Puri, a sacred city in Odisha, is abuzz during the Jagannath Rath Yatra as it draws millions of devotees from across the globe. The majestic chariot festival, to be held on June 27, 2025, marks the occasion of Lord Jagannath’s visit to Gundicha Temple accompanied by his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Though the procession is the peak experience, visiting the Must-Visit Sacred Places in Puri brings richness to your Puri spiritual experience. Below are six sacred places in Puri you cannot miss visiting during Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, each with a special link to divinity and history.
1.Sri Jagannath Temple: The Heart of the Yatra
The Sri Jagannath Temple is the central fixture of the Must-Visit Sacred Places in Puri. Constructed in the 12th century, this temple is in honor of Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. It’s where Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 begins with the deities being mounted on gigantic chariots for their procession. The temple’s imposing spire, expansive kitchen serving thousands of people every day, and novel rituals such as the Chhera Pahanra (king’s sweeping of chariots) establish it as a spiritual center. Open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Hindus get in for free, although non-Hindus can look at the temple from outside or the Raghunandan Library rooftop.
2.Gundicha Temple: The Divine Resting Place
One of the major stops of the Must-Visit Sacred Places in Puri, Gundicha Temple is where Lord Jagannath rests for seven days during the Yatra. Located 3 km from Jagannath Temple, it’s often called the “Garden House” or “aunt’s house” of Lord Jagannath. During Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, the deities stay here, and on the fifth day, the Hera Panchami festival unfolds, celebrating Goddess Lakshmi’s visit. The temple’s serene ambiance offers a chance for quiet reflection. It’s open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (with a break from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM), and admission is free, making it a pilgrimage site must for your Puri spiritual journey.
2.Alarnatha Mandir: A Quiet Retreat
Alarnatha Mandir, located 23 km from Puri, is one of the Must-Visit Sacred Sites in Puri, particularly during the Anavasara season when Lord Jagannath is in solitude after the Snana Purnima ceremony. Devotees throng here to worship Lord Vishnu in his Alarnath avatar, said to be an incarnation of Jagannath at this time. The serene atmosphere of the temple surrounded by greenery makes it an ideal place for meditation. It’s from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM with no fee for entry. A visit to this holy place in Puri during Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 is a greater experience spiritually.
3.Narendra Tank: A Holy Water Body
Narendra Tank, one of the biggest sacred tanks in Odisha, is one of the Must-Visit Sacred Places in Puri. Situated close to Jagannath Temple, this tank is at the core of the Chandan Yatra festival, weeks before the Rath Yatra, when the gods are taken out for a ritual boat ride. Adorned with surrounding smaller temples, the peaceful waters of the tank provide a tranquil environment for spiritual contemplation. It’s open throughout the day with free admission, so it’s an effortless detour on your Puri pilgrimage. The tank itself and its sacredness are a priceless sacred spot in Puri.
4.Swargadwar: Gateway to Heaven
Swargadwar, a holy shore along the Puri coast, is a special addition to the Must-Visit Sacred Sites in Puri. Called the “Gateway to Heaven,” it is believed that doing last rites here provides moksha (liberation). On Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, the beach is replete with elaborate sand art illustrating Jagannath’s stories, giving it a cultural touch. You can go for a sacred dip, meditate on the beach, or have sunrise glimpses. Visitable at any time of day without a ticket charge, Swargadwar strikes a balance between spirituality and nature, and must be visited as one of Puri’s sacred places.
6.Rohini Kunda: A Mystical Place
Within the Jagannath Temple compound, Rohini Kunda is one of the Must-Visit Sacred Sites in Puri with rich mythological history. It is a tiny well that is said to contain Lord Narayan and is connected to the myth of Lord Krishna’s body turning into a log that drifted to Puri. Worshippers come to this holy place to experience a spiritual connection during Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025. Opened during temple timings (5:00 AM to 10:00 PM), there’s no extra charge to see this place inside the temple. This is a secret attraction among the holy places in Puri that is ideal for spiritual pilgrims.
Tips on Visiting During Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025
Visiting the Top Sacred Places to Visit in Puri during Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 does need some planning. Go early to avoid the crowd, particularly at Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple. Dress modestly and comfortably, since June weather (25-35°C) can be hot and humid—bring water to drink. Be respectful of local customs, such as taking off shoes at the temples and staying quiet during rituals. Reserve accommodations in advance because Puri becomes crowded during the festival. These holy places in Puri will make your Puri spiritual experience richer, combining devotion, history, and culture.