FAMOUS TEMPLES OF PURI : Temples outside of Puri

FAMOUS TEMPLES OF PURI :  Temples outside of Puri

SIRULI MAHAVIR

• Destination Summary
  ~ Famous for Temple of Lord Hanuman
  ~ Nearest Attractions ~~~~~ Sakhigopal, Raghurajpur, Pipili
  ~ Country ~~~~~ ~~~~~ India
  ~ State ~~~~~ ~~~~~  Odisha
  ~ Located at Eastern Coast of Odisha
  ~ Distance From Bhubaneswar~~~~~  75 KM
  ~ Distance From Puri ~~~~~ 33 KM
  ~ Mode of Transport Road ~~~~~ (Bus and Taxi)
  ~ Nearest Airport Bhubaneswar - ~~~~~ 75 KM
  ~ Best Time to Visit ~~~~~  Round the Year
  ~ Local Language ~~~~~ Odia
  ~ Other languages ~~~~~  Hindi, Bengali and English
  

A classic tourist destination of India, Puri is largely a pilgrim place, a religious centre, a holy land of Lord Jagannath - The Lord of the Universe. Lord Hanuman is widely worshipped in Odisha. Siruli Mahavir near Puri and Sidha Mahavir of Puri and Panchamukhi Hanuman of Cuttack are the most prominent Hanuman Pithas of Odisha. Siruli Mahavir Temple is situated about 33 kms on the north east of Puri town on the way from Puri to Bhubaneswar. The temple is not so important from the architectural point but from the religious point of view, it is one of the important shrines of Odisha.

A huge figure of Lord Hanuman is enshrined in the sanctum who is the presiding deity of the temple. The image is carved on a single piece of stone in standing posture . He holds a short dagger in left hand and gandha mardana mountain in right hand. The figure of Lord Hanumana has been designed in the attitude of destroying Murasura (a demon). Anjana, the mother of Lord Hanumana is carved to the right side of the pedestal. The height of the figure is about 10 feet and made of black chlorite stone. A legend regarding the deity is ever fresh and popular among the locals, the left side eye of Lord Hanuman is set towards Lord Jagannatha temple of Puri and the right eye is set towards Lanka, the native place of Ravana. A Shiva Linga canopied by seven hooded serpent is carved on top of the head of the figure. The figure of Lord Mahavir exhibits Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in his tearing heart.

The temple faces to south and is built with both laterite and sand stones. Two huge lions are installed on both sides of the main entrance gate. The outer walls of the main temple contain figures of Hanumana, Ganesha, Mahisamardini Durga, Siva Linga and bull. The figures of nine planets (navagrahas) are carved above the eastern side entrance of the temple. There is a very old Peepal tree (Ashvastha tree) in front of the temple. Local people say that the temple was built by Anangabhima Deva - III, the Ganga ruler of Odisha.

People have great faith on Lord Mahavir and they attend this Siruli temple in large numbers every day and during various festive seasons. Festivals like Makara Sankranti, Rama Navami, Dola Purnima are observed in this temple with great interest and splendor.

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#SiruliMahavirTemple

BATA MANGALA TEMPLE


Although Puri has been considered as a famous centre of Vaisnavism, it is also recognized as a sakti pitha. Several sakta temples are located inside and outside of Lord Jagannath temple. There is a sakta temple dedicated to Goddess Mangala on the gateway to Puri. This temple is known as Bata Mangala Temple. This temple is locateded at a distance of 3 kilometers from Atharanala on the road leading from Puri to Bhubaneswar, on State Highway No.8.

The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Mangala. The deity is very beautiful and has two hands and three eyes. She is sitting in padmasana Posture with smiling face. The two hands are holding pasa and ankusa. She is worshipped in the mantra of Durga and is the same as Mahamangala, Sarva Mangala and Mangala.

In Odia language 'Bata' means 'Way', since Goddess Mangala is enshrined on the way to Shreekhetra, she is known as Bata Mangala. She is believed to guide the pilgrims to Puri. The piligrims and all tourist vechiles used to offer puja and Darshan with all respects at Batamangala temple while entering into Puri and leaving Puri for their safe and happy journey.

At the time of Navakalebara festival of Lord Jagannth, the carts loaded with sacred wood entered into Shreekhetra after performing puja at Bata mangala temple. Famous rituals like Durga Puja, Dussehra, Chaitra Mangalabara etc are observed with great devotion in this temple.

BALI HARACHANDI TEMPLE


Destination Summary
Famous for Temple of Goddess Harachandi and Sea Beach
Nearest Attractions Chilika Lake, Satapada, Alarnath
State/Country Odisha/India
Located at Eastern Coast of Odisha
Distance From Bhubaneswar 60 KM
Distance From Puri 27 KM
Mode of Transport Road (Bus and Taxi)
Nearest Airport Bhubaneswar - 60 KM
Best Time to Visit Round the Year
Local Language Odia
Other languages Hindi, Bengali and English

Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, which is celebrated as a Vaisnava centre is also famous for its Sakta temples. Both inside and outside the premises of famous Jagannath temple there are several temples dedicated to Sakta deities such as Ramachandi, Laksmi, varahi, Harachandi, Daksina Kali, Shyamakali, etc. which indicates the popularity of Saktism at Puri. There is a temple dedicated to goddess Harachandi at 27km south west of Puri on the national highway 203 leading from Puri towards Brahmagiri and Satapada. On this road there is a place known as Kathuari chowk, from this chowk take a left diversion and after 5 kilometers you will reach village Palanka, this temple is located at a distance of 1 kilometer from the village Palanka. 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 temple is facing towards the east and the presiding deity is Asta-Bhuja (Eight-Armed) Mahisamardini Durga worshipped as Baliharachandi. Baliharachandi is also regarded as goddess of water and navigation, who protects the boatsman and fisherman, when confronted with danger in the sea. This temple has relation with the Sri Jagannath temple in respect of a ritual on the Mahanavami day in the month of Ashwina. Festivals like Navaratri, Durga Puja, Chaitra Mangala Bara, Ramanavami etc. are observed in this temple with great devotion. An image of Goddess Kali is found at the base of the back Rahapaga of the Baliharachandi temple near Puri. Here Kali holds a serpent. She holds a skull and a severed head by her left hands. She stands in Alidha pose on the body of Lord Siva. Baliharachandi temple is a protected monument of Odisha State Archaeology and under the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

Baliharachandi temple located at the beginning of the river Bhargavi is not just a pilgrim site but also a scenic spot. This place is also famous for stretches of sandy beach and the meeting point of river Bhargavi with the Sea. It attracts lots of tourist to enjoy the natural site of beach and to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness. The sunrise and sunset scene of beach is amazing for touristis. 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.

RAMACHANDI


Destination Summary
Famous for Temple of Goddess Ramachandi, Sea Beach
Nearest
Attractions Konark, Chandrabhaga, Kakatpur, Kuruma, Chaurasi, Balighai, Beleswar
State/Country Odisha/India
Located at Eastern Coast of Odisha
Distance From Bhubaneswar 70 KM
Distance From Puri 28 KM
Mode of Transport Road (Bus and Taxi)
Nearest Airport Bhubaneswar - 70 KM
Best Time to Visit Round the Year
Local Language Odia
Other languages Hindi, Bengali and English

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 beleived 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 Sakta pithas of Puri.

A graceful Chandi, seated on a lotus in a small temple half hidden by sand mounds, on the river mouth of 'Kushabhadra' and the endless Bay of Bengal stretched to eternity, and a thick growth of Casuarina plantation around is the scenic maginificence of the place. Before construction of the Marine drive road, the place was not accessable to out side visitors. However it attracted large number of local devotees to offer sacrifices 'Bali' in the month of Ashwna Picnicking at Ramachandi was then a youthful feat. The romantic sight has always fascinated young lovers, students and picnicking troups from far wide besides a handful of professional fisherman who exploit inhabitants. However after the construction of the Marine dive road, the place has become very easily accessable. We see regular crowd of pleasure seekers both from the neighbour hood and distant places every day.



A legend regarding the deity is ever fresh and popular among the locals. "Kalapahada" the rebel Hindu Brahmin Youth turned islam, vowed to destroy all the temples of Hindu worship during 17th Contury. After destroying the Sun temple, Kalapahad approached to Ramachandi temple to destroy it. Then Goddess Ramachandi dressed as a Maluni (maid servant) asked Kalapahad to wait at the door till she bring water from the river for the Goddess. Kalapahad anxiously waited for a long time to get some cold water. When it was too late and the Maluni did not return he exhausted and entered inside the temple and found the throne empty. Then he thought the Maluni took away the deity with her and with anger he followed the Maluni. When he reached the bank of the Kushabhadra river he found the goddess Ramachandi floating in the middle of the river. At that time the river was outpouring, so he came back without able to reach the middle of the river. Then Goddess Ramachandi came in dream of a panda (priest) and told him to built a temple on the bank of the Kushabhadra river. This place is now known as Ramachandi. Through out the year many visitors come here to get the blessing of Goddess Ramachandi and to enjoy the scenic beauty of river Kushabhadra and Bay of Bengal.

Banpur Bhagabati Temple

Goddess Bhagabati,the presiding deity of the place Banpur has earned celebrity as a centre of religious activities.Once it was the Capital of Sailodhvaba dynasty,responsible for the construction of the early group of temples at Bhubaneswar.The large number of Buddhist images discovered at Banpur relate the place to the Vajrayan clut of Buddhism.The temple of 'Daksha-Prajapati' is a fine specimen of extraordinary artistic excellance of Odisha art.Banpur is 8 kms. from Balugaon and 105 kms. from Bhubaneswar.

BRAHMAGIRI ALARNATH



Lord Alarnath temple in Brahmagiri, around 25 km from Puri , is not a big tourist destination but a famous religious place for all Krishna devotees. It is explained that in Satya Yuga, Lord Brahma came and worshipped Lord Vishnu here on top of a hill. One day Lord Vishnu appeared and said, "I am very pleased with your worship. Make a four-armed Deity of Me holding shankha, chakra, gada, and padma (conch shell, disk, club, and lotus). The Deity should be made from a piece of black stone. Also install a Deity of Garuda". Lord Vishnu also said, "This place will be called Brahmagiri (Brahma's hill) because you have worshipped me here". According to mythology, the rulers of Alwar in Rajasthan had established the temple here. The temple was later known as Alwarnath or Alarnath.



Entrance Gate of Alarnath Temple



Lord Alarnath Temple



Lord Alarnath Temple Night View


Presiding Deity Lord Alarnath


Lord Alarnath with his burnt fingers highlighted


Goddess Laxmi at Alarnath Temple Compound


Deity on Side Wall of Alarnath Temple

Deity on Side Wall of Alarnath Temple

Deity on Side Wall of Alarnath Temple

Last edited by Admin on Thu Mar 08, 2018 5:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

KAKATPUR MANGALA




Presiding Deity Goddess Mangala

SAKHIGOPALA SAKSHIGOPAL





Temple of Lord Krishna in Sakhigopal