Tour overview
Odisha is well known for its blessed beauty and religious grandeur that set high among the pristine culture of India. Among all the salient shrines, there stands the architectural marvel in the spiritual city of Puri situated in the coast of Bay of Bengal, the resting seat of Purusha- Lord Jagannath, as the name translates the abode of Lord Jagannath- Shree Jagannath Puri.
Also known as the Purushamandama-grama, Puri is regarded as the spiritual capital of Odisha, and one among the Char Dhams. Shree Jagannath Temple was constructed by King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva and the temple enshrines the great sibling’s trio Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. The enormous temple covers an area of 400,000 square feet. It is fortified with a high wall and contains at least 120 temples and shrines. Oriya style construction of temple architecture gives it structural authenticity and uninterrupted fluidity. The deity of Lord Vishnu is replaced every 12 to 19 years. Moreover, unlike other idols made from stone and metal the idol inside the temple is made of special neem wood.
It is certainly an amazing destination for people who love to explore the architectural marvels and to those who crave to spend time drowned in divinity.
Alarnath
Alarnath also known as Brahmagiri, located 25 km from Puri is considered as one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavite tradition dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The history of this temple dates back to Satya Yuga when Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu here at the top of this hill. Lord Vishnu appeared and instructed Brahma to carve his four handed deity form out of black stone. And given the name Brahmagiri, as Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu at this place. It is said that when Lord Jagannath is put to the chambers at the time of Anasara, he manifests as Lord Alarnath to give blessings to his devotees.
Because the priests were in the disciplic line of the great spiritual teachers known as the Alvar’s, the deity become known as Alvarnatha (Lord of Alvar’s), which in time become Alarnath.
Lingaraja Mahadev
Built in the 11th century, this place of worship houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga, which is believed to be 8 feet in diameter and 8 inches tall. An architectural wonder the temple is devoted to Lord Harihara, which essentially means it is dedicated to Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva).
The glorious Lingaraj Temple is a great example of the Kalinga style of temple architecture. Within this complex lies the 180 feet tall mesmerizing Lingaraj Temple that easily dominates the city’s skyline. There are 150 small shrines with shivalinga’s in its courtyard as well.
Konark Surya Kshethram
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark Sun temple is a striking model of ancient artistry, fluidity of ideas, and a pedagogic treasury. Dedicated to the sun god, Surya, the first rays of the sun fall on the entrance of the temple. Much of the temple has fallen into rack and ruin but what remains still holds enough charm to captivate. An interpretation of a greater imagination, it has seen empires rise and fall, identities washed away, yet appealing to our sensorium even today. The temple is known for its impressive Kalinga architecture that includes a depiction of a 100 ft high chariot being pulled by horses and wheels carved out of a single stone. The monument portrays the imposing chariot of the sun god. Built of Khondalite rocks, the original temple had 230 ft high sanctum which no longer exists, 128 ft high audience hall, dance hall, dining hall which survive still. There are 24 intricately designed wheels, 12 ft in diameter which are seen drawn by horses. These seven horses represent the week, the wheels stand for the 12 months while the day-cycle is symbolised by the eight spokes in the wheels.
Tour highlights
- Kurma Temple
- Puri Jagannath Temple
- World Famous Puri Jagannath Chariot Festival
- Sakshi Gopal
- Alarnath Temple
- Sun Temple Konark
- Lingaraj Temple
- Kerala Food
- Good accommodation in hotel.
Itinerary
6 a.m. boarding the train to Visakhapatnam from Alappuzha via Palakkad in Alleppey Dhanbad Express (13352).
Reaching Visakhapatnam by afternoon. After checking in at a nearby Hotel, in the evening, you will go and take darshan at Kurma Temple.
Early in the morning you will board the train from Visakhapatnam to Puri. By afternoon you will reach Puri. In the evening you will go and take darshan at Alarnath Temple.
After having your breakfast, you will take the darshan of Gambeera, Haridas Takur Samadhi and Bhajankutir, Shweta Ganga, Tota Gopinath etc…
After a delicious breakfast, we will go for darshan at Gundicha Temple, Indradhyumna Sarovar, Narasimha Temple, Bhakthi Siddhantha Saraswathi Maharaj Birth Place etc…
The World Famous Mighty Jagannath Rathayathra
Subsequent to morning breakfast, you will go for darshan at, Konark Sun Temple, Muktheshwar Temple Sakshi Gopal Temple etc…
After having our breakfast we will leave for Khurda Road to catch of train to Kerala
2 days on the train will mark the end of your religious tour, and it will surely be a memorable experience.
Related Tours
Puri Yathra
Kannante Vrindavanam
