Amid the spectacular views of the eastern coast of India, lies the state of Odisha which is known for spreading spirituality by its many temples. One special temple out of them is the Jagannath Temple which finds its place in the city of Puri. This famous temple of Odisha is one of the Char Dham, which is a set of four pilgrimage sites of India. Worshippers flock in number to the city just to get a glimpse of the magnetic and spiritually bounding temple and also to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The temple was built in the 11th century atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour. Moreover, it’s only when the pilgrims see and get a touch of the chariot on which the Lord is carried that they feel their journey in Odisha is complete.
Puri is not a big city. The only prominent market is the one along the Jagannath Temple area. It is here that we spotted some savoury snacks that looked really tempting from far but on closer look we had to change our mind courtesy the flies.
Ananda Bazar located to the North-east of the Singha Dwara inside the temple complex. Arguably the biggest food market in the world, this Bazaar is also historically important. Popular sweets- Khaja, Rasogolla and Chhena Poda Pitha, made of cottage cheese are quite popular with Bengali tourists.
