PURI Tourism, PURI Travel Guide, PURI Tourist Places
About Puri
Puri, one of the oldest cities in eastern part of India, is a popular beach resort of Orissa that is positioned in a unique place that provides a visitor view of both sunrise and sunset from the beach. Puri is also famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Festival of Chariots), when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian calendar, typically in the month of July. Puri has dual identities of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important pilgrimage centre.
History of Puri
Puri has been an important provincial outpost that connected eastern and southern India from 7th century. Puri has been associated with Hindu religion for a long time and has been frequented by pilgrims from 12th century. Puri became an important center of Vaishnavism from 12th century and King Anantavarman Chodaganga, ruler of Puri built Purusottama temple in 1135. Purusottama temple was later came to be known as Jagannath temple in 15th century. The temple of Puri was also destroyed by the Aghans in 16th century and later renovated by the Marathas.