After a brief visit to the beach at Puri, we entered the pilgrimage town, located about 60 km from Bhubaneswar. Puri is one of India’s most important pilgrimage centers and is vibrant throughout the year. Like all four-wheeled vehicles, our bus had to park a distance away from the Jagannath Temple- the main attraction of the city. Auto and bicycle rickshaw drivers enjoyed the extra business of transporting visitors right up to the temple entrance. Of course, cows lazily meandered the street, seemingly not bothered by the huge crowds. On the main street known as Bada Danda, stalls were set up selling scores of items catering to pilgrims; cotton wicks for lamps, puja items, flowers, framed images of Hindu gods, snacks, jewelry, and much more. 
This 12th century temple, nicknamed the “White Pagoda” by sailors to distinguish it from the Sun Temple, was also an important landmark. Its main spire rises 65 m high, dominating the skyline. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside, so I had to be content with any views I could capture by walking around its 6m high wall. As the rest of the tour members walked through the main gate guarded by a pair of colorful stone lions, I began my circumnavigation around the outer walls of the massive complex. At certain points I was able to get a better view of the main spire and three smaller shrines with pyramidal roofs. I passed by three other entrances to the temple, each with a different type of sculpted animal guarding them.
From the rooftop of a nearby business, I had a view of the Bada Danda and part of the temple complex. The temple kitchen area was pointed out to me, the largest kitchen in India. I imagined what the scene must look like during the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated chariots. The normally busy streets become densely packed with people, with excitement reaching a fervor pitch. Just imagine if chaos erupts during this time!See more photos of Puri on my Flickr page
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