View source for Puri

{{Short description|City in Odisha, India}}
{{About|the city in Odisha, India|}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2025}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Puri
| other_name         = 
| settlement_type    = City
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 250
| image_style              = 
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/2
| image1 = Shri Jagannatha Temple.jpg{{!}} 
| image2 = Kelucharan Mohapatra 2023 stamp of India.jpg {{!}} 
| image3 = Jagannath img.jpg {{!}} 
| image5 = Puri Ratha Yatra.jpg {{!}} 
| image4 = Chaitanya-Mahabrabhu-at-Jagannath.jpg {{!}} 
| image6 = Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.jpg{{!}} 
| image7 = Puri Sea Beach viewed from the light house.jpg {{!}} 
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      ='''Left to right, top to bottom:''' [[Jagannath Temple, Puri]], One of the [[Char Dham]]; [[Kelucharan Mohapatra]];[[Jagannath]]; [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]]; Ratha Yatra (Puri);  [[Chandan Yatra]]; and [[Puri Beach|Golden Beach]]
| nicknames           = Spiritual City, Sri Jagannath Dham 
| image_map          = 
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = India Odisha#India#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = Right
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|19|48|38|N|85|49|53|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{Flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Orissa Flag(INDIA).png}} [[Odisha]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Puri district|Puri]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = More than thousand years old
| founder            = 
| named_for          = [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple]]
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body     = Puri Municipal Corporation 
| leader_title2      = [[District Collector|Collector & District Magistrate]]
| leader_name2       =Chanchal Rana, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]<ref name="Whos_Who"/>
| leader_title3      = [[Superintendent of Police (India)|Superintendent of Police]]
| leader_name3       = Pinaki Mishra, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]<ref name="Whos_Who">{{cite web |title=Who's Who |url=https://puri.nic.in/about-district/whos-who/ |work=Puri District Administration |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref>
| leader_title       = [[Puri (Lok Sabha constituency)|Member of Parliament]]
| leader_name        = [[Sambit Patra]]
| leader_party       = [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]
| leader_title1      = [[Puri (Odisha Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Member of Legislative Assembly]]
| leader_name1       = Sunil Kumar Mohanty ([[Biju Janata Dal|BJD]])
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web |title=Puri City |url=http://purimunicipality.nic.in/ |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130023719/http://purimunicipality.nic.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_rank          = 
| area_total_km2     = 16.84
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 0.1
| population_total   = 200,564
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_rank    = [[List of cities in India by population|India 228th]], [[List of cities in Odisha by population|Odisha 5th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = 
| population_footnotes = 
| demographics_type1 = Language
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Odia language|Odia]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 752001
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| area_code          = Puri:06752, Nimapara:06758
| registration_plate = OD-13
| blank3_name        = 
| blank3_info        = 
| website            = https://www.puri.odisha.gov.in
| footnotes          = 
| official_name      = 
}}
{{location map+|India|float=right|width=270|caption='''Char Dham'''|places=
{{location map~|India|label=[[Badrinath]]|position=left|lat=30.73|long=79.48}}
{{location map~|India|label=[[Dwarka]]|position=right|lat=22.23|long=68.97}}
{{location map~|India|label=[[Jagannath Puri]]|position=left|lat=19.81|long=85.83}}
{{location map~|India|label=[[Rameswaram]]|position=left|lat=9.28|long=79.3}}
}}

'''Puri''', also known as '''Jagannath Puri''', ({{IPA|or|ˈpuɾi|lang|Puri.ogg}}) is a [[coast]]al city and a [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipal Corporation]] in the state of [[Odisha]] in eastern [[India]]. It is the district headquarters of [[Puri district]] and is situated on the [[Bay of Bengal]], {{convert|60|km|mi|0}} south of the state capital of [[Bhubaneswar]]. It is home to the 12th-century [[Jagannath Temple (Puri)|Jagannath Temple]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://epaper.thestatesman.com/m5/3725372/Dainik-Statesman/28TH-JUNE-2023|title=পুরীধাম ও জগন্নাথদেবের ব্রহ্মরূপ বৃত্তান্ত|page=4|language=bn|date=28 June 2023|access-date=28 June 2023|website=dainikstatesmannews.com|publisher=[[Dainik Statesman]] (The Statesman Group)|location=Kolkata|first=Yogabrata|last=Chakraborty|trans-title=Puridham and the tale of lord Jagannath's legendary 'Bramharup'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628053933/https://epaper.thestatesman.com/m5/3725372/Dainik-Statesman/28TH-JUNE-2023#page/1/1|archive-date=28 June 2023|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> and is one of the original [[Char Dham]] pilgrimage sites for [[Hindus]]. Puri has been known by several names since ancient times and was locally known as "Sri Kshetra" and the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath temple]] is known as "Badadeula". Puri and the Jagannath Temple were invaded 18 times by Muslim rulers, from the 7th century AD until the early 19th century with the objective of looting the treasures of the temple. Odisha, including Puri and its temple, were part of [[British India]] from 1803 until India attained independence in August 1947. Even though [[princely states]] do not exist in India today, the heirs of the [[Gajapati (title)|House of Gajapati]] still perform the ritual duties of the temple. The temple town has many Hindu religious [[Matha|''matha''s]] or monasteries.

The economy of Puri is dependent on the religious importance of the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple]] to the extent of nearly 80 per cent. The 24 festivals, including 13 major ones, held every year in the temple complex contribute to the economy; [[Ratha Yatra]] and its related festivals are the most important which are attended by millions of people every year. [[Sand art and play|Sand art]] and [[applique]] art are some of the important crafts of the city.

Puri has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for [[Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana]] (HRIDAY) scheme of Government of India.

Puri is a significant part of the "Krishna pilgrimage circuit" which also includes [[Mathura]], [[Vrindavan]], [[Barsana]], [[Gokul]], [[Govardhan]], [[Kurukshetra]] and [[Dwarka]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Development of Ramayana and Krishna Circuits |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1513307 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>

==History==
{{For timeline}}

===Names in history===
Puri, the holy land of [[Jagannatha]], also known by the popular vernacular name Srikshetram, has many ancient names in the Hindu scriptures such as the [[Rigveda]], [[Matsya purana]], [[Brahma Purana]], [[Narada Purana]], [[Padma Purana]], [[Skanda Purana]], [[Kapila Purana]] and Niladrimahodaya. In the Rigveda, in particular, it is mentioned as a place called Purushamandama-grama meaning the place where the Creator deity of the world – Supreme Divinity deified on an altar or [[mandapa]] was venerated near the coast and prayers offered with [[Vedic hymns]]. Over time the name got changed to Purushottama Puri and further shortened to Puri, and the Purusha came to be known as Jagannatha. Sages like [[Bhrigu]], [[Atri]] and [[Markandeya]] had their hermitage close to this place.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxix}} Its name is mentioned, conforming to the deity worshipped, as [[Srikshetra]], Purusottama Dhāma, [[Purusottama Kshetra]], Purusottama Puri and [[Jagannath Puri]]. Puri, however, is the popular usage. It is also known by the geographical features of its location as [[Shankhakshetra]] (the layout of the town is in the form of a conch shell),{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxx}} Neelāchala ("Blue mountain" a terminology used to name a very large sand lagoon over which the temple was built but this name is not in vogue), Neelāchalakshetra, [[Neelādri]].{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxxi}} In [[Sanskrit Language|Sanskrit]], the word "Puri" means town or city,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glashoff |first1=Klaus |url=http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&tinput=puri&trans=Translate&direction=SE |title=Sanskrit Dictionary for Spoken Sanskrit |publisher=Spokensanskrit.de |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003141324/http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&tinput=puri&trans=Translate&direction=SE |archive-date=3 October 2011 }}</ref> and is cognate with ''polis'' in [[Greek language|Greek]].{{Sfn|Ananda|2015|p=11}}

Another ancient name is Charita as identified by General [[Alexander Cunningham]] of the [[Archaeological Survey of India]], which was later spelled as Che-li-ta-lo by Chinese traveller [[Hiuen Tsang]]. When the present temple was built by the [[Eastern Ganga dynasty|Eastern Ganga]] king [[Anantavarman Chodaganga]] in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, it was called Purushottamkshetra. However, the [[Mughal people|Moghul]]s, the [[Marathas]] and early [[British Raj|British ruler]]s called it Purushottama-chhatar or just Chhatar. In Moghul ruler [[Akbar]]'s [[Ain-i-Akbari]] and subsequent Muslim historical records it was known as Purushottama. In the Sanskrit drama ''Anargha Raghava Nataka'' as well, authored by Murari Mishra, a playwright, in the 8th century AD, it is referred to as Purushottama.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxx}} It was only after the 12th century AD that Puri came to be known by the shortened form of Jagannatha Puri, named after the deity or in a short form as Puri.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxxi}} It is the only shrine in India, where [[Radha]], along with [[Lakshmi]], [[Saraswati]], [[Durga]], [[Bhudevi]], [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]], [[Parvati]], and [[Shakti]], abodes with [[Krishna]], who is also known by the name [[Jagannath]]a.<ref name="Jagannathyatra">{{cite web|title=Jagannathyatra|url=http://jagannathyatra.com/about_puri.html|publisher=Jagannathyatra|access-date=11 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017051306/http://jagannathyatra.com/about_puri.html|archive-date=17 October 2013}}</ref>

===Ancient period===
[[File:Watercolour painting on paper of Indradyumna seated in a carriage.jpg|right|thumb|King [[Indradyumna]] of [[Ujjayani]] credited with building the original Puri Jagannath temple in 318 AD]]
According to the chronicle [[Madala Panji]], in 318 AD {{Dubious|date=January 2025}}, the priests and servitors of the temple spirited away the idols to escape the wrath of the [[Rashtrakuta dynasty|Rashtrakuta]] king [[Govinda III|Rakatavahu]].{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=7}} In the temple's historical records it finds mention in the Brahma Purana and Skanda Purana stating that the temple was built by the king [[Indradyumna]], [[Ujjayani]].{{Sfn|Kapoor|2002|p=5890}}

S. N. Sadasivan, a historian, in his book ''A Social History of India'' quotes William Joseph Wilkins, author of the book ''Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Purānic'' as stating that in Puri, [[Buddhism]] was once a well established practice but later [[Buddhism]] faded and [[Brahmanism]] became the order of the religious practice in the town; the [[Buddha]] deity is now worshipped by the Hindus as Jagannatha. It is also said by Wilkinson that some relics of Buddha were placed inside the idol of Jagannatha which the Brahmins claimed were the bones of Krishna. Even during [[Maurya dynasty|Maurya]] king [[Ashoka]]'s reign in 240 BC, [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|Kalinga]] was a Buddhist center and that a tribe known as Lohabahu (barbarians from outside Odisha) converted to Buddhism and built a temple with a statue of Buddha which is now worshipped as Jagannatha. Wilkinson also says that the Lohabahu deposited some Buddha relics in the precincts of the temple.{{Sfn|Sadasivan|2000|p=211}}

Construction of the present Jagannath Temple started in 1136 AD and completed towards the latter part of the 12th century. The [[Eastern Ganga dynasty|Eastern Ganga]] king [[Anangabhima III]] dedicated his kingdom to Jagannatha, then known as the Purushottama-Jagannatha, and resolved that from then on he and his descendants would rule under "divine order as Jagannatha's sons and vassals". Even though [[princely state]]s do not exist in India today, the heirs of the [[Puri Estate]] still perform the ritual duties of the temple; the king formally sweeps the road in front of the chariots before the start of the [[Ratha Yatra]]. This ritual is called Cherra Pahanra.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=699}}

===Medieval and early modern periods===
The history of Puri is on the same lines as that of the Jagannath Temple, which was invaded 18 times during its history to plunder the treasures of the temple, rather than for religious reasons. The first invasion occurred in the 8th century AD by Rastrakuta king [[Govinda III]] (798–814 AD), and the last took place in 1881 AD by the [[Monotheism|monotheistic]] followers of ''Alekh'' ([[Mahima Dharma]]) who did not recognise the worship of Jagannatha.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=82}} From 1205 AD onward{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=699}} there were many invasions of the city and its temple by Muslims of [[Afghanistan|Afghan]] and Moghul descent, known as [[Yavanas]] or foreigners. In most of these invasions the idols were taken to safe places by the priests and the servitors of the temple. Destruction of the temple was prevented by timely resistance or surrender by the kings of the region. However, the treasures of the temple were repeatedly looted.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xliii7}} The table lists all the 18 invasions along with the status of the three images of the temple, the triad of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra following each invasion.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=82}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Invasion number !! Invader (s), year (s) AD !!Local rulers !! Status of the three images of the Jagannath temple
|-
|1 ||Raktabahu or [[Govinda III]] (798–814) of the [[Rashtrakuta Empire]]||King Subhanadeva of [[Bhauma-Kara dynasty|Bhaumakara]] dynasty || Idols shifted to Gopali near [[Sonepur, Odisha|Sonepur]]. Were brought back to Puri by Yayati I after 146 years and re-consecrated after performing Nabakalebara.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=82–83}}
|-
|2 || Illias Shah, [[Sultan of Bengal]], 1340||Narasinghadeva III||Images shifted to a secret location.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=83}}
|-
|3 || [[Feroz Shah Tughlaq]], 1360||Ganga King Bhanudeva III ||Images not found, though rumoured that they were thrown into the  Bay of Bengal.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=83}}
|-
|4 || Ismail Ghazi commander of [[Alauddin Hussain Shah]] of Bengal, 1509||King Prataprudradeva  ||Images shifted to Chandhei Guha Pahada near Chilika Lake.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=83}}
|-
|5 || Kalapahara, army assistant general of [[Sulaiman Khan Karrani|Sulaiman Karrani]] of the Afghan Sultan of Bengal, 1568|| Mukundadeva Harichandan  ||Images initially hidden in an island in Chilika Lake. However, the invader took the idols from here to the banks of the [[Ganges River]] and burnt them. Bisher Mohanty, a Vaishnavite saint, who had followed the invading army, retrieved the ''Brahmas'' and hid it in a drum at Khurdagada in 1575 AD and finally re-installed it in the deities. Deities were brought back to Puri and consecrated in the Jagannath Temple.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=84}}
|-
|6 || Suleman, the son of Kuthu Khan and Osman, the son of Isha (ruler of Orissa), 1592 
|| Ramachandradeva, the Bhoi dynasty ruler of Khurda || Revolt was by local Muslim rulers who desecrated the images.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=85}}
|-
|7 || Mirza Khurum, the commander of [[Islam Khan I]], the Nawab of Bengal, 1601 
||Purushottamadeva of Bhoi Dynasty  || Image moved to Kapileswarpur village by boat through the river Bhargavi and  kept in the Panchamukhi Gosani temple. Thereafter, the deities were kept in Dobandha—Pentha.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=85}}
|-
|8 || Hasim Khan, the Subedar of Orissa, 1608 ||Purushottam Deva, the King of Khurda
 || Images shifted to the Gopal temple at Khurda and brought back in 1608.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=85}}
|-
|9 || Kesodasmaru, 1610||Purusottamdeva, the king of Khurda||Images kept at the Gundicha Temple and brought back to Puri after eight months.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=85}} 
|-
|10 || Kalyan Malla, 1611||Purushottamadeva, the King of Khurda|| Images moved to 'Mahisanasi' also known as'Brahmapura' or 'Chakanasi' in the Chilika Lake where they remained for one year.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|pp=86–87}}
|-
|11 || Kalyan Malla, 1612 ||Paiks of Purushottamadeva, the King of Khurda || Images placed on a fleet of boats at Gurubai Gada and hidden under the 'Lotani Baragachha' or [[Banyan]] tree) and then at 'Dadhibaman Temple'.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=87}}
|-
|12 || Mukarram Khan, 1617||Purushottama Deva, the King of Khurda  ||Images moved to the Bankanidhi temple, Gobapadar and brought back to Puri in 1620.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=87}}
|-
|13 || Mirza Ahmad Beg, 1621 ||Narasingha Deva ||Images shifted to 'Andharigada' in the mouth of the river Shalia across the Chilika Lake. Moved back to Puri in 1624.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|pp=87–88}}
|-
|14 || Amir Mutaquad Khan alias Mirza Makki, 1645|| Narasingha Deva and Gangadhar|| Not known.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=88}}
|-
|15 ||Amir Fateh Khan, 1647||Not known|| Not known{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=88}}
|-
|16 ||Ekram Khan and Mastram Khan on behalf of [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[Emperor Aurangzeb]], 1692  ||Divyasingha Deva, the king of Khurda|| Images moved to 'Maa Bhagabati Temple' and  then to Bada Hantuada in Banpur across the Chilika Lake, and finally brought back to Puri in 1699.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=88}}
|-
|17 ||[[Muhammad Taqi Khan]], 1731 and 1733 ||Birakishore Deva and Birakishore Deva of Athagada || Images moved to Hariswar in Banpur, Chikili in Khalikote, Rumagarh in Kodala, Athagada in Ganjam and lastly to Marda in Kodala. Shifted back to Puri after 2.5 years.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=88}} 
|-
|18 ||Followers of [[Mahima Dharma]], 1881 ||Birakishore Deva and Birakishore Deva  of Athagada || Images burnt in the streets.{{Sfn|Dash|2011|p=89}}
|}

Puri is the site of the [[Govardhana matha|Govardhana Matha]], one of the four cardinal institutions established by [[Adi Shankaracharya]], when he visited Puri in 810 AD, and since then it has become an important ''dham'' (divine centre) for the Hindus; the others being those at [[Sringeri]], [[Dwarka]] and [[Jyotirmath]]. The ''Matha'' (monastery of various Hindu sects) is headed by [[Shankaracharya|Jagatguru Shankarachrya]]. It is a local belief about these dhams that Vishnu takes his dinner at Puri, has his bath at [[Rameshwaram]], spends the night at Dwarka and does penance at [[Badrinath]].{{Sfn|Kapoor|2002|p=5890}}{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxxii}}

In the 16th century, [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] of [[Bengal]] established the [[Bhakti]] movements of India, now known by the name the [[Hare Krishna movement]]. He spent many years as a devotee of Jagannatha at Puri; he is said to have merged with the deity.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=697}} There is also a ''matha'' of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu here known as [[Radhakanta Math]].{{Sfn|Kapoor|2002|p=5890}}

In the 17th century, for the sailors sailing on the east coast of India, the temple served as a landmark, being located in a plaza in the centre of the city, which they called the "White Pagoda" while the [[Konark Sun Temple]], {{Convert|60| km}} away to the east of Puri, was known as the "Black Pagoda".{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=697}}

The iconic representation of the images in the Jagannath temple is  believed to be the forms derived from the worship made by the tribal groups of [[Sabaras]] belonging to northern Odisha. These images are replaced at regular intervals as the wood deteriorates. This replacement is a special event carried out ritualistically by special group of carpenters.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=697}}
[[File:Goverdhana matha.jpg|thumb|[[Govardhana matha]] main gate]]
The city has many other ''Mathas'' as well. The [[Emar Matha]] was founded by the [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil]] [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] saint [[Ramanujacharya]] in the 12th century AD. This Matha, now destroyed, was located in front of Simhadvara across the eastern corner of the Jagannath Temple, and reported to have been built in the 16th century during the reign of kings of [[Gajapati Kingdom|Suryavamsi Gajapati]]s. The Matha was in the news on 25 February 2011 for the large cache of 522 silver slabs unearthed from a closed chamber.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ignca.nic.in/asi_reports/orpuri117.pdf|title=Documentation format for Archaeological / Heritage Sites / Monuments|work=Emar Matha, Puri town|access-date=25 September 2015|publisher=Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001172142/http://ignca.nic.in/asi_reports/orpuri117.pdf|archive-date=1 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1493118.ece|title=Hidden treasure' worth Rs. 90 crores found in Puri's Emar Mutt|access-date=25 September 2015|date=28 February 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023222343/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1493118.ece|archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref>

The British conquered Orissa in 1803, and, recognising the importance of the Jagannath Temple in the life of the people of the state, they initially appointed an official to look after the temple's affairs and later declared the temple as part of a district.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=699}}

===Modern history===
[[File:Jagat Guru Sankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati.jpg|thumb|H.H Jagadguru  Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, The Shankaracharya of Puri]]
In 1906, [[Sri Yukteswar]], an exponent of [[Kriya Yoga school|Kriya Yoga]] and a resident of Puri, established an [[ashram]], a spiritual training center, named "Karar Ashram"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kriya Yoga Teaching & Meditation Centre {{!}} Karar Ashram |url=http://www.kararashram.org/ |access-date=20 August 2022 |website=kararashram.org |archive-date=1 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201103922/http://kararashram.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in Puri. He died on 9 March 1936 and his body is buried in the garden of the ashram.{{Sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=248}}{{Sfn|Davis|1997|p=265}}

The city is the site of the former summer residence of British Raj, the [[Raj Bhavan (Puri)|Raj Bhavan]], built in 1913–14 during the era of governors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rajbhavanodisha.gov.in/rajbhavanpuri.asp|title=Raj Bhavan, Puri|access-date=25 September 2015|publisher=Official website of rajbhavan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121021301/http://www.rajbhavanodisha.gov.in/rajbhavanpuri.asp|archive-date=21 November 2015}}</ref>

For the people of Puri, [[Jagannath]]a, visualised as [[Krishna]], is synonymous with their city. They believe that Jagannatha looks after the welfare of the state. However, after the partial collapse of the Jagannath Temple (in the [[Amalaka]] part of the temple) on 14 June 1990, people became apprehensive and considered it a bad omen for Odisha. The replacement of the fallen stone by another of the same size and weight ({{Convert|7|tonne}}), that could be done only in the early morning hours after the temple gates were opened, was done on 28 February 1991.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=697}}

Puri has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for the [[Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana]] scheme of the Indian Government. It is chosen as one of the 12 [[Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana|heritage cities]] with "focus on holistic development" to be implemented within 27 months by the end of March 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hridayindia.in/|title=Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana|access-date=30 September 2015|publisher=HRIDAY National Project Management Unit National Institute of Urban Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826075658/http://hridayindia.in/|archive-date=26 August 2015}}</ref>

In January 2024, the Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor (also called "Srimandir Parikrama") was inaugurated to enhance security and ease of movement around the Jagannath Temple. The project includes a 75-meter corridor, improved drainage, CCTV surveillance, and dedicated zones for pilgrims and servitors.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2024 |title=Puri Jagannath Heritage Corridor project opens for public: 10 things to know |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/puri-jagannath-heritage-corridor-project-to-open-for-public-on-january-17-ten-things-to-know/articleshow/106859921.cms |work=Economic TImes |access-date=2 June 2025}}</ref> Its implementation needed the tearing down of several ancient buildings and historic institutions that formed the sanctuary's core outer landscape, such as the [[Emar Matha|Emar Mutt]] and its Raghunandan library.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mohanty |first=Debabrata |date=3 October 2019 |title=Protect ancient mutts around Jagannath temple: SC to Odisha govt |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/protect-ancient-mutts-around-jagannath-temple-consult-religious-leaders-sc-to-odisha-govt/story-2jl5GkoX7jKbnPmWs4naMP.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=9 October 2025}}</ref>

Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the shrines but were historically allowed to view the temple and the proceedings from the roof of the erstwhile Raghunandan library, originally located within the precincts of the temple, for a small donation.{{Sfn|Bindloss|Brown| Elliott |2007|p=253}}

==Geography and climate==
===Geography===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Puri 2005.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Puri Beach]]]] -->
[[File:Atharanala, Puri.JPG|thumb|The [[Atharanala]] Bridge dating back to the 16th century at the entrance of Puri]]
Puri, located on the east coast of India on the [[Bay of Bengal]], is in the centre of the [[Puri district]]. It is delimited by the Bay of Bengal on the southeast, the Mauza Sipaurubilla on the west, [[Gopinathpur, Baleshwar|Mauza Gopinathpur]] in the north and Mauza Balukhand in the east. It is within the {{Convert|67|km}} coastal stretch of sandy beaches that extends between [[Chilika Lake]] and the south of Puri city. However, the administrative jurisdiction of the Puri Municipality extends over an area of {{Convert|16.3268|km2}} spread over 30 wards, which includes a shore line of {{Convert|5|km}}.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=1–2}}

Puri is in the coastal delta of the [[Mahanadi River]] on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. In the ancient days it was near to [[Sisupalgarh]] (also known as "Ashokan Tosali"). Then the land was drained by a [[tributary]] of the [[Bhargavi River]], a branch of the Mahanadi River. This branch underwent a meandering course creating many arteries altering the [[estuary]], and formed many sand hills. These sand hills could be cut through by the streams. Because of the sand hills, the Bhargavi River, flowing to the south of Puri, moved away towards the [[Chilika Lake]]. This shift also resulted in the creation of two [[lagoons]], known as Sar and Samang, on the eastern and northern parts of Puri respectively. Sar lagoon has a length of {{Convert|5|mi}} in an east–west direction and a width of {{Convert|2|mi}} in north–south direction. The estuary of the Bhargavi River has a shallow depth of just {{Convert|5|ft}} and the process of siltation continues. According to a 15th-century [[Odia language|Odia]] writer [[Sarala Das|Saraladasa]], the bed of the unnamed stream that flowed at the base of the Blue Mountain or ''Neelachal'' was filled up. ''Katakarajavamsa'', a 16th-century chronicle (c.1600), attributes filling up of the bed of the river which flowed through the present Grand Road, as done during the reign of King Narasimha II (1278–1308) of [[Eastern Ganga dynasty]].{{Sfn|Starza|1993|p=1}}

===Climate===
According to the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen–Geiger climate classification system]] the climate of Puri is classified as [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]] (Tropical savanna climate). The city has moderate and tropical climate. Humidity is fairly high throughout the year. The temperature during summer touches a maximum of {{Convert|36|C}} and during winter it is {{Convert|17|C}}. The average annual rainfall is {{Convert|1337|mm}} and the average annual temperature is {{Convert|26.9|C}}. The weather data is given in the following table.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxxiiii}}<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf |archive-date = 5 February 2020 |url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf |title = Station: Puri Climatological Table 1981–2010 |work= Climatological Normals 1981–2010 |publisher= India Meteorological Department |date = January 2015 |pages = 629–630 |access-date = 10 January 2021}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |archive-date= 5 February 2020 |url= https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |title= Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012 |publisher= India Meteorological Department |date=December 2016 |page= M166 |access-date= 10 January 2021}}</ref>

{{Weather box
| location = Puri (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2012) 
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 33.4
| Feb record high C = 35.8
| Mar record high C = 40.0
| Apr record high C = 41.1
| May record high C = 42.2
| Jun record high C = 44.2
| Jul record high C = 37.6
| Aug record high C = 36.8
| Sep record high C = 39.1
| Oct record high C = 36.1
| Nov record high C = 34.2
| Dec record high C = 32.8
| year record high C = 44.2
| Jan high C = 27.3
| Feb high C = 29.4
| Mar high C = 31.4
| Apr high C = 32.3
| May high C = 33.2
| Jun high C = 32.7
| Jul high C = 31.9
| Aug high C = 31.8
| Sep high C = 32.3
| Oct high C = 32.1
| Nov high C = 30.2
| Dec high C = 28.2
| year high C = 31.1
| Jan low C = 17.5
| Feb low C = 21.5
| Mar low C = 25.1
| Apr low C = 26.5
| May low C = 27.7
| Jun low C = 27.6
| Jul low C = 26.9
| Aug low C = 26.8
| Sep low C = 26.8
| Oct low C = 25.1
| Nov low C = 21.2
| Dec low C = 17.7
| year low C = 24.2
| Jan record low C = 10.6
| Feb record low C = 12.2
| Mar record low C = 12.1
| Apr record low C = 17.4
| May record low C = 16.7
| Jun record low C = 19.4
| Jul record low C = 19.4
| Aug record low C = 20.9
| Sep record low C = 17.0
| Oct record low C = 16.3
| Nov record low C = 11.8
| Dec record low C = 8.6
| year record low C = 8.6
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 15.9
| Feb rain mm = 12.5
| Mar rain mm = 16.3
| Apr rain mm = 26.6
| May rain mm = 72.3
| Jun rain mm = 171.5
| Jul rain mm = 340.9
| Aug rain mm = 360.9
| Sep rain mm = 272.1
| Oct rain mm = 204.4
| Nov rain mm = 56.8
| Dec rain mm = 15.4
| year rain mm = 1565.7
| Jan rain days = 0.8
| Feb rain days = 1.0
| Mar rain days = 1.2
| Apr rain days = 1.4
| May rain days = 3.8
| Jun rain days = 8.2
| Jul rain days = 12.0
| Aug rain days = 13.5
| Sep rain days = 10.9
| Oct rain days = 7.5
| Nov rain days = 2.1
| Dec rain days = 0.4
| year rain days = 62.9
| time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 70
| Feb humidity = 74
| Mar humidity = 79
| Apr humidity = 83
| May humidity = 83
| Jun humidity = 82
| Jul humidity = 84
| Aug humidity = 83
| Sep humidity = 81
| Oct humidity = 74
| Nov humidity = 66
| Dec humidity = 63
| year humidity = 77
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = 8 April 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals/><ref name=IMDextremes/>
}}

==Demographics==
{{See also|List of cities in Odisha}}
{{Historical populations
|1872|22263
|1881|22095
|1891|28794
|1901 |49334
|1911 |39686
|1921 |38694
|1931 |37568
|1941 |41055
|1951 |49057
|1961 |60815
|1971 |72674
|1981 |100942
|1991 |125199
|2001 |157837
|2011 |200567
|source = [[Census of India]]<ref>{{citation|title=Census of India 1901 vol.6-A (Lower Probinces of Bengal and their feudatoties); pt.2 (Imperial tables) |date=1902 |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.30991/page/n7/mode/1up |page=16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Population growth of ULBs in Orissa (1901 – 2001) |url=http://rcueslucknow.org/states/Compendium%20of%20Urban%20Data%20(Orissa)/_21_%20POPULATION%20GROWTH%20OF%20ULBs%20IN%20ORISSA%20_1901-2001_.pdf
|website=The Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies (RCUES)}}</ref>}}

{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religious Demographic in Puri Municipality (2011)<ref name="Census_2011_Religion"/>
|label1=  [[Hinduism]]
|value1= 97.84
|color1 = orange
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|value2 = 1.64
|color2 = dodgerblue 
|other = yes
|other-color = black
}}
According to the [[2011 Census of India]], Puri is an [[urban agglomeration]] governed by the Municipal Corporation in Odisha state, with a population of 200,564,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2118_PART_B_DCHB_PURI.pdf|title=Puri District Handbook 2011|access-date=19 June 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022230559/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/2118_PART_B_DCHB_PURI.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> comprising 104,086 males, 96,478 females, and 18,471 children (under six years of age). The sex ratio is 927. The average literacy rate in the city is 88.03 per cent (91.38 per cent for males and 84.43 per cent for females).
<!--|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher=Census Commission of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004 -->

===Religion===
The overwhelming majority of the people in the city (98%) are [[Hindus]], with a small Christian population.<ref name="Census_2011_Religion">{{cite web |title=C-01: Population by religious community |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref>

===Language===
{{Pie chart
|thumb   = right
|caption = Languages spoken in Puri Municipality (2011)<ref>[https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2000.XLSX 2011 census data] censusindia.gov.in</ref>
|label1  = [[Odia language|Odia]]
|value1  = 83.98
|color1  = saddlebrown 
|label2  = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|value2  = 12.33
|color2  = steelblue
|label3  = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value3  = 2.28
|color3  = pink
|label4  = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|value4  = 0.85
|color4  = Orange
|label5  = [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
|value5  = 0.43
|color5  = green
|label6  = Others 
|value6  = 0.13
|color6  = Black
}}

Majority of the people speaks [[Odia language|Odia]], followed by a large minority of [[Telugu language|Telugu]] speakers, with substantial number of [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Hindi]] speakers.<ref name="Census_2011_Languages">{{cite web |title=C-16 City: Population by mother tongue (town level) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10247/download/13359/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX |website=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=6 June 2024}}</ref>

==Administration==
The Puri Municipality, Puri Konark Development Authority, Public Health Engineering Organisation and Orissa Water Supply Sewerage Board are some of the principal organisations that are devolved with the responsibility of providing for civic amenities such as water supply, sewerage, waste management, street lighting and infrastructure of roads. The major activity, which puts maximum pressure on these organisations, is the annual event of the Ratha Yatra held during June- July. According to the Puri Municipality more than a million people attend this event. Hence, development activities such as infrastructure and amenities to the pilgrims, apart from security, gets priority attention.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=3}}

The civic administration of Puri is the responsibility of the Puri Municipality. The municipality came into existence in 1864 in the name of the Puri Improvement Trust, which was converted into Puri Municipality in 1881. After India's independence in 1947, the Orissa Municipal Act (1950) was promulgated entrusting the administration of the city to the Puri Municipality. This body is represented by elected representatives with a chairperson and councillors representing the 30 wards within the municipal limits.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=4}}

The electricity is provided by [[Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited]] in the city and the entire district.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Vikash |title='Irregularities' In Meter Installation By TPCODL: Puri Congress Stages Dharna, Admin Sets Up Committee |url=https://odishatv.in/news/miscellaneous/-irregularities-in-meter-installation-by-tpcodl-puri-congress-stages-dharna-160027 |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=Odisha TV |date=19 September 2021 |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325101849/https://odishatv.in/news/miscellaneous/-irregularities-in-meter-installation-by-tpcodl-puri-congress-stages-dharna-160027 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
The economy of Puri is dependent on tourism to the extent of about 80 per cent. The temple is the focal point of the city and provides employment to the people of the town. Agricultural production of rice, ghee, vegetables and so forth of the region meet the large requirements of the temple. Many settlements around the town exclusively cater to the other religious requirements of the temple.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|pp=2–3}} The temple administration employs 6,000 men to perform the rituals. The temple also provides economic sustenance to 20,000 people.{{Sfn|Bindloss|Brown|Elliott|2007|p=253}} According to [[Colleen Taylor Sen]], an author on food and travel, writing on the food culture of India, the temple kitchen has 400 cooks serving food to as many as 100,000 people.{{Sfn|Sen|2004|p=126}} According to J Mohapatra, Director, Ind Barath Power Infra Ltd (IBPIL), the kitchen is known as "a largest and biggest kitchen of the world."{{Sfn|Mohapatra|2013|p=61}}

==Culture and cityscape==
===Landmarks===
====Jagannath Temple at Puri====
{{main|Jagannath Temple (Puri)}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = Sri Jagannath Temple Puri, Orissa.jpg
| width1 = 150
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = 
| image2 = Sri_Jagannath_Temple_Puri,_Orissa.jpeg
| width2 = 192
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| footer = Left: Jagannath Temple at Puri Right: View of the temple at night
}}

The Jagannath Temple at Puri is one of the major Hindu temples built in the [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|Kalinga]] style of architecture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orissaculture.gov.in/Architecture.asp|title=Temple Architecture|publisher=Culture Department, Government of Orissa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707223017/http://www.orissaculture.gov.in/Architecture.asp|archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> The temple tower, with a spire, rises to a height of {{Convert|58|m}}, and a flag is unfurled above it, fixed over a wheel (''chakra'').{{Sfn|Bindloss|Brown| Elliott |2007|p=253}}<ref name=Seven>{{cite web |url=http://www.7wonders.org/wonders/asia/india/puri/jagannath-temple.aspx |title=Jagannath Temple, India – 7 wonders |work=7wonders.org |year=2012 |quote=The temple is divided into four chambers: Bhogmandir, Natamandir, Jagamohana and Deul |access-date=3 July 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612083058/http://www.7wonders.org/wonders/asia/india/puri/jagannath-temple.aspx |archive-date=12 June 2012 }}</ref>

{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 =  Jagannatha Puri temple chakra.jpg 
| width1 = 150
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = Left:Ritual chakra and flags at the top [[Sikhara|shikhara]] of Puri temple of [[Jagannatha]] also related to [[Sudarsana chakra]]. The red flag (12 hand or {{Convert|14|ft}} denotes that  Jagannath is within the temple.
| image2 =  Jagannath Temple, Puri 10 - Arun.jpg 
| width2 = 150
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = Right: Statue of Aruna the charioteer of the Sun God on top of the Aruna Stambha in front of the Singhadwara 
| footer = 
}}
The temple is built on an elevated platform (of about {{Convert|420000|ft2}} area),<ref name=Official/> {{convert|20|ft}} above the adjacent area. The temple rises to a height of {{Convert|214|ft}} above the road level. The temple complex covers an area of {{Convert|10.7| acre}}.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=3}} There are four entry gates in four cardinal directions of the temple, each gate located at the central part of the walls. These gates are:  the eastern gate called the ''Singhadwara'' (Lions Gate), the southern gate known as ''Ashwa Dwara'' (Horse Gate), the western gate called the ''Vyaghra Dwara'' (Tigers Gate) or the ''Khanja'' Gate, and the northern gate called the ''Hathi Dwara'' or (elephant gate). These four gates symbolise the four fundamental principles of [[Dharma]] (right conduct), [[Jnana]] (knowledge), [[Vairagya]] (renunciation) and [[Aishwarya]] (prosperity). The gates are crowned with pyramid shaped structures. There is a stone pillar in front of the Singhadwara, called the ''Aruna Stambha'' {Solar Pillar}, {{Convert|11|m}} in height with 16 faces, made of chlorite stone; at the top of the stamba an elegant statue of [[Aruṇa]] (Sun) in a prayer mode is mounted. This pillar was shifted from the [[Konarak Sun Temple]].{{Sfn|Managers|2006|pp=3–4}} The four gates are decorated with guardian statues in the form of lion, horse mounted men, tigers, and elephants in the name and order of the gates.{{Sfn|Bindloss|Brown| Elliott |2007|p=253}} A pillar made of fossilised wood is used for placing lamps as offering. The Lion Gate (Singhadwara) is the main gate to the temple, which is guarded by two guardian deities [[Jaya-Vijaya|Jaya and Vijaya]].<ref name=Official>{{Cite web|url=http://jagannath.nic.in/?q=node/81|title=About Jagannath Temple|access-date=27 September 2015|publisher=Official Website of Shree jagannath temple Administration|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831140432/http://jagannath.nic.in/?q=node%2F81|archive-date=31 August 2015}}</ref>{{Sfn|Managers|2006|pp=3–4}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Temple information: Jagannath temple|url=http://www.fullodisha.com/puri/temple_temple.htm|publisher=Full Orissa|access-date=28 November 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827024854/http://www.fullodisha.com/puri/temple_temple.htm|archive-date=27 August 2015}}</ref> The main gate is ascended through 22 steps known as ''Baisi Pahaca'',  which are revered, as it is believed to possess "spiritual animation". Children are made to roll down these steps, from top to bottom, to bring them spiritual happiness. After entering the temple, on the left side, there is a large kitchen where food is prepared in hygienic conditions in huge quantities; the kitchen is called as "the biggest hotel of the world".<ref name=Official/> 
[[File:Jagannath Temple, Puri 01.jpg|thumb|The main entrance of the Jagannath Temple]]
According to a legend King Indradyumma was directed by Jagannatha in a dream to build a temple for him which he did as directed. However, according to historical records the temple was started some time during the 12th century by King Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It was completed by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, in the 12th century. The wooden images of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra were then deified here. The temple was under the control of the Hindu rulers up to 1558. Then, when Orissa was occupied by the Afghan Nawab of Bengal, it was brought under the control of the Afghan General Kalapahad. Following the defeat of the Afghan king by [[Raja Mansingh]], the General of Mughal emperor [[Akbar]], the temple became part of the [[Mughal empire]] till 1751. Subsequently, it was under the control of the Marathas till 1803. During the British Raj, the Puri Raja was entrusted with its management until 1947.<ref name=Seven/>

The triad of images in the temple are of Jagannatha, personifying Krishna, Balabhadra, His older brother, and Subhadra, His younger sister. The images are made of neem wood in an unfinished form. The stumps of wood which form the images of the brothers have human arms, while that of Subhadra does not have any arms. The heads are large, painted and non-carved. The faces are marked with distinctive large circular eyes.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=697}}

==== The Pancha Tirtha of Puri====
{{main|Pancha Tirtha of Puri}}
[[File:Markandeshwar Tank.jpg|thumb|Markandeshwar Tank]]
Hindus consider it essential to bathe in the [[Pancha Tirtha of Puri|Pancha Tirtha]] or the five sacred bathing spots of Puri, to complete a pilgrimage to Puri. The five [[Sacred waters|sacred water bodies]] are the Indradyumana Tank, the Rohini Kunda, the Markandeya Tank, the Swetaganga Tank, and the Bay of Bengal also called the ''Mahodadhi'', in Sanskrit 'Mahodadhi' means a "great ocean";{{Sfn|Ravi|p=230}} all are considered sacred bathing spots in the [[Swargadwara]] area.<ref name="Sri">{{cite web|title=Panch Tirtha of Puri|url=http://www.shreekhetra.com/panchatirtha.html|publisher=Shreekhetra|access-date=5 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015074001/http://shreekhetra.com/panchatirtha.html|archive-date=15 October 2012}}</ref>{{Sfn|Starza|1993|p = 10}}{{Sfn|Madan1988|p=161}} These tanks have perennial sources of supply from rainfall and ground water.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=7}}
[[File:Sunrise at Puri Sea Beach.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Puri Sea Beach]]

====Gundicha Temple====
{{main|Gundicha Temple}}
[[File:Puri-gundica-mandir.jpg|thumb|Main entrance of the Gundicha Temple]]
The Gundicha Temple, known as the Garden House of Jagannatha, stands in the centre of a garden, bounded by compound walls on all sides. It lies at a distance of about {{convert|3|km}} to the northeast of the Jagannath Temple. The two temples are located at the two ends of the ''Bada Danda'' (Grand Avenue), which is the pathway for the Ratha Yatra. According to a legend, Gundicha was the wife of King Indradyumna who originally built the Jagannath temple.{{Sfn|Bansal|2012|pp=30–31}}

The temple is built using light-grey [[sandstone]], and, architecturally, it exemplifies typical [[Kalinga architecture|Kalinga temple architecture]] in the ''[[Deula]]'' style. The complex comprises four components: [[vimana]] (tower structure containing the sanctum), [[jagamohana]] (assembly hall), nata-[[mandapa]] (festival hall) and ''bhoga-mandapa'' (hall of offerings). There is also a kitchen connected by a small passage. The temple is set within a garden, and is known as "God's Summer Garden Retreat" or garden house of Jagannatha. The entire complex, including the garden, is surrounded by a wall which measures {{Convert|430|x|320|ft}} with height of {{Convert|20|ft}}.<ref name=Mahapatra>{{Cite web|last=Mahapatra|first=Bhagaban|url=http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2013/jul/engpdf/77-79.pdf|title=Significance of Gundicha Temple in Car festival|access-date=3 October 2015|publisher=E-Magazine, Government of Orissa|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004163057/http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/2013/jul/engpdf/77-79.pdf|archive-date=4 October 2015}}</ref>

Except for the 9-day Ratha Yatra, when the triad images are worshipped in the Gundicha Temple, otherwise it remains unoccupied for the rest of the year. Tourists can visit the temple after paying an entry fee. Foreigners (generally prohibited entry in the main temple) are allowed inside this temple during this period.<ref>{{cite news|last=Panda|first=Namita|title=Ready for the Trinity|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120622/jsp/odisha/story_15644438.jsp|access-date=4 December 2012|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=22 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621103006/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120622/jsp/odisha/story_15644438.jsp|archive-date=21 June 2013}}</ref> The temple is under the Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri,  the governing body of the main temple. A small band of servitors maintain the temple.<ref name= Mahapatra/>

====Swargadwar====
[[File:Swargadwar, Puri 2.JPG|thumb|Sea at Swargadwar of Puri]]
[[Swargadwara|Swargadwar]] is the name given to the cremation ground or burning ghat which is located on the shores of the sea. Here thousands of dead bodies of Hindus brought from faraway places are cremated. It is a belief that the Chaitanya Mahaparabhu disappeared from this Swargadwar about 500 years back.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|pp=xl–xli}}

====Beach====
[[File:Puri sea sunrise.jpg|thumb|Puri sea sunrise]]
[[File:Puri Sea Beach viewed from the light house.jpg|thumb|Puri sea beach viewed from the light house]]
The beach at Puri, known as the "Ballighai beach, at the mouth of Nunai River", is {{Convert|8|km}} away from the town and is fringed by casurina trees.{{Sfn|Kapoor|2002|p=5890}} It has golden yellow sand. Sunrise and sunset are pleasant scenic attractions here.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xiii}} Waves break in at the beach which is long and wide.{{Sfn|Ring|Salkin|Boda|1994|p=697}}

====District museum====
The Puri district museum is located on the station road where the exhibits in display are the different types of garments worn by Jagannatha, local sculptures, [[patachitra]] (traditional, cloth-based scroll painting), ancient [[Palm-leaf manuscript]]s, and local craft work.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xli}}

====Raghunandana library====
Raghunandana Library is located in the Emara Matha complex (opposite Simhadwara or lion gate, the main entrance gate). The Jagannatha Aitihasika Gavesana Samiti (Jagannatha Historical Centre) is also located here. The library houses ancient palm leaf manuscripts on Jagannatha, His cult and the history of the city.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xli}}

===Festivals of Puri===
{{main|List of festivals observed at Jagannatha Temple, Puri}}
[[File:Grand Road, Puri 02.jpg|thumb|The Grand Road near the Jagannath Temple]]
Puri witnesses 24 festivals every year, of which 13 are major. The most important of these is the [[Ratha Yatra]], or the car festival, held in the June–July, which is attended by more than 1 million people.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=2}}

====Ratha Yatra at Puri====
{{Main|Ratha-Yatra (Puri)}}
[[File:Rath Yatra Puri 07-11027.jpg|thumb|The [[Ratha Yatra]] in Puri in modern times showing the three chariots of the deities with the Temple in the background]]
The Jagannath Temple triad are normally worshipped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri, but once during the month of [[Asadha]] (rainy season of Orissa, usually in June or July), they are brought out on the Bada Danda (main street of Puri) and taken over a distance of ({{Convert|3|km}}) to the [[Gundicha Temple]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roaddistance.in/odisha/bada-danda-puri-puri-to-gundicha-temple-puri-distance/by-road/ |title=Bada Danda Puri Puri and Gundicha Temple Puri by Road, Distance Between Bada Danda Puri Puri and Gundicha Temple Puri, Distance by Road from Bada Danda Puri Puri and Gundicha Temple Puri with Travel Time, Gundicha Temple Puri Distance from Bada Danda Puri Puri, Driving Direction Calculator from bada danda puri puri and gundicha temple puri |access-date=6 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818091839/http://www.roaddistance.in/odisha/bada-danda-puri-puri-to-gundicha-temple-puri-distance/by-road/ |archive-date=18 August 2016 }}</ref> in huge chariots (''ratha''), allowing the public to have [[darśana]] (holy view). This festival is known as the Ratha Yatra, meaning the journey (''yatra'') of the chariots.{{Sfn|Das|1982|p = 40}} The yatra starts every year according to the Hindu calendar on the Asadha Sukla Dwitiya day, the second day of bright fortnight of Asadha (June–July).<ref name=Barik>{{Cite web|last=Barik|first=Sarmistha|url=http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/june_july-2007/engpdf/Pages18-24.pdf|title=Festivals in Shri Jagannath Temple|access-date=28 September 2015|publisher=Government of Odisha|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928213056/http://odisha.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/june_july-2007/engpdf/Pages18-24.pdf|archive-date=28 September 2015}}</ref>

Historically, the ruling Ganga dynasty instituted the Ratha Yatra on the completion of the Jagannath Temple around 1150 AD. This festival was one of those Hindu festivals that was reported to the Western world very early.{{Sfn|Starza|1993|p = 133}} [[Odoric of Pordenone|Friar Odoric]], in his account of 1321, reported how the people put the "idols" on chariots, and the King, the Queen and all the people drew them from the "church" with song and music.{{Sfn|Starza|1993|p=129}}{{Sfn|Das|1982|p=48}}

The Rathas are huge wooden structures provided with large wheels, which are built anew every year and are pulled by the devotees. The chariot for Jagannatha is about {{Convert|45|ft}} high and {{Convert|35|ft2}} and takes about 2 months for its construction.{{Sfn|Starza|1993|p = 16}} The chariot is mounted with 16 wheels, each of {{Convert|7|ft}} diameter. The carving in the front face of the chariot has four wooden horses drawn by [[Maruti Nandan|Maruti]]. On its other three faces, the wooden carvings are of [[Rama]], [[Surya]] and Vishnu. The chariot is known as Nandi Ghosha. The roof of the chariot is covered with yellow and red coloured cloth. The next chariot is of Balabhadra which is {{Convert|44|ft}} in height fitted with 14 wheels. The chariot is carved with [[Satyaki]] as the charioteer, roof covered in red and green coloured cloth, and the chariot is known as Taladhwaja. The carvings on this chariot include images of [[Narasimha]] and [[Rudra]] as Jagannatha's companions. The next chariot in the order is of Subhadra, which is {{Convert|43|ft}} in height supported on 12 wheels, roof covered in black and red colour cloth, and the chariot is known as Darpa Dalaan and the charioteer carved is [[Arjuna]]. Other images carved on the chariot are of [[Vana Durga]], [[Tara (Devi)|Tara Devi]] and [[Chandi Devi]].<ref name=Barik/><ref name=Chariot>{{cite book|title=Encyclopaedia of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDmwCcLza2AC&pg=PA1077|year=1999|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-7625-064-1|pages=1076–77|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303152455/https://books.google.com/books?id=sDmwCcLza2AC&pg=PA1077|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> The artists and painters of Puri decorate the cars and paint flower petals and other designs on the wheels, the wood-carved charioteer and horses, and the inverted lotuses on the wall behind the throne.{{Sfn|Das|1982|p = 40}} The chariots of Jagannatha pulled during Ratha Yatra is the etymological origin of the [[English language|English]] word [[Juggernaut]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Juggernaut-Definition and Meaning|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggernaut|publisher=Merriam Webster Dictionary|access-date=28 November 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107120441/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggernaut|archive-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> The Ratha Yatra is also termed as the Shri Gundicha yatra and Ghosha yatra<ref name=Barik/>
[[File:Jagannath 4 - Pahandi bije.jpg|thumb|right|Pahandi bije during Ratha Yatra at Puri]]

====Chhera Panhara====
The Chhera Panhara<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://learningandcreativity.com/lord-jagannath-tales-the-royal-sweeper/|title=Tales of Lord Jagannath: Chera Panhara, The Royal Sweeper|author=Ramendra Kumar|date=26 July 2015|access-date=13 October 2020|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014042102/https://learningandcreativity.com/lord-jagannath-tales-the-royal-sweeper/|url-status=live}}</ref> (sweeping with water) is a significant ritual associated with the Ratha Yatra. During this ritual, the Gajapati King wears the outfit of a sweeper and sweeps all around the deities and chariots. The king cleans the road in front of the chariots with a gold-handled broom and sprinkles [[sandalwood]] water and powder. As per the custom, although the Gajapati King has been considered the most exalted person in [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|the Kalingan kingdom]], he still renders the menial service to Jagannatha. This ritual signifies that under the lordship of Jagannatha, there is no distinction between the powerful sovereign and the humblest devotee.<ref>{{cite news|last=Karan|first=Jajati|title=Lord Jagannatha yatra to begin soon|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lord-jagannath-yatra-to-begin-soon/68263-3-2.html|access-date=28 November 2012|newspaper=IBN Live|date=4 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714215117/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lord-jagannath-yatra-to-begin-soon/68263-3-2.html|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>

====Chandan Yatra====
[[File:Narendra Pokhari.jpg|thumb|right|The '''Narendra Tirtha''' tank where ceremonies of [[Chandan Yatra]] are performed]]
{{main|Chandan Yatra}}
The [[Chandan Yatra]] festival held every year on [[Akshaya Tritiya]] day marks the commencement of the construction of the chariots of the Ratha Yatra. It also marks the celebration of the Hindu new year.{{Sfn|Kapoor|2002|p=5890}}

====Snana Yatra====
{{main|Snana Yatra}}
Every year, on the [[Full Moon|Purnima]] day in the Hindu calendar month of [[Jyestha]] (June), the triad images of the Jagannath Temple are ceremonially bathed and decorated on the occasion of Snana Yatra. Water for the bath is taken in 108 pots from the ''Suna kuan'' (meaning: "golden well") located near the northern gate of the temple. Water is drawn from this well only once in a year for the sole purpose of the religious bath of the deities. After the bath the triad images are dressed in the fashion of the elephant god, [[Ganesha]]. Later, during the night, the original triad images are taken out in a procession back to the main temple but kept at a place known as ''Anasara pindi''.<ref name=Barik/> After this the [[Jhulan Purnima|Jhulan Yatra]] is performed when proxy images of the deities are taken out in a grand procession for 21 days, cruised over boats in the Narendra Tirtha tank.{{Sfn|Kapoor|2002|p=5890}}

====Anavasara or Anasara====
Anasara, a derivative of the Sanskrit word "Anavasara",<ref name=Govt>{{cite book|title=Orissa Review|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SQhDAAAAYAAJ|year=1980|publisher=Home Department, Government of Orissa|page=29|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303152455/https://books.google.com/books?id=SQhDAAAAYAAJ|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> literally means vacation. Every year after the holy Snana Yatra, the triad images, without the [[Sudarshana Chakra]], are taken to a secret altar named ''Anavasara Ghar'' (also known as ''Anasara pindi,'' 'pindi' is Oriya term meaning "platform" <ref name=Govt/>) where they remain for the next fortnight of ([[Krishna paksha]]); devotees are not allowed to view these images. Instead, devotees go to the nearby [[Brahmagiri, Orissa|Brahmagiri]] to see the Lord in the four-handed form of Alarnath, a depiction of Vishnu.<ref name=Barik/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shreekhetra.com/alarnath.html|title=Temple of Alarnath|access-date=4 October 2015|publisher=Official web site of Shreekshetra|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129105746/http://shreekhetra.com/alarnath.html|archive-date=29 January 2016}}</ref> Devotees then get the first glimpse of the Lord only on the day before Ratha Yatra, which is called ''Navayouvana.'' It is a local belief that the gods suffer from fever after taking an elaborate ritual bath, and they are treated by the special servants, the Daitapatis, for 15 days. Daitapatis perform special [[Ethics in religion#Hindu ethics|niti]]s (rites) known as ''Netrotchhaba'' (a rite of painting the eyes of the triad). During this period cooked food is not offered to the deities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nilachakra.org/Temple/festivals.htm |title=Festivals of Lord Sri Jagannath |work=nilachakra.org |year=2010 |quote=suffer from fever on the account of elaborate bath and for that they are kept in dietary provisions (No cooked food is served) and are nursed by the Daitas |access-date=16 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022015102/http://nilachakra.org/Temple/festivals.htm |archive-date=22 October 2012 }}</ref>

====Naba Kalebara====
{{main|Nabakalevara|Nabakalebara 2015}}
Naba Kalebara is one of the most grand events associated with the LJagannatha that takes place when one [[lunar month]] of Ashadha is followed by another of Ashadha called Adhika Masa (extra month). This can take place at an interval of 8, 12 or even 18 years. Literally meaning the "New Body" (Nava = New, Kalevar = Body) in Odia, the festival is witnessed by millions of people and the budget for this event generally exceeds $500,000. The event involves installation of new images in the temple and burial of the old ones in the temple premises at Koili Vaikuntha. During the [[Nabakalebara 2015|Nabakalebara ceremony held during July 2015]] the idols that were installed in the temple in 1996 were replaced by specially carved new images made of neem wood.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/30988-puri-gearing-up-for-2015-nabakalebar.html |title=Puri gearing up for 2015 Nabakalebar |work=dailypioneer.com |year=2011 |quote=Nabakalebar ritual of Lord Jagannath to be held in 2015, |access-date=4 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714162629/http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/30988-puri-gearing-up-for-2015-nabakalebar.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref><ref name=Bije/> More than 3 million people are reported to have attended this festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gettyimages.ca/license/482086448|title=During the tight security of the millennium's first…|date=7 July 2015|access-date=3 February 2016|publisher=Gettyimages.ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208213121/http://www.gettyimages.ca/license/482086448|archive-date=8 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Suna Besha====
{{main|Suna Besha}}
[[File:Suna Vesha or Golden Attire of Lord Shri Jagannath of Puri.jpg|thumb|[[Suna Besha]] or Golden Attire of Lord Jagannatha]]
Suna Besha, ('Suna besh'in English translates to "gold dressing"<ref>{{cite book|title=The Eastern Anthropologist|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hZMiAQAAMAAJ|year=1978|publisher=Ethnographic and Folk Culture Society|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303152455/https://books.google.com/books?id=hZMiAQAAMAAJ|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref>) also known as Raja or Rajadhiraja Bhesha{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=103}} or Raja Bhesha, is an event when the triad images of the Jagannath Temple are adorned with gold jewellery. This event is observed five times in a year. It is commonly observed on [[Magha (month)|Magha]] [[Purnima]] (January), Bahuda Ekadashi also known as [[Asadha]] [[Ekadashi]] (July), [[Dashahara]] (Bijayadashami) (October), [[Karthik Purnima]] (November), and Pousa Purnima (December).<ref name=Bhesha>{{Cite web|url=http://www.puripolice.nic.in/?q=node/417|title=Suna Bhesha(Ashadha/ June – July)|access-date=2 July 2015|publisher=National Informatics center|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704085052/http://www.puripolice.nic.in/?q=node%2F417|archive-date=4 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Arts of Asia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OY1MAAAAYAAJ|year=2001|publisher=Arts of Asia|page=84|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303152455/https://books.google.com/books?id=OY1MAAAAYAAJ|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> One such Suna Bhesha event is observed on Bahuda Ekadashi during the Ratha Yatra on the chariots placed at the Simhadwar. The other four Beshas are observed inside the temple on the ''Ratna Singhasana'' (gem studded altar). On this occasion gold plates are decorated over the hands and feet of Jagannatha and Balabhadra; Jagannatha is also adorned with a [[Chakra]] (disc) made of gold on the right hand while a silver conch adorns the left hand. Balabhadra is decorated with a plough made of gold on the left hand while a golden [[Kaumodaki|mace]] adorns his right hand.<ref name=Bhesha/>

====Niladri Bije====
Niladri Bije, celebrated in the Hindu calendar month Asadha (June–July) on Trayodashi (13th day),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nilachakra.org/Temple/festivals.htm |title=Festivals of Lord Sri Jagannath |work=nilachakra.org |year=2010 |quote=NILADRI BIJE – Celebrated on 13th day of bright fortnight of Asadha. |access-date=4 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022015102/http://nilachakra.org/Temple/festivals.htm |archive-date=22 October 2012 }}</ref> marks the end of the Ratha Yatra. The large wooden images of the triad of gods are taken out from the chariots and then carried to the sanctum sanctorum, swaying rhythmically; a ritual which is known as ''pahandi''.<ref name=Bije>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nabakalebara-festival-comes-to-end-with-niladri-bije/article7483145.ece|title=Nabakalebara festival comes to end with Niladri Bije|date=31 July 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303152455/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nabakalebara-festival-comes-to-end-with-niladri-bije/article7483145.ece|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref>

====Sahi yatra====
[[File:Sahi Yatra of Puri, Odisha.jpg|thumb|right| A scene from a play being enacted during the Sahi Yatra]]
The Sahi Yatra, considered the world's biggest open-air theatre,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mahapatra|first1=Prasanta|title=World's Biggest Open-Air Theatre Sahi Yatra Begins at Puri|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/worlds-biggest-open-air-theatre--sahi-yatra-begins-at-puri.html|access-date=19 March 2015|publisher=The Pioneer|date=24 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230303/http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/worlds-biggest-open-air-theatre--sahi-yatra-begins-at-puri.html|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> is an annual event lasting 11 days; a traditional cultural theatre festival or folk drama which begins on [[Ram Navami]] and ends on Rama ''[[Abhisheka|avishke]]'' (Sanskrit meaning : anointing). The festival includes plays depicting various scenes from the [[Ramayana]]. The residents of various localities, or 
Sahis, are entrusted the task of performing the drama at the street corners.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xl}}

====Samudra Arati====
[[File:Samudra arati.jpg|thumb|Samudra arati of worship of the sea by disciples of the Matha at Puri]]
The Samudra [[arati]] is a daily tradition started by the present Shankaracharya 9 years ago.<ref name=Aarti>{{cite news|last1=Sahu|first1=Monideepa|title=The great fire|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/532849/fire.html|access-date=6 March 2016|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=6 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214139/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/532849/fire.html|archive-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> The daily practise includes prayer and fire offering to the sea at Swargadwar in Puri by disciples of the Govardhan Matha. On Paush Purnima of every year the Shankaracharya himself comes out to offer prayers to the sea.<ref name=Aarti/>

===Arts and crafts===
====Sand art====
[[File:Puri Sterling 12.jpg|thumb|220 px|Sand art of a baby elephant]]
[[Sandpainting|Sand art]] is a special art form that is created on the beaches of Puri. The art form is attributed to Balaram Das, a poet who lived in the 14th century. Sculptures of various gods and famous people are now created in sand by amateur artists. These are temporary in nature as they get washed away by waves. This art form has gained international fame in recent years. One of the famed sand artists of Odisha is [[Sudarshan Patnaik]]. He established the Golden Sand Art Institute in 1995, in the open air on the shores of Bay of Bengal, to provide training to students interested in this art form.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/ViewDetails.asp?vchglinkid=GL010&vchplinkid=PL060&vchslinkid=SL035|title=Sand Arts|access-date=28 September 2015|publisher=Government of Orissa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926033747/http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/ViewDetails.asp?vchglinkid=GL010&vchplinkid=PL060&vchslinkid=SL035|archive-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xl}}

====Appliqué art====
[[File:Quilt block applique flower detail.jpg|right|thumb|An applique art work]]
[[Appliqué|Appliqué art]], which is a stitching-based craft unlike embroidery, was pioneered by Hatta Maharana of [[Pipili]]. It is widely used in Puri, both for decoration of the deities and for sale. Maharana's family members are employed as [[darji]]s or tailors or ''sebaks'' by the Maharaja of Puri. They prepare articles for decorating the deities in the temple for various festivals and religious ceremonies. The appliqué works are brightly coloured and patterned fabric in the form of canopies, umbrellas, drapery, carry bags, flags, coverings of dummy horses and cows, and other household textiles; these are marketed in Puri. The cloth used is made in dark colours of red, black, yellow, green, blue and turquoise blue.{{Sfn|Naik|1996|pp=95–96}}

====Pattachitra====
[[Pattachitra]], one of the oldest forms of cloth-based scroll painting of the region, originally created for ritual use and as souvenirs for pilgrims to Puri, as well as other temples in Odisha.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Gadon|first=Elinor W.|date=February 2000|title=Indian Art Worlds in Contention: Local, Regional and National Discourses on Orissan Patta Paintings. By Helle Bundgaard. Nordic Institute of Asian Studies Monograph Series, No. 80. Richmond, Surrey: Curzon, 1999. 247 pp. $45.00 (cloth).|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-asian-studies/article/indian-art-worlds-in-contention-local-regional-and-national-discourses-on-orissan-patta-paintings-by-helle-bundgaard-nordic-institute-of-asian-studies-monograph-series-no-80-richmond-surrey-curzon-1999-247-pp-4500-cloth/F46E8FB8E5D42BF037AA4A8178BDFB75|journal=The Journal of Asian Studies|language=en|volume=59|issue=1|pages=192–194|doi=10.2307/2658630|jstor=2658630|s2cid=201436927|issn=1752-0401|access-date=10 March 2022|archive-date=29 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829190142/https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-asian-studies/article/indian-art-worlds-in-contention-local-regional-and-national-discourses-on-orissan-patta-paintings-by-helle-bundgaard-nordic-institute-of-asian-studies-monograph-series-no-80-richmond-surrey-curzon-1999-247-pp-4500-cloth/F46E8FB8E5D42BF037AA4A8178BDFB75|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

===Cultural activities===
[[File:Nandini Ghosal.jpg|thumb|[[Odissi]] dancer|alt=]]
[[File:Samudra arati.jpg|thumb|Samudra arati or  worship of the sea at Swargadwar by disciples of the [[Govardhana matha]] ]]
Cultural activities, including the annual religious festivals, in Puri are: The Puri Beach Festival held from 5 to 9 November every year, and the Shreekshetra Utsav held from 20 December to 2 January every year. The cultural programs include unique sand art, display of local and traditional handicrafts and food festival.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=Xxxviii}} In addition, cultural programs are held for two hours on every second Saturday of the month at the district Collector's Conference Hall near Sea Beach Police Station. [[Odissi dance]], [[Odissi music]] and folk dances are part of this event.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=Xxxviii}} [[Odissi|Odissi dance]] is the cultural heritage of Puri. This dance form originated in Puri from the dances performed by [[Devadasis]] (Maharis) attached to the Jagannath Temple who performed dances in the Nata ''mandapa'' of the temple to please the deities. Though the devadasi practice has been discontinued, the dance form has become modern and classical and is widely popular; many of the Odissi virtuoso artists and gurus (teachers) are from Puri.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=XL}} Some of the notable Odissi dancers are [[Kelucharan Mohapatra]], [[Mayadhar Raut]], [[Sonal Mansingh]], and [[Sanjukta Panigrahi]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sIJVEAAAQBAJ&dq=Some+of+the+notable+Odissi+dancers+are+Kelucharan+Mohapatra,+Mayadhar+Raut,+Sonal+Mansingh,+and+Sanjukta+Panigrahi.&pg=PT53|last=Maharaj|first=Guru Pandit Shyamal|title=The Idea of Dance|year=2021|page=53|publisher=Notion Press.com|isbn=9781685097950|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408144529/https://books.google.com/books?id=sIJVEAAAQBAJ&dq=Some+of+the+notable+Odissi+dancers+are+Kelucharan+Mohapatra,+Mayadhar+Raut,+Sonal+Mansingh,+and+Sanjukta+Panigrahi.&pg=PT53|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{mapframe|frame=yes|type=point|zoom=SWITCH:4,6,10|switch=zoomed out, zoomed mid, zoomed in}}

=== Road ===
Earlier, when roads did not exist, people used to walk or travel by animal-drawn vehicles or carriages along beaten tracks to reach Puri. Travel was by riverine craft along the [[Ganges]] up to Calcutta, and then on foot or by carriages. It was only during the Maratha rule that the Jagannath Sadak (Road) was built around 1790. The [[East India Company]] laid the rail track from Calcutta to Puri, which became operational in 1898.{{Sfn|Mahanti|2014|p=xxxiii}} Puri is now well-connected by rail, road and air services.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QweqCQAAQBAJ&dq=Puri+is+now+well-connected+by+rail,+road+and+air+services.&pg=PR33|last=Mani|first=J.C.|title=The Saga of Jagannatha and Badadeula at Puri|year=2014|page=33|publisher=VIJ Books|isbn=9789382652458|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408144524/https://books.google.com/books?id=QweqCQAAQBAJ&dq=Puri+is+now+well-connected+by+rail,+road+and+air+services.&pg=PR33|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Train ===
A [[broad gauge]] railway line of the [[South Eastern Railway zone|South Eastern Railways]] which connects Puri with [[Kolkata]] and Khorda Road is an important railway junction on this route. The rail distance is {{Convert|499|km}} from Kolkata and {{Convert|468|km}} from [[Vishakhapatnam]]. Road network includes [[National Highway 203 (India, old numbering)|NH 203]] that links the city with Bhubaneswar, the state capital, situated about {{Convert|60|km}} away. NH 203 B connects the city with [[Satapada]] via [[Brahmagiri, Odisha|Brahmagiri]]. Marine drive, which is part of NH 203 A, connects Puri with Konark. [[Puri railway station]] is among the top hundred booking stations of the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roaddistance.in/west-bengal/kolkata-west-bengal-to-puri-distance/by-road/|title=Kolkata West Bengal and Puri By Road, Distance Between Kolkata West Bengal and Puri, Distance By Road From Kolkata West Bengal and Puri with Travel Time, Puri Distance from Kolkata West Bengal, Driving Direction Calculator from kolkata west bengal and puri|website=www.roaddistance.in|access-date=7 March 2023|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307011902/https://www.roaddistance.in/west-bengal/kolkata-west-bengal-to-puri-distance/by-road/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.indianrail.gov.in/7days_Avl.html|title = Indian Railways Passenger Reservation Enquiry|work = Availability in trains for Top 100 Booking Stations of Indian Railways|publisher = IRFCA|accessdate = 4 January 2013|archive-date = 10 May 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140510115649/http://www.indianrail.gov.in/7days_Avl.html|url-status = live}}</ref> Puri railway station is {{Convert|1321| km}} away from New Delhi.{{Sfn|Managers|2006|p=2}}<ref name=Rail>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gL7pGaL3vooC&dq=Air,+road,+Train+connectivity+to+Puri&pg=PA75|last=Silas|first=Sandeep|title=Discover India by Rail|year=2005|page=75|publisher=Sterlingpublishers.com|isbn=9788120729391|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405025556/https://books.google.com/books?id=gL7pGaL3vooC&dq=Air,+road,+Train+connectivity+to+Puri&pg=PA75|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Air ===
{{Update section|date=April 2025}}
A proposal was received from the State Government of Odisha for development of a Greenfield Airport at Puri to the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking 'Site Clearance' approval under GFA Policy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SwainShashank/status/1650517779160735744?s=20 |url=https://twitter.com/SwainShashank/status/1650517779160735744|access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>

[[Puri International Airport|Shree Jagannath International Airport]] is likely to be operational by 2029.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/aai-technical-team-visits-proposed-site-of-puri-international-airport/articleshow/90084494.cms?from=mdr|title=AAI technical team visits proposed site of Puri international airport|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=8 March 2022|access-date=7 March 2023|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307011900/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/aai-technical-team-visits-proposed-site-of-puri-international-airport/articleshow/90084494.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Scs college puri.jpeg|thumb|right|Samanta Chandra Sekhara College, Puri]]

===Schools===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a school to this list if it already has its own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦---> 
* [[Bholanath Vidyapith]]
* [[Biswambhar Bidyapitha]]
* [[Blessed Sacrament High School Puri]]
* [[D.A.V Public School]], Puri<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to DAV Public School, Puri |url=http://davpuri.in/ |website=davpuri.in |access-date=10 March 2022 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331070547/http://davpuri.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]], Puri<ref>{{cite web |title=KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PURI {{!}} KVS- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan {{!}} Government of India |url=https://kvsangathan.nic.in/kendriya-vidyalaya-puri |website=kvsangathan.nic.in |access-date=10 March 2022 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815093024/https://kvsangathan.nic.in/kendriya-vidyalaya-puri |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Puri Zilla School]]

===Colleges and Universities===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a college to this list if it already has its own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦---> 
* [[Central Sanskrit University]], Shri Sadashiv Campus
* [[Ghanashyama Hemalata Institute of Technology and Management]]
* [[Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University]]
* [[Sri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital]]

==Notable people==
<!--Arranged alphabetically per LAST NAME-->
*[[Bidhu Bhusan Das]] - Academic and Vice-Chancellor, DPI Odisha
*[[Gopabandhu Das]] – Social worker    
*[[Nilakantha Das]] – Social activist  
*[[Pankaj Charan Das]] – Odissi dancer
*[[Prabhat Nalini Das]] - pro Vice-Chancellor, academician, feminist, Dean IIT Kanpur               
*[[Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb]] - Odia King
*[[Charles Garrett]] – Cricketer
*[[Chakhi Khuntia]] – Freedom fighter <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/144birth_anniversary_chakhi_khuntia.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191331/http://www.odisha.gov.in/portal/LIWPL/event_archive/Events_Archives/144birth_anniversary_chakhi_khuntia.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>
*[[Mayadhar Mansingh]] - Odia poet and writer
*[[Pinaki Misra]] - Politician
*[[Kelucharan Mohapatra]] – Odissi dancer                      
*[[Raghunath Mohapatra]] –  Architect and sculptor
*[[Baisali Mohanty]] - ALC Global Fellow at [[University of Oxford]], [[United Kingdom]]
*[[Rituraj Mohanty]] – Singer
*[[Sarat Kumar Mukhopadhyay]] - Poet, novelist
*[[Sudarshan Pattnaik]] –  Sand Artist
*[[Jayee Rajguru]] - Freedom fighter 
*[[Madhusudan Rao]] – Odia Poet
*[[Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati]] - spiritual master and founder of [[Gaudiya Math]]
*[[Sudarshan Sahoo]] - Sculptor

==See also==
* [[Chari Kshetra]]
* [[Konark Dance Festival]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
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==External links==
<!-- Excessive links or inappropriate commercial links WILL BE DELETED. See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details. -->
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.puri.nic.in www.puri.nic.in] – Official website of Puri District]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140524024433/http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/portal/ Odisha Tourism]
* [https://otdc.in/ OTDC]

{{Hindu Temples in Puri|state=expanded}}
{{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Puri district}}
{{Municipalities of Odisha}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Puri]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Puri district]]
[[Category:Hindu holy cities]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in India]]
[[Category:Places in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]