Planning a Jagannath Puri Trip? Your Pilgrimage Is Incomplete Without These 3 Sacred Shrines
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is revered by millions of devotees. Also known as Purushottam Kshetra, Shrikshetra, Nilachal, and Jagannath Puri, the temple is home to Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra.
Every year, the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra is celebrated here during the Hindu month of Ashadha, attracting lakhs of pilgrims from across the globe.
However, according to local religious beliefs, a visit to the Jagannath Temple is considered incomplete unless devotees also seek blessings at these three sacred places.
However, according to local religious beliefs, a visit to the Jagannath Temple is considered incomplete unless devotees also seek blessings at these three sacred places.
1. Gundicha Temple
Located a few kilometres from the main Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Puri.
On Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra leave the main temple in their grand chariots and travel to Gundicha Temple during the annual Rath Yatra.
On Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra leave the main temple in their grand chariots and travel to Gundicha Temple during the annual Rath Yatra.
According to Hindu tradition, the temple is named after Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, who is believed to have built the original Jagannath Temple.
Religious beliefs also state that Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, carved the sacred wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at this very place. Because of this, Gundicha Temple is often regarded as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath.
Religious beliefs also state that Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, carved the sacred wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at this very place. Because of this, Gundicha Temple is often regarded as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath.
The deities stay here for nine days, during which special rituals and prayers are performed. Their return journey to the main temple is known as the Bahuda Yatra. For the remainder of the year, the temple remains largely unoccupied.
While visiting the area, devotees also visit nearby temples such as Lokanath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and Alarnath Temple. ALSO READ: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: 5 Important Rules and Travel Tips Before Visiting Puri
While visiting the area, devotees also visit nearby temples such as Lokanath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and Alarnath Temple. ALSO READ: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: 5 Important Rules and Travel Tips Before Visiting Puri
2. Bedi Hanuman Temple
Near the sea, opposite the Jagannath Temple, stands the famous Bedi Hanuman Temple.
According to local belief, Lord Hanuman resides here to protect both Jagannath Temple and the holy town of Puri from the sea and other dangers.
The word "Bedi" means "bound" or "chained." Devotees visit this ancient temple to seek the blessings of Hanuman, who is depicted in a bound form. The temple holds immense spiritual significance among pilgrims visiting Puri.
3. Vimala Shakti Peeth
Situated in the southwestern corner of the Jagannath Temple complex, Vimala Temple is one of the revered Shakti Peethas in Hindu tradition.
According to mythology, the navel of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen in the Utkal region. Here, Goddess Vimala is worshipped as the divine energy (Shakti), while Lord Jagannath is regarded as the accompanying form of Lord Shiva.
Local tradition considers Goddess Vimala the guardian deity of Jagannath Kshetra, and it is believed that all rituals in the temple are performed with her divine approval.
She is also worshipped as Yogmaya and Parameshwari, and devotees believe she has been present in the sacred land even before Lord Jagannath. The temple is regarded as an important centre of Tantric worship and holds immense religious significance for devotees.
She is also worshipped as Yogmaya and Parameshwari, and devotees believe she has been present in the sacred land even before Lord Jagannath. The temple is regarded as an important centre of Tantric worship and holds immense religious significance for devotees.
