Puri Jagannath Temple – A Complete Guide with Timings

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna), it is part of the Char Dham Yatra, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the world.

Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, this magnificent temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a cultural symbol of Odisha. The temple is known for its unique rituals, grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), and its impressive architecture that stands tall at 214 feet.

Highlights of Jagannath Temple

• Home to the holy trinity: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

• Famous for the Mahaprasad (sacred food offering) cooked in earthen pots.

• The Rath Yatra, held annually, draws millions of devotees.

• A blend of spirituality, history, and architectural brilliance.

Puri Jagannath Temple Timings

The temple remains open every day, but timings are divided for different rituals. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

• Morning Opening Time: 5:30 AM

• Darshan Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Closing Time: 9:30 PM

⏳ Note: The timings may change slightly on festival days and special occasions.

Best Time to Visit

• Daily Rituals: Early morning Mangala Aarti is highly recommended.

• Festivals: The Rath Yatra (June–July) is the grandest celebration, but expect heavy crowds.

• Season: October to February is pleasant for darshan.

Tips for Visitors

• Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple premises (a long-standing tradition).

• Non-Hindus can view the temple from the Raghunandan Library rooftop nearby.

• Dress modestly and follow temple customs.

• Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside.

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Suryanarayana Temple -Timings, Arasavalli

The Suryanarayana Temple in Arasavalli, near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most famous and ancient temples dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Narayana). It is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple is unique because it is one of the very few Sun temples in India where the deity is still worshipped actively.

The main deity, Lord Suryanarayana, is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the seven days of the week and the seven colors of sunlight. Devotees believe that offering prayers here can cure ailments, especially those related to the eyes and skin.

Highlights of Suryanarayana Temple

• Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, worshipped as a life-giver and healer.

• The temple’s architecture allows the sun’s rays to directly fall on the deity’s feet twice a year (March and September).

• A sacred place where devotees perform Rathasaptami and Ratha Yatra with great devotion.

• Believed to have powerful healing properties for those who offer prayers with faith.

Timings of Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli

• Morning Opening: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Evening Opening: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM

⏳ Note: Temple timings may vary slightly during festivals and special occasions.

Best Time to Visit

• Festivals: Rathasaptami (January–February) and Ratha Yatra are celebrated with grandeur.

• Season: October to March is pleasant for travel and darshan.

• Special Days: Equinox days (March & September), when the sun’s rays touch the deity’s feet.

Tips for Visitors

• The temple attracts large crowds during festivals; plan for early morning visits.

• Dress modestly and follow temple customs.

• Local guides are available to explain the history and significance.

• Don’t miss the peaceful surroundings of Arasavalli, which add to the spiritual experience.

 Suryanarayana Temple Timings:

Morning :- 6AM -12:30PM
Eevening Hours : 3:30 PM - 8:00PM

 

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Amaravati Tourism Places

Amaravathi is a town located on the banks of the River Krishna in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Amaravathi is also called the Abode of God.It is a familiar name for the Buddhists in India and is a prime hub for pilgrimage and sightseeing.

This is also renowned for being a site of a great Buddhist Stupa, which is a mound-like or semi-hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the ashes of Buddhist monks, used by Buddhists as a place of meditation. it was during the reign of emperor Ashoka,one can see the Stupa decorated with carvings of life and teachings of Buddha. The 95 ft tall structure is made of brick with a circular dome and platforms towards all four directions. It is decorated with carved panels which tell the story of Buddha's life. Art historians regard the Amaravathi art as one of the three major styles or schools of ancient Indian art, the other two being the Gandhara style and the Mathura style.

Amareswara Temple, Amaravathi

The Amareswara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, the 'Destroyer of the Universe'.

The holy place embraces a 15 ft high marble Shiv Ling. It is believed that Lord Shiva is present in the structure of five lingams - Pranaveswara, Agasteswara, Kosaleswara, Someswara and Parthiveswara. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture,  'Maha Shivaratri' of 'Magha Bahula Dasami' is the main festivals celebrated here. This holy place has a pious aura that seeps into the heart, mind and body of all patrons.

Amravati Museum, Amaravathi.

Amravati Museum in Guntur District showcases several fascinating Buddhist relics as well as helps visitors understand the history of the town. The museum has a wide array of spellbinding images of Lord Buddha, some of which are in unique poses. In addition, the museum houses many other art and artifacts, such as the elephant of Ajatshatru and vibrant art showing how Gautama Siddhartha left his palace in search of nirvana.
Amravati Museum offers an insightful journey into the past of Buddhism and visitors can enjoy this journey.
 

p.c : AP Tourism

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Masula(Mysolia) Beach Festival 2025 – A Coastal Celebration

The Masula Beach Festival 2025 at Manginapudi Beach, Machilipatnam was one of the grandest coastal events of Andhra Pradesh. Held from June 5 to 8, 2025, it combined cultural showcases, adventure sports, water rides, and traditional markets to celebrate the heritage of Krishna district.

Masula Beach Festival 2025

Highlights of the Festival

• Adventure Sports: Paragliding, bungee jumping, sea kayaking, heli rides, speed boat races, and jet ski rides.

• Cultural Shows: Kuchipudi dance, folk music, celebrity performances, and live concerts.

• Food & Handicrafts: Bandar Laddu, seafood curries, Bandar Halwa, and stalls showcasing Kondapalli toys, Lepakshi crafts, and Kalamkari textiles.

• Grand Scale: Over 12 lakh visitors attended across 4 days, making it one of the biggest coastal festivals in South India.

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Music show

  
  

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Cultural Shows

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Singing

   

  
  

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Paragliding

Attractions to Explore

• Manginapudi Beach – Known for its black soil and shallow waters.

• Panduranga Swamy Temple – A 500-year-old temple, also called Andhra’s Pandharpur.

• Dattashram – A sacred site with meditation halls near the beach.

• Machilipatnam Town – Famous for Kalamkari handlooms and historic Dutch & British era architecture.

• Manginapudi Lighthouse – Offers panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.

Accommodation

• APTDC Haritha Beach Resort – Located close to Manginapudi Beach, perfect for families.

• Hotel Eswar Grand – In Machilipatnam town, offering modern amenities.

• Hotel Raj Residency – A good mid-range option with comfortable rooms.

• Budget Stays & Lodges – Many small lodges and guesthouses available in Machilipatnam for budget travelers.

💡 Book in advance, as hotels get filled quickly during the 4-day festival.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: Evenings at the festival are lively with cultural programs.

• Transport: Machilipatnam is well connected by road and rail. Vijayawada Airport is the nearest air link (70 km away).

• Packing Tip: Carry cotton clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles for day events.

The Masula Beach Festival is more than just a celebration — it’s a showcase of Andhra’s coastal culture, cuisine, adventure, and heritage. A perfect weekend getaway combining fun, faith, and festivities on the sandy shores of Machilipatnam.

 

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