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Odisha Part 2 - Puri: The Experience of Jagannath

The temple of Jagannath at Puri is one of the four most important temples across India. Sometimes called the Char Dham – Badrinath in the north, Rameswaram in the South, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east – these temples mark four corners of our country, and each of these temples has a connection to Adi Shankara. He is said to have travelled to each of them, thus marking a sacred geography of India, long before the country actually existed. Among these 4 temples, 3 are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while only Rameswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva, though the lingam there is said to have been installed by Rama. Further, Shankara set up Mutts at 3 of these sites (or very close to these sites, like at Badrinath, where the mutt is at Joshimutt), while the mutt in the south is at Sringeri in Karnataka, quite a distance away from Rameswaram. Coming back to the topic, I have visited Rameswaram most often, Badrinath during my childhood, and Dwaraka a few times, but Puri had stayed out of re...
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Wish you all a Merry Christmas!
From
Samhith, Shankar and Anu

When you read this, I will be travelling, first to Hampi and then to Puttaparthi, trying to get in some more places along the way. A new trip does not mean that I am through with my Tirupati posts. I have just finished with the town of Tirupati, but there is more coming up, about places around. So, keep coming here and leaving your precious comments. There can be no better gift for me than a load of comments! I shall reply to all of you when I get back!

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