*Kirti Mandir, Porbandar,Gujrat* and Birth Place of Mahatma Gandhi .!

Birth Place of Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) at Porbandar, Gujrat - On the right at he place of 'Swastika Mark' Bapu was born. On the left shows left wall of that room and the board on this wall gives this very information.      

                Kirti Mandir is built in memory of "Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi" whom we popularly know as "Bapu". It is just side by side to his ancestral house where he was born in Porbandar. Infact entrance to the old house is through the courtyard of the Kirti Mandir. So whoever comes here visits both the buildings.

Entrance of  old building where
Gandhi ji was born at Porbandar,Gujrat

Role of Bapu in the struggle of Independence was so great that he was honored by this nation as "Rashtrapita" ie. father of the nation. His birth day on 2nd October every year celebrated as "Gandhi Jayanti" is a national holiday and all non veg and alcohol shops remain closed all over the country on this day as a mark of respect. Even the day on which he died is called "Shahid Diwas". So his birth place at Porbandar is conserved as his memorial. As you enter this old house you feel as if you have come to a village house. Wooden doors are thick and heavy. Roof made of wooden beams and brick tiles.

Typical wooden stair at the Birth Place of Mahatma Gandhi
at Porbandar, Gujrat

 And the most interesting are the stairs. These are made of wood and are very narrow. Its rise (height of a single step) is too much to be comfortable. So to help climbing these steps there is provided a thick rope hanging from the ceiling to the side of the stair. So hold this rope and pull it when going upstairs, this will reduce pressure on your feet. On both floors rooms of different sizes with small windows are there. The entry from the main gate is to a small courtyard. On the right you will see two staffs on the veranda who will give you some information about the place. Next to this veranda is the very room where Bapu was born. On a wall of this room a board gives information that the place on the floor where a mark of "Swastika" is made is exactly the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. Just above this mark a big framed photo of Gandhi ji making thread on the 'Charkha' is hanging on the wall. Standing in this room will give you a feeling of reverence towards Bapu. Next to this room is his mothers room. Many other rooms like kitchen and stores are on the left side of it. Information about different rooms are written on the boards in every important room. On the first floor is a small but airy room which was the study room of Bapu in his childhood. 

Study Room of Bapu in his ancestral house
 where he was born at Porbandar, Gujrat

Bapu's Parents, at his birth place,
Porbandar, Gujrat

                As in the beginning I have written that a new building just beside it has been constructed in Bapu's memory and it has been named as "Kirti Mandir". It means "the temple of fame". This name is truly justified as the fame of Mahatma Gandhi spread worldwide. 

Kirti Mandir, Porbandar, Gujrat

Kirti Mandir is very neat and clean and spacious too. A big courtyard and lot of used marble makes a good impression on visitors mind. Just like a temple you have to put off your shoes at the main gate of the building. Just across the

A view of the lane on which Kirti Mandir and Bapu's Birth Place
is situated. On the right is attractive gate of Kirti Mandir
at Porbandar, Gujrat

courtyard you will see  life size framed pictures of 'Baa' and 'Bapu' under a "Mandap". This is a double storey building. On the first floor is ''Baa's'' library and "Bal Mandir". These two rooms were closed at the time we visited there. On the ground floor is Bapu's library and a museum. The museum is quite interesting. Here you will see family tree of Bapu in a pictorial form. This framed photo on the wall gives a good idea of family of Gandhi ji. Many people visit here daily, specially school students in groups with their teacher. 

Family Tree of Mahatma Gandhi,
on the wall of museum at Kirti Mandir,
Porbandar, Gujrat

Baa and Bapu's life size pictures in a Mandap at Kirti Mandir, Gujrat

             Visiting this place is a memorable experience.

  

             

Kamnath Mahadev, Somnath, Gujrat

Kamnath Mahadev, Somnath, Gujrat and His Dwarpal Nandi

              Just on the opposite side and about a hundred feet from the main gate of Triveni Teerth, Somnath, Gujrat  is located this temple of Shiva that is named as Kamnath Mahadeva. The Shivalinga is situated about two and half feet down the the floor level in the "Garbh Gruh". There is a mirror placed on the wall behind the Shivalinga at such an angle that the visitor can see both the Shivalinga and its image at the same time. God's vehicle and gatekeeper "Nandi" the bull is placed in front of Him.                                                                                                                

श्री आद्यगुरु शंकराचार्य
कामनाथ महादेव मंदिर
सोमनाथ ,गुजरात 

Entrance to Kamnath Mahadev Temple,
Somnth, Gujrat.

 The Shivalinga is old but the temple is newly constructed about few years ago. The temple is spacious. Other idols present here are that of "Narsingh" avatar and "Shankaracharya". This place is related to 'Sharda Peeth' of "Shankaracharya". There is a cave here where "Shankaracharya" used to sit for meditation. The way to cave is behind the temple a few steps above. Before entering the cave you will find yourself in a hall. On a side is a shop selling bags, chains, photos, etc . A beautiful idol of Goddess "Saraswati" is in the hall on one side and on the other is twelve Shivalingas representing twelve "Jyotirlingas". Through this hall is the way to entrance to the cave.                          

AdiShankaracharya and four of his disciples inside the cave
at Kamnath Mahadeva Temple, Somnath, Gujrat

                                                       

Shardapeeth
Shankaracharya
idol in Kamnath
Mahadev Temple

            The cave entrance is quite small and floor of the cave is about two and half feet down the level of this entrance. Only one person at a time can enter that too with some difficulty. Cave floor is about eight by eight feet in size and the clearance from floor to roof is too small to stand a grown up person comfortably. In fact the head touches the roof. Except entrance there is no other opening for air and light to enter the cave. Really it is best place to meditate that is why it was chosen by "Shankaracharya".

द्वादश ज्योतिर्लिंग प्रतिरूप
Before entrance to cave and in the hall
at Kamnath Mahadev Temple,Somnath
Gujrat

Inside the cave is idol of "AdiShankaracharya" with four of his main disciples. In front of them is a Shivalinga and Nandi idol. The floor and the walls of the cave are clad with white glazed tiles.   

Opposite Wall of the cave and the
mysterious picture (Cave at Kamnath
Mahadeva Temple complex,Somnath
Gujrat)

  You can see a close circuit camera at one corner of the roof of the cave so that the activities of a visitor inside the cave can be monitored. We saw a pedestal fan there that would be used on hot Summer days. What we saw mysterious, was a picture on the opposite wall of the cave. Can not say what was it !! 

Coming out of the cave
Kamnath Mahadeva temple complex
Somnath, Gujrat

          The visit was a satisfying one and the temple specially entrance hall to cave was neat and clean. Half an hour is sufficient to see this temple complex. People coming to Somnath for Jyotirlinga darshan come here too because it is one of the attractions of Somnath.

   

DEHOTSARG TIRTH (Golok Dham), Somnath, Gujrat.. !!

Golok Dham, Dehotsarg Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

          The whole 'Krishna Leela' is mystifying. Krishna comes into this world and very soon starts killing demons and "Rakshasa". Even as an infant he kills "Putna". He becomes a favorite of everyone in Gokul. Everybody there listens to him. When he says not to worship God Indra, all follow him and instead worship 'Govardhan Parvat'. And His followers never got disappointed. Even in the battle of 'Mahabharata' that side won which he favored (ie. Pandavas) not the opponent whom He gave His huge army, that too with the fact that Krishna did not arm Himself. (As you know both Kauravas and Pandavas had approached Him to fight from their side just before the Mahabharata war. He did not want to support only one side. So he made an offer - choose between 'Krishna without weapons' and 'Huge army of Krishna'. Arjuna opted for the first while Duryodhana for the other). 

Awesome View of Hiran River from Dehotsarg/GolokDham
Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

           Though He was King of Mathura, He left Mathura with many of Yadavas to establish a new kingdom at Dwarka that was invincible due to its location. (Why? Because some of the kings like Jarasandh had personal enmity towards Him. So they repeatedly attacked Mathura thus disturbing the peace and putting the lives of people of Mathura and neighboring kingdoms in danger. So He took this intelligent decision). He made Yadavas mighty with their name and fame reaching a historically high position. But at this stage, the might of Yadavas became instrumental for the start of their downfall. They forgot the fact that their might, their name and their fame was all due to Krishna and his guidance. They started even disobeying Krishna. As an avatar of Vishnu in human form, His teaching was to give full respect to 'Brahmins', 'Cows', Gods and Saints. This thing has been told by the poet Tulsidas as follows:-

विप्र धेनु सुर संत हित लीन्ह मनुज अवतार,

निज इच्छा निर्मित तन माया गुन गो पार। 

          The frivolous and hedonistic Yadavas once played a prank to great 'Rishis' who visited Dwarka. In a funny mood, Krishna's son Samb dressed like a woman put an iron pan (कड़ाही) on his belly hidden under clothes and went to 'Rishis' with other Yadavas. They asked 'Rishis', "O great souls, this lady is pregnant. Please tell us what will she deliver - a boy or a girl." One of the 'Rishis' understood his prank and cursed them like this, "I do not know whether it will be a boy or a girl, but I do know that whatever is in her belly will destroy the whole race of Yadavas". Now they became worried and went to Ugrasena, told him the whole story. Ugrasena instructed to rub that iron pan (कड़ाही) on the stone to make it powder so that the root cause of all the evil be destroyed. The Yadavas went near the sea and rubbed it on the stone until a small piece of iron remained. They even tried to rub it to the powder but the small piece was difficult to hold and at last, it slipped from their hand and fell into the sea. There it was swallowed by a fish which was caught by a poacher named Jara (जरा). Jara found this last iron piece inside the fish and he made it the arrowhead. On the other hand, the powdered iron on the seashore emerged as tall eraká grass, leaves of which had sword-like edges. 

Wall of Lakshminarayan Temple with different avatar and
scenes from Krishna's life

            So the God Krishna acted to fulfill many purposes. One, the Yadavas on the wrong path had to be eliminated; second, the curse of 'Rishis' had to be made true and last, the curse of queen Gandhari that was accepted by Krishna was to be made true. (After the war of Mahabharata Gandhari blamed Krishna for the death of all her sons and cursed Him that He too will get whole of His clan destroyed in a similar manner). So the end of Yadavas began from the incident that took place at the same location where the eraká grass had grown up. The fun-loving frivolous Yadavas drank alcohol named "Varuni" to the brim and in this intoxicating state a quarrel erupted among them on some very minor issues. This took an ugly turn as they plucked the sword-like grass leaves and started fighting. In this way, they killed each other. Now Krishna called for Arjuna and asked him to take all remaining children, women and old Yadavas to Hastinapur. As Arjuna left Dwarka with them, within a few days Dwarka submerged into the sea. Krishna came to Bhalka, Prabhas Patan, Gujrat where Jara the poacher shot the arrow with the above-mentioned arrowhead. This incident has been narrated in the blog Bhalka Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat. From there Krishna came to the bank of river Hiran where His elder brother Balram (who was an avatar of 'Sheshnag') had gone under the ground through a hole in a cave in the form of a snake ending his part of Leela. There, in the neighborhood, He ended His Leela but not like an ordinary man because neither He was an ordinary man nor His body was made of five 'Tatva' (क्षिति, जल, पावक, गगन एवं समीर)  like an ordinary man. His body was not left behind. Instead, His body turned into "Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran" to guide His followers to sail through this sea of worldly-woes. This fact is said in the prayer in this "Bhagwat" as this - शास्त्रं रूपं च लोके प्रकटयति मुदा यः स नो भूतिहेतुः ॥ (You can see the meaning of this prayer in the link - Vande Sri Krishna Devam .. under my blog "Bhagwat-path-in-short") That is why "Bhagwat" ("Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran") is taken as God Krishna Himself. Every Sanatandharmi Hindu must possess it and keep it in a sacred place in the 'Puja' room duly wrapped in a red piece of preferably red cloth. It should be worshiped and if possible read, as it fulfills all the wishes. As it is said:--

श्रीभागवतरूपम्    च    पूजयेत्    भक्तिपूर्वकम्  ।

 अर्चकाया अखिलानकामान् प्रयच्छति नो शंशयः ॥ 

Sribhagwat   rupam     ch       pujayet   bhaktipurwakam 

archakaya  akhilankaman prayachchhati no shanshayah.

(Meaning: We should worship 'Bhagwat Mahapuran' that is himself Krishna's form, with full devotion; this fulfills all the wishes of devotees, no doubt in it.)

               This place on the bank of river Hiran is a place of pilgrimage called "Dehotsarg Tirth" or "Golok Dham" means the place where Krishna changed his body and went to his "Nij Dham" (Golok Dham). This place is so peaceful and full of spiritual feeling that you will get an experience of lifelong. A memorial with footprints of Krishna has been made here. It is situated in an open area and a campus with many temples. Temple of Balram (With the cave from where he went into the ground), Geeta Mandir, Lakshminarayan Mandir, and Mahaprabhuji ki Baithak are all on this campus. In Geeta Mandir the Krishna,s idol is in 'Tribhangi mudra' with the flute to His lips and the marble-clad big hall has its walls and pillars engraved with 'shlokas' of Geeta. All the eighteen chapters of Geeta is engraved in Sanskrit. It was very logical to construct such type of temple here because "Geeta" is the 'Gyana' that Krishna gave to Arjuna in the battlefield when Arjuna refused to fight on seeing all his relatives and friends in the opposition. In fact, Krishna gave this 'Gyana' famous as "Geeta" to the whole world through Arjuna. He motivated Arjuna to do his duty without any wishes in turn. It is called "Karmayoga". 

The "Geeta Mandir" at Dehotsarg Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

Krishna in 'Tribhangi Mudra' at Geeta
Temple, Dehotsarg Tirth, Somnath,
Gujrat

 

Geeta engraved on pillars of Geeta
Mandir, Somnath, Gujrat

                Next to Geeta Mandir is 'Baldev Temple' and 'Sheshawatar temple'. Inside the 'Sheshawatar temple' few steps down is a cave in which you can see a Shivlinga and behind it on the wall is a hole through which Balram entered into the ground in the form of a snake to end his part of "Krishna Leela".

Idol in Baldev
Temple, Somnath,
Gujrat

Idols in Lakshminarayan Temple,
Dehotsarg Tirth/Golok Dham,
Somnath, Gujrat

                  Just beside Baldev Temple is the 'Lakshminarayan Mandir'. This temple is like Geeta Mandir. Idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi in marble stand there. In front of these idols is a small idol of 'Garuda' which faces Lakshmi-Narayan.

                Next to 'Lakshminarayan Mandir' is an old building in which you can see the sitting place of famous Krishna Bhakta Harihar Mahaprabhuji. This place is known as "Harihar Mahaprabhuji ki Baithak".

Garuda in front of Lakshmi
Narayan Idol at Laxmi -
Narayan Temple, Somnath,
Gujrat

                 If you go further on the campus on the kuchcha way you will find some old structures and some trees. In the end, is an old Mahadev temple with a big Shivlinga. Name painted on the temple is as "Somnath Mahadev" in Gujarati script. In front of this temple is a banyan tree with a platform beneath it. There are many neem trees too.

An old Mahadev Temple at the end of Dehotsarg Tirth, Somnath,
Gujrat.It is also named as Somnath Mahadev!

                 We saw the Hiran river full of tranquil water in the month of February. The water level was about 15 feet below us as the temple campus has a high retaining wall towards the river. With the height the scenery becomes beautiful.

A wide view of Dehotsarg Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat
(Showing Golokdham, Lakshminarayan Temple, and the courtyard)

                 This temple complex is about 2 km from the famous Somnath Temple. As you go past the gate of Triveni Tirth about a km further the way ends there. For a Hindu or a Krishna Bhakta, this place is a must-see.

                  We hail to the total avatar of God that was Krishna and His manifestation "Srimadbhagwat Mahapuran":-

सच्चिदानन्दरुपाय विश्वोत्पत्यादि  हेतवे, 

तापत्रय: विनाशाय श्रीकृष्णाय वयं नुमः ॥

  

Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat .

Triveni Mahasangam of 'Hiran', 'Kapil' & 'Saraswati'

at Prabhas Patan Kshetra, Somnath, Gujrat

Triveni Tirth is on the confluence of three rivers named "Hiran", "Kapila" and invisible "Saraswati" just like "Prayag" where "Ganga", "Yamuna" and invisible "Saraswati" meet together. That is why 'Triveni Tirth' is thought to be sacred.  "Prayag" is in Allahabad, UP where the largest religious fair of Hindus "Kumbh Mela" is organized every 12 years. In fact "Prayag" is said to be king of pilgrimage, so it is often called "Prayagraj". Triveni Tirth is also very important because it is in "Prabhas Kshetra" in Veraval, Gujrat. This area itself is sacred because it is related to two of the Gods "Hari" and "Shiv"(Both are part of Tridev, Both have influenced the Indian culture most and both are the most worshiped Gods in India). God Shiv chose this area for his first of the twelve "Jyotirlingas".

The place where Harihar Mahaprabhuji meditated

near Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

         The names of twelve "Jyotirlingas" in Sanskrit starts as "Saurashtre Somnatham"..  and the "Prabhas Kshetra" is in "Saurashtra", Gujrat. While God Hari in his Krishna avatar chose this area for the end of his "Leela" on the earth. The place from where Krishna went to his "Nij Dhaam" is on the bank of river "Hiran" also called "Golokdhaam". The "Triveni Tirth" is situated just in between "Golokdhaam" and "Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple". Near it is a small jungle called "Harihar Van". "Triveni Tirth" has also been mentioned in "Ramayana" and "Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran".

Small shops near Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

           Rivers in Indian culture have always been revered. They are worshiped and called as a mother. Taking a bath in them is said to be purifying. (Except one river "Karmanasha" I have not known any other river which is forbidden for taking a dip. The cursed "Karmanasha" is on the border of Bihar and UP. A dip in "Karmanasha" is said to destroy all the previous good deeds (Punya) of a person). The confluence of two rivers is even holier. The word "Triveni" means confluence of three rivers. At both the "Triveni" ie at "Prayag" and at "Prabhas", we can physically see only two of the three rivers and the third river "Saraswati" is invisible. Though many scholars say that river "Saraswati" was physically present there at Prayag long ago and it changed its course towards 'Thar' desert due to change in topography. But I do not agree with this theory. Because if it was so then why again at "Prabhas" the invisible third river is "Saraswati".  The river "Saraswati" in physical form is present only at village "Mana" (माणा) in Uttarakhand Himalaya which is about two km upstream river "Alaknanda" from 'Badrinath Temple'. There on its bank is situated the "Vyas Gufa" where 'Mahatma Ved Vyas' had written the holy "Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran". This river "Saraswati" meets river "Alaknanda" about a km upstream from 'Badrinath Temple'. Actually, the invisible river "Saraswati" at these 'Trivenis' is symbolic. It symbolizes the reverence (श्रद्धा) that flows inside the heart of pilgrims. That makes it so holy. 

Birds feeding at Triveni Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat

            The Triveni Tirth is also near to the sea and pucca Ghats are constructed here in a length of about three to four hundred meters. It has been a place of meditation and spirituality for many 'Mahatmas'. In their memory, many small four pillared structures with dome roof have been constructed along the ghat. At the entry to 'Triveni Tirth,' a big gate welcomes you. Near the gate, on the roadside, you will see ladies selling green fodder for cows. Numerous cows wandering on the road, come towards you in expectation of fodder. Feeding holy cows are thought to be a "Punya Karma". People buy green fodder from the ladies and as soon as it changes hands the cows rush towards it. Ultimately the fodder buyer throws away the green fodder in panic and saves himself. Entering the main gate you will find a few small shops selling holy things. Some local children sell balls of wheat flour for ten rupees each. People buy it for feeding to birds and fish. Sitting on the steps on the ghat and throwing pea sized flour balls to birds is a very entertaining scene. The white birds (Probably seagulls) that are expert swimmer and flyer rush towards the feed. Same is the case with fish. Some people feed them to earn "Punya". 

Boat, Birds, and the expanse of water at Triveni Tirth Mahasangam,
Somnath, Gujrat

            Another entertaining attraction is the boating. If a willing group of at least 8-10 people is formed, the boatman takes it for a round. The scene all around is fascinating as on the left is coming rivers, on the right the Arabian sea and in front of you is small hillocks. It is just awesome.

            As in the beginning, I have said that it a very holy place, just like 'Prayag' here too "Shraddh" and "Tarpan" is performed for the satisfaction of forefathers (पितर). If you wish to do these things 'Pandits' are easily available. 

            There are many holy places in the "Prabhas Kshetra" including the 'Triveni Tirth'. So it is better if you have your own or rented vehicles. Even autos are available there for site seeing. 

                 It is better to visit here in the month of October-November and in February-March as the weather remains good. Book a hotel online preferably through Somnath trust site (www.somnath.org). I would always recommend hotel 'Sagar Darshan Atithigruh' for its location. At least give one day's time to visit all the local places, better more time if you have to enjoy fully. For my journey to Somnath, you may see my blog at this link. 

Hope you find this blog helpful.

Bhalka Tirth, Somnath, Gujrat.

                                        

       Idols inside the Bhalka temple and 'Moksha-Pippal"

          About three kilometers from Somnath temple en-route Veraval is situated this temple complex known as Bhalka Tirth. This place is related to last part of "Leela" of God Krishna on this earth. After God Krishna took the glory of Yadavas to the zenith and ruled Dwarka many long years, Yadavas became arrogant. They even disrespected Brahmins whom God loved so much. Even though the Yadavas were God's own family he would not tolerate it. Krishna was no ordinary man. He was the avatar of Vishnu and he is also called the Yogeshwar. So when God Krishna saw that his purpose as an avatar was complete and disorder among Yadavas touched to its limit He decided to end His Leela and the Dwarka too. God ordered his bhakta (Follower) Uddhav to go to Badrinath as Dwarka would get submerged in coming days. He too left Dwarka and came to Bhalka near Somnath and sat under a Peepal tree ( a sacred tree like banyan) in the forest in half resting position. He got into meditation under that tree while one of his soles was looking golden yellow like a deer from a distance. It was that time when a poacher (व्याध) named "Jara" came there looking for some prey. He mistook Krishna's sole for a deer and shot an arrow into it. When "Jara" came there he saw the arrow pierced into Krishna's sole and the wound bleeding. "Jara" fell into God's feet and repentantly asked for forgiveness. God Krishna consoled him and said it was not his doing but everything was due to God's own wishes. And that He was going to end His Leela. Thus God sent him back to his place.

             Due to this incident, the Bhalka became a sacred place and it is now famous as "Bhalka Tirth". The idols in the temple here depict this incident - God Krishna half lying with an arrow pierced into His sole and "Jara" the poacher sat weeping both hands folded asking to forgive him. Near the idol is a sacred "Peepal" tree which is touched by devotees. It is called "Moksha Pippala" (मोक्ष पीप्पल).

Main Gate of the "Bhalka Tirth"

                When you enter the main gate of Bhalka Tirth complex a peaceful feeling surrounds your mind. There are many banyan trees under which devotees sit. A Mahadev temple and a clean pond is nearby the main temple. The pond has pucca steps all around. We saw a few turtles in the pond.

Main Temple at "Bhalka Tirth"

          We visited Somnath in the month of February this year with the main purpose of "Darshan" of first of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" the "Someshwar Mahadev" and then seeing of other religious places nearby. The time of visit was perfect as the weather was very pleasant. We booked hotel "Sagar Darshan Atithigruh" online through the trust's site http://www.somnath.org/ as it was very near to the Somnath Temple and very good sea facing rooms. With a rented cab, we visited many religious places in the Somnath including the Bhalka Tirth. The hotel had a big parking space for vehicles. Since Veraval is a center of fishing we saw numerous fishing boats on the way to Bhalka Tirth. These boats were in the fishing port just beside the highway with many flags furling over them. And the whole atmosphere was filled with a very objectionable bad smell like all the fishing centers do. At many places, we saw fishing boats repaired or being newly constructed.

Making of a "Fishing Boat" beside the highway
about a km from "Bhalka Tirth"

                 The months of February - March, and October- November are good seasons to visit Somnath as the weather remains mild and lovely.

"Kund" (Pond) at "Bhalka Tirth"

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Jagannath Puri Yatra

Balbhadra, Subhadra and Krishna

v Why to visit Jagannath Puri  - Main Attractions

Jagannath Puri in Orissa is  known for two main reasons. One, it is one of the four “Dhams” of Hindu religion. Second, It has lovely beaches facing bay of Bengal. Other attractions are at some distance from puri. These are Sun Temple of Konark, Chilka lake and holy city of Bhubaneswar. Below is the description of these places.

Main Entrance of Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Orissa
सिंह द्वार 

v Description of places of interest

Religious Places

1.       Jagannath Puri Dham – Aadi Shankaracharya was not only a great saint and scholor but also a person who united different sects of Sanatan Hindu religion. One of the works for this unification was the establishment of four Dhams in four directions of Indian mainland. Dhams are places and associated temples of God Vishnu or Shiva. Paying visit and worshiping there is thought to be most important from the religious point of view for every Sanatan Hindu . It is called the Char_dham_Yatra (Different from Char_dham_Yatra of Uttarakhand). This Yatra i.e. Journey helps a person to see different places in India and interact with local people thus making a bond among them. Aadi Shankaracharya also made a rule that the main priests of these Dhams won’t be local brahmins but from a distant places. The four Dhams in four corners of India are:-
                                I.           North -Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand –Main deity God Vishnu
                              II.           East -Jagannath Dham in Puri, Orissa  -Main deity God Krishna with brother Balrama (Dau ji)       and sister Subhadra
                            III.         West -Dwarka Dham in Dwarka,Gujarat – Main deity God Krishna as King of Dwarka also called Sri Dwarkadhish                                    IV.          South - Rameshwaram Dham in Tamilnadu – Main deity God Shiva worshiped by Sri Ram.

सिंह द्वार एवं अरुण स्तम्भ (गरुड़ स्तम्भ ) जगन्नाथ पुरी ,ओडिसा
Main Entrance , Jagannath Puri, Odissa

Out of these first three are associated with God Vishnu and last with God Shiva. A priest of Kedarnath, Uttarakhand had told me that since Shankaracharya was working on unification of different sects of Sanatan Hindu religion, main of which were Shaivas (followers of God Shiva) and Vaishnavas (followers of God Vishnu) he proposed to make two Shiva Dhams and two Vishnu Dhams. So in Uttarakhand instead of Badrinath dham, Kedarnath was the proposed Dham which is an equally important Shiva temple. But it could not be finalized and it so happened that ultimately Badrinath was made a Dham.
In the Jagannath puri temple big statues of Krishna, his elder brother Balram and sister Subhadra are placed over a platform that is about five feet high. The statues are made of wood and they are remade every eight, twelve or nineteen years (whichever year has two months of Aashadh in the Hindu calendar). You will find these statues not as a normal one but somewhat underdeveloped. The story behind these types of statues is in two parts. The first part is in Dwaper yug at Dwarka. Mother Rohini is describing the love of Gopis and their Krishna bhakti to the queens of Krishna. In the mean time sister Subhadra comes there and tries to hear these stories. But mother Rohini does not allow her and tells her to guard at the gate. After a few moments both brothers arrive there. Subhadra stops them at the gate. Balram standing to the right of Subhadra and Krishna to the Left, all three heard the stories being told by mother Rohini. They became so much emotional that their bodies began to melt . At that instant Narad muni came there and requested to remain in this appearance in idols for their worshiping. Krishna accepted his request and said “I will remain in this appearance in the idols made of wood but in Kaliyug”. So the second part of the story starts in Kaliyug at present day puri. The king of Malav named Indradyumn came here to have a ‘Darshan’ of God Nilmadhav at Nilachal. He could not find it as it was taken away by the Gods. At that time a voice from the sky (Aakashwani) said that God Jagannath will be pleased to appear in wooden form for you. So the king stayed there for some days. One fine day the king saw a big log of wood floating in the sea. He ordered to bring that log out of water and thought to make idols of God Vishnu from it. At that moment engineer of Gods Vishwakarma appeared as an old man and agreed to make idols out of this log with a condition that nobody opens his workshop until his permission. Many days passed but he did not come out. So one day the queen thought that he must have died out of hunger and she opened the door of the workshop. The old man had disappeared and there were three incomplete idols of God Jagannath, Subhadra and balram. The queen became sad. But again the voice from the sky said  “do not be upset, I wish to remain in this form only. Get the idols painted and put them in the temples with rituals”. That instruction was followed. Hence we see that form of idols.The construction of present day temple was started in fourth decade of twelfth century by king Anant Barman Chodgangdev (चोड़गंगदेव) and completed by his grandson (Nati) king Anang Bhimdev. The beautiful temple is about 230 feet high from the outer road level. On the outer wall of the whole temple artistic idols have been carved. Out of the campus there is a tall pillar called Arun-stambh in front of the eastern gate i.e. Singh-Dwar. Inside the campus there are many temples of different Gods. The temple of Goddess Vimla devi is important one because the “Prasad” of God Jagannath is offered to Goddess Vimla devi then only it becomes “Mahaprasad”. The main ingradient of the Prasad is rice and its preparations. Prasad is the most important thing here and there is a special kitchen inside the campus for cooking the Prasad. It is prepared in large quantity. The Vimladevi temple is also a “Shaktipeeth” . “Shaktipeeth” is important for the followers of Goddess of power i.e. "Shakti”. There are 51 “Shaktipeeths”. Each is at the place where some part of the body of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is believed that naval (Nabhi नाभि ) of Sati had fallen here. In the campus is a banyan tree called “Kalpvriksh”(कल्पवृक्ष ). Devotees do “parikrama” of it. Temples of “SiddhGanesh”, “Sarvmangla devi”, “Laxmi”, “Saraswati”, Sun god and “Hanuman” are important. Northern gate of the temple is called “Baikunth Dwar”. Near it is “Baikuntheshwar Mahadev” temple. The garden beside it is used to put old wooden idols after the new ones are made (Navakalewar).
The ‘Darshan’ of three idols in the main temple has to be availed at the time slot fixed by management. ‘Darshans’ are available at different distances. In some time slots you can have ‘darshan’ inside ‘Garbh-gruh’ (Sanctum sanctorum) for which token has to be purchased. If you are visiting first time here it is better to take services of a local priest. Priests are available inside and outside of the campus. They may insist on offering ‘prasad-bhog’ of different amount according to temple’s list. If you do not have much time and want to return back after the morning ‘puja darshan’ they will give you such type of ‘prasad’ that lasts many days, even when you reach home. But the main ‘prasad’ is the ‘bhog’ made of boiled rice and its other preparations. This is available only in the afternoon. Even some priests will make it available to you in the hotel room where you would stay.      
One of the main attractions of the temple is the daily flag hoisting ceremony. It is done in the evening. The inside campus becomes full of devotees to witness this action. A person climbs with a new flag up to the top of the temple without any help and takes out the old flag. Then he furls the new flag. At this moment all devotees who were patiently watching the person on the top start clapping in jubilation. This is a spectacular moment. The old flag pieces are distributed among the devotees for some donations.
2.   Gundicha Temple – About two km from the main temple is this ‘Gundicha temple’. During the ‘Rath yatra’ festival the idols of Krishna, Subhadra and Balbhadra travel up to this temple and remain there. Near this temple the first idols of  Krishna, Subhadra and Balbhadra were made by Vishwakarma.
3.     Loknath Mahadev Temple - About two km from the main temple is this Loknath Mahadev temple. The ‘Shivling’ here is under water because water continuously oozes out from it. It is only on the festival of ‘Shivratri’ that all the water is taken out for worship and ‘Shivling’ can be seen.
v  Other Religious Places
4.     Bedi-hanuman temple – Half a km from Puri railway station is this temple of ‘Bedi Hanuman’. Name is due to the ‘Bedi’ put on the feet of Hanuman by God Jagannath.
5.      Sonar Gaurang – It is near to the Bedi-hanuman temple. Here is the golden idol of ‘Sri Gaurang Mahaprabhu’.6.       Chakranarayan and Chakrathirth – In front of the ‘Bedi-hanuman temple’ is an old temple of ‘Chakranarayan’. Behind this temple near the sea shore is ‘Chakra-tirth’. The log of wood from which ‘Vishwakarma’ had made the first idol was taken out of sea at this very place.
7.       Emar Math – Related to Sri Ramanujacharya.8.       Gambhira Math – Related to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.9.       Kabir Math – Related to Kabirdas ji.
10.   Gowardhan Peeth (Shankaracharya Math) – Related to Adi Shankaracharya.Apart from these there are many places of religious importance in Puri.
v  Main Festivals

1. Rath Yatra – This festival is world known and it has given Puri a recognition. Every year on 'Aashadh shukla dwitiya' (according to Hindu calender - generally in June-July) this festival starts. Just in front of the main gate three big 'Raths' (chariots) are made every year and each of the three idols are placed on it. These 'raths' are pulled by devotees. By the evening it reaches Gundicha Temple. Next day these idols are placed at their predetermined places in Gundicha Temple. They remain there for seven days. On 'Aashadh shukla dashami' (according to Hindu calender) they return back to the main temple. On these nine days main temple 'darshan' is closed. The 'Darshan' of Gods at Gundicha Temple in these days is called "Aadap-darshan". It may be noted that the idols in yatra are not the same that are placed in the main temple. Where ever idol-yatras are taken out, the idols for yatra is different.

2. Chandan Yatra - Each year on 'Baishakh shukla tritiya' to 'jyeshtha krishna ashtami' (according to Hindu calender) idols of Madanmohan,Ram-Krishna, Laxmi-Saraswati and Panchmahadev are taken to 'Chandan Talab' for giving them a bath and boating.

3. Rukmani haran leela- on 'jyeshtha shukla ekadashi' (according to Hindu calender)

4. Snan yatra - on 'Jyeshtha Purnima' (according to Hindu calender) idols of Subhadra and Balram are taken to 'Snan mandap' for bathing purpose. 

5. Jhulan yatra- on ''Shravan shukla dashami' (according to Hindu calender)

6. Janmashtami, Kaliya Daman and Parshwa pariwartan - in the month of 'Bhado''. Many more festivals related to Krishna and Vishnu in other months are celebrated here. 

Places of Tourist Attraction

           Main tourist attractions of Puri are the lovely sea beaches here. Many hotels and resorts are available here that are full of tourists all round the year. So many 'Dharmashalas' are here that facilitate accommodation to people that come here in large groups or for a comparatively long stay. In fact every class of people can get accommodation here. Advance booking of hotels is necessary to avoid any difficulty in hotel search. Now a days online booking facility is available on many internet sites like 'makemytrip', 'cleartrip' and many others. You can also have a choice of sea facing rooms. The main sea beach is along Marine drive road. Yes! Like Mumbai here too is a marine drive. Along the beach is a road called Marine drive road and the side of the road is full of hotels of different categories. These sea facing hotels are a bit costlier than the same levels of hotels behind these hotels. 

Puri beach - on the left Bay of Bengal and on the right sea facing
hotels at marine drive, Puri, Odissa

            The sea beach in front of Marine drive road presents a look of 'Mela'. Full of people taking a bath in the clear sea, walking along sea shore, playing with sand or colorful balls, riding a horse or camel or just sitting and enjoying the lovely view. Many 'feriwalas' roam asking you for eatables or selling other things. Photographers will continuously ask you for having a memorable photo. Same for the pearl sellers. Pearl sellers not only sell the so called pearls but they claim to have many precious stones even diamond. Bargaining is their main characteristic. Better not to buy anything claimed valuable by them because hardly these are original. 

Beautiful Beach at Puri, Orissa

             If you get hungry and thirsty go the road that goes behind the lines of hotels on the center of Marine drive road. Enter this road and you get tea, coffee, snacks and bottles of water. Some of the snacks are local variety. A few shops sell 'sari, chader and gamchhas'.             Along the Marine drive road you can get a cab or auto for local transport or site seeing. Outside Puri places of religious or tourist attractions are Chilka lake, City of Bhubaneswar (Famous for Lingaraja Temple) and Sun-Temple of Konark.

राम चंडी मंदिर
On the way to Konark from Puri, Odissa.
It is said that God Ram had worshiped 
Chandika Devi here  During his 
stay at forest (वनवास)

             Puri is well connected to other parts of the country by roads and railways. By flight you can reach Bhubaneswar which is about sixty km from Puri.            In fact you get enjoyment of both worlds in Puri -  spiritualistic and materialistic.