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Odisha Lokanatha Temple Puri
Location | Puri, Orissa |
Built by | Lord Rama |
Built in | 11th Century |
Primary deity | Lord Shiva |
Also known as | Lord Lokanatha |
The Lokanatha Temple is a small 11th century temple situated at around 2 km from the famous Jagannath Temple. Lord Lokanatha is believed to be the guardian deity of jewels and treasures of Lord Jagannath. Also belief goes that Lord Lokanatha cures devotees suffering from various disorders and diseases.
History
The Lokanatha Temple is also has a legend like most other temples. The legend says that this temple was built by Lord Rama. Initially the ‘Linga’ was made out of pumpkin which is known as ‘Lauka’ in India. Hence the temple gets the name ‘Lokanatha’ which was primarily ‘Laukanath’.
Architecture
The temple, Built in Sandstone, comprises of four parts, namely, the Vimana (Main temple), Jagamohana (Entrance Hall), Natamandapa(Dance Hall) and Bhogamandapa (Hall of Offering).
The main temple is mostly covered with marble making it difficult to see the architectural features in detail. Images of various gods can be seen on the outer walls. There is a big pond as the entrance known as ‘Paravati Sagara’ for the devotees to wash their feet before entering the temple.
The Shiva Linga is kept in the innermost chamber of the main temple. It is immersed in water throughout the year.
Significance Of The Temple
The devotees have faith that Lord Lokanatha cures people suffering from incurable diseases.
A natural fountain fills the sanctum of the main temple, keeping the lingam immersed in water throughout the year. The flowers, bilva leaves, beetle leaves, honey, milk, sandalwood paste, coconut water, etc. which are offered to the deity remain here for a year. This water is taken out 3 days before the famous ‘Shivaratri’ festival making the Linga visible for the devotees. It has a special taste and is believed to have medicinal value and people drink that as a blessing from Lord Lokanatha to cure them from their illness.
Important Shrines
There are many small temples in the premises of this temple. A small temple is dedicated to Surya Narayana (Sun God) and Chandra Narayana (Moon God). There is also a Satya Narayana temple which has images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi and several brass idols of various other deities.
Weather And Time To Visit
Best Time to visit: October to March
Weather in Puri
- Summer (March to May) – min 24⁰C to max 36⁰C
- Monsoon (June to October) – min 25⁰C to max 32⁰C
- Winter (November to February) – min 17⁰C to max 28⁰C
How To Reach
By Air
Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Puri at a distance of 62 km.
By Rail
There are daily trains running between Puri and other main cities in India.
By Road
Puri bus stand is well-connected with the major cities in India.
Local Transport
With the help of travel agents, private taxis can be easily acquired in the city.
Accomodation
HOTEL NAME | TYPE | LOCATION | PRICE (onwards) | RANK (In Puri) |
Mayfair Beach Resot | Luxury | Chakratirtha Road | 10000 | 13 |
Toshali Sand Resort | Luxury | Konark Marine Drive | 4500 | 11 |
Holiday Resort Hotel | Medium | Chakratirtha Road | 2400 | 4 |
Hotel Naren Palace | Medium | Chakratirtha Toad | 1400 | 12 |
Hotel New Shankar International | Budget | ChakratirthaRoad | 900 | 24 |
Beach View Hotel | Budget | Chakratirtha Road | 600 | 92 |
Tips For Devotees
Summer in Puri is hot and humid. Visitors are advised to carry sufficient water and refreshments while traveling.
Photo Gallery