puri

Puri is a coastal city and the administrative headquarters of Puri district in the Indian state of Odisha. Located on the Bay of Bengal about 60 kilometers south of Bhubaneswar, it sits near the estuary of the Bhargavi River and is part of the historic Kalinga region. The city is a major center of pilgrimage and tourism and forms part of Odisha’s popular Golden Triangle along with Bhubaneswar and Konark.

Historically, Puri developed as a religious and maritime center under the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is best known for the Jagannath Temple, a major temple complex dedicated to a form of Vishnu. The temple, begun in the 12th century, houses deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The temple precinct is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra, when the deities are brought out on chariots to the Gundicha Temple, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

In addition to the temple, Puri is famed for its long sandy beach along the Bay of Bengal, popular with visitors for sunsets and seaside activities. The city serves as a gateway to other pilgrimage and cultural sites, including the Konark Sun Temple, located about 36 kilometers away. Puri’s religious significance and coastal setting make it a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Economically, the city relies on pilgrimage-related commerce, tourism, and fishing. Transportation links include a major railway station on the Howrah-Chennai main line and access via National Highway routes; the closest international airport is in Bhubaneswar. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the Jagannath Temple, which remains a central aspect of the city’s religious life.