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Sightseeing in Puri includes the Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most famous temples in Orissa. Located along the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal, the temple has attracted thousands of people throughout the ages. Though the Jagannath temple in Puri is mainly dedicated to Lord Jagannath who is the symbol of universal love and brotherhood and is Lord of the Universe, some other deities are also worshipped here. These include Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and, Bhudevi. The Lord Jagannath is made of margosa wood. Also, during lunar months of Ashadh, the deities change their bodies. This is known as Navakalebar or New Body Ceremony. During this time, the temple is throbbed with innumerable devotees. According to a legend of the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Neela Madhab by a tribal chief named Viswabasu. In fact, the king Indradyumna got a vision in his dreams where Lord Jagannath directed him to receive a particular fragrant tree on the sea shore of Puri and make idol of it. So, the king got Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan carved out of the wood and placed them in the temple. The Jagannath temple in Puri has religious connotations. This temple is believed to be extremely sacred. It has maintained its orthodox nature right from the initial years of its establishment. When you visit the temple, you can find thousands of priests crowding at the temple premises. In fact, these priests conduct all the rituals which you would want to perform. Defying all adversities and the furious onslaught of Time, the Jagannath temple in Puri still stands out as one of the holiest places of the country. Do visit this temple when you come down to Puri in order to spend your vacations.
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