Srikhetra, colloquially known as Puri, holds immense significance in Hinduism and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and religious fervor. Here's a detailed overview covering its history, importance, prominent temples, and other significant aspects:
• Srikhetra's history dates back to ancient times, with references found in various Hindu scriptures and texts.
• It is believed to have been established as a religious center by King Indradyumna, who according to legend, was guided by Lord Vishnu in the form of a celestial voice to discover the divine Nila Madhava deity.
• The construction of the Jagannath Temple, the most iconic landmark of Srikhetra, is credited to King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century.
• Over the centuries, Srikhetra has witnessed the patronage of various rulers and dynasties, including the Ganga Dynasty, the Suryavamsi Gajapati Kings, and the Marathas.
• The city has also been a center of religious and cultural exchange, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and artists from across the Indian subcontinent.
• Srikhetra is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, which include Badrinath, Rameswaram, and Dwarka.
• The Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is the primary reason for Srikhetra's significance. It is believed to be one of the Char Dhams.
• The city is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra, a grand festival during which the deities are placed on elaborately decorated chariots and pulled through the streets by devotees.
• Srikhetra serves as a cultural and spiritual hub, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world who come to seek blessings and witness its religious festivals and rituals.
As per the Bramha Purushottama, Kshetra spans across ten yojanas (equivalent to 90 miles) in length and five kosas (ten miles) in width. This revered area is referred to by various names such as Shankha-kshetra, Neelachala, Uddiyana-peetha, Dasavatara-kshetra, and Martya-Vaikuntha. At its heart lies the sanctified Temple of Lord Jagannath, safeguarded by the divine presence of Sshta-shivas (eight manifestations of Lord Shiva), Sshta-Shakti (eight forms of the Goddess), and Ashta-Mahaveer (eight forms of Lord Hanuman). It encompasses countless sacred temples and revered sites.
Within this sacred expanse reside five "Tirthas" or pilgrimage spots, including Markandeya Sorovar, Shwetaganga Sarovar, Narendra Sarovar, Rohini-Kunda, and Mhodadhi. Additionally, ashrams of four ancient Rishis – Angira, Bhrugu, Kandu, and Markandeya – grace the Kshetra. Renowned Acharyas from various Vedic traditions, such as Bhagavatpada Adi Shankaracharya, Shree Ramanujacharya, and Shree Nimbarkacharya, have also established monasteries representing their respective lineages in this sacred locale.