimirisena, Dochhian, Dokanda, Dolagobindapur, Dugala, Durgadasapur, Erabanga, Fulaalasa, Gadabadput, Gadabhingura, Gadaitapokhari, Gadajhinkiria, Gadakaramala, Gadakharada No.1, Gadamatiapada, Gadapadanpur, Gadarodanga, Gadarupas, Gadasahi, Gadasanput, Gadisagada, Gagadala, Gaindol, Gandapara, Ganeswarpur, Ganganarayanpur, Garamotari, Garanayarchhara, Garhchandpur, Garhtorinha, Ghanipur, Ghatakudi, Godiputamatiapara, Gokulpur, Golara, Gop, Gopinathpur, Gopinathpur, Gopinathpur, Gopinathpur Alias Routrapur, Gopinathpurpatna, Gorual, Gualipada, Gudapailo, Hansapada, Hantuk, Harasapada, Harekrushnapur, Haridaspur, Haripur, Harirajpur, Hatasahi, Humar, Ichhapur, Indipurdeuli, Iping, Isanapur, Jagadalapur, Jagannath Bidyadharpur, Jagannathballava, Jagannathpur, Jagulaipadar, Jaleswarpada, Jamarsuan, Jamilagoda, Jamuna Jharapada, Janakadeipur, Jangalbori, Jankia, Jasuapur, Jayapur, Jenapur, Jharling, Jiola, Kadua, Kahal, Kakatpur, Kalapadar, Kalapanchana, Kalyanapur, Kamasasana, Kanas, Kandagoda, Kanheibidyadharpur, Kania, Kanjia, Kantapada, Kantasila, Kantikothabada, Kantimala, Kapileswarpur, Karamala, Katakana, Katapada, Kendrapati, Kerandipur, Ketakipatana, Khalakata, Khandasahi, Khandol, Khanijipur, Khatiakudi, Khelaur, Khuntiabanapur, Kolhana, Konark, Kothasahi, Kuanarpur, Kuhudi, Kumundal, Kundeswar, Kunjar, Kurujang, Kusupur, Lataharan, Laxminarayanpur, Madhibrahamapur, Mahadebbasta, Makundapur, Maligan, Mallagan, Maltipatpur, Maludkhas, Mangalapur Uttarbad, Manijanga, Manikapatna, [[Markandpur], Matiapada No-1, Miteipur, Mudugal, Mulaalasa, Mulagarh, Nagapur, Nagar, Naiguan, Nanapur, Narasinghapurhat, Narasinghapursasan, Narendrapur, Narua, Naruasankareswar, Nasikeswar, Nijigadakokal, Nimapada, Nirmala, Nizigada-kurukhi, Nuabudhakera, Nuagan, Nuagan, Nuagarh, Nuakholamara, Nuapada, Nuasamasarpur, Nuasantha, Nuasasan, Odaguan, Otarasasan, Othaka, Padmapur, Palanka, Panasapada, Pandiakera, Panidola, Parahat, Parajapada, Parakana, Parbatipur, Patajosipur, Patapur, Patasahanipur, Patasundarpur, Pipili, Podanga, Praharajapur, Pratap Purusottampur, Pratapramachandrapur, Pubasasan, Puri, Rahadamala, Raiberuan, Raichakradharpur, Raidbazar, Raisa, Ramchandrapur, Rameswarapur, Rathapurusottampur, Ratilo , Rebananuagaon, Rench, Renchsasan, Rendua, Rengal, Renghalo, Resinga, Runkei, Rupadeipur, Sadangoi Dakhinabar, Sadangoiuttarbad, Sahana, Sahanikera, Sahaspur, Sahupada, Sainsasasan, Samanga, Samangara, Sampur, Sandhrasasan, Sarangajodi, Saraswatipur, Sarbapada, Sareda, Satapada, Satyabadi, Sauria, Siara, Singmapur, Sirei, Siso, Siula, Solapur, Somanathapur, Sorabha, Srikatanuapada, Srimakundapur, Sripurushotamapur, Sriramapur, Sriramchandrapur, Suanlo, Subalapur, Sudikeswar, Suhagpur, Suhanpur, Sukala, Sundar, Sutana, Talada, Talajanga, Talamala, Talatala, Tarakor, Tentuliguan, Terundia, Thana, Thana, Tichhini, Tigiria, Titipa, Tolapada, Torana, Torihanbandha, Tulasipur, Uchhupur, Udayapur, Uruali, Uttarasasan,

Gallery

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  Puri Sunrise-17.1.1981

References

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Back to Jat Kingdoms in Ancient India/Jats in Buddhism

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