Jagannath Puri is a city located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, also known as Char Dham, for Hindus in India. The city is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centers in India.
The Jagannath temple is a significant landmark of Puri and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, where the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on decorated chariots. The Rath Yatra is one of the largest religious festivals in India and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of people.
Apart from the Jagannath temple, Puri is also known for its beautiful beaches, including the popular Puri Beach. The city is also home to the Puri Beach Festival, a yearly event that showcases the rich culture and heritage of Odisha. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Odia cuisine, which is known for its unique flavors and spices.
Overall, Jagannath Puri is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and its spiritual significance attracts people from all over the world.
One interesting myth associated with Jagannath Puri is the story of the Sabara Kanya, a tribal girl who is believed to have helped Lord Jagannath reach his temple in Puri.
According to the legend, the Sabara Kanya was a young girl from the Sabara tribe, who lived in the forests near Puri. She was a devotee of Lord Jagannath and used to offer him fruits and flowers from the forest. One day, Lord Jagannath appeared to her in a dream and told her that he was unable to reach his temple in Puri because of a curse. The curse stated that anyone who looked back while carrying the idol of Lord Jagannath would turn to stone.
The Sabara Kanya, who was deeply devoted to Lord Jagannath, agreed to help him. She blindfolded herself and carried the idol on her head to the temple in Puri, without looking back. As she reached the temple, the idol slipped from her head, and she realized that she had broken the curse. She then vanished into thin air, leaving behind a single footprint on the temple wall.
Today, the footprint is known as the Sabara Srikhetra and is considered a sacred site in Jagannath Puri. It is believed to be a symbol of the Sabara Kanya’s devotion to Lord Jagannath and her selfless service to him. The story of the Sabara Kanya is a testament to the power of devotion and faith in Hindu mythology.
