Puri is a famous pilgrimage and tourist destination in Odisha, known for its Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, and Rath Yatra. There are many other places to visit near Puri that offer a glimpse of the rich culture, heritage, and nature of the state. One such place is Loknath Temple, a sacred and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Loknath Temple is located near the Jagannath Temple, and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The temple has a unique feature that the Shivalinga inside the sanctum is submerged in water throughout the year, except for one day before Shivaratri, when the water is drained out and the Shivalinga becomes visible. The water is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure diseases. The temple also has a rich history and legends associated with Lord Rama, Lord Jagannath, and Lord Lokanath.
Lord Rama installed the Shivalinga at Loknath Temple when he was on his way to Lanka to rescue Sita. He was given a pumpkin (locally called Lau or Lauka) by a tribal man named Sabara, who lived in a nearby village called Sabarapalli. Lord Rama carved the pumpkin into a Shivalinga and worshipped it as Lord Shiva. He also prayed to Lord Shiva to help him defeat Ravana and rescue Sita. Since then, the Shivalinga has been known as Laukanath or Lokanath, meaning the lord of the pumpkin.
Another legend says that Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Puri, entrusted the treasure of his temple to Lord Lokanath, who is considered as his guardian. Lord Lokanath hid the treasure under the water in his temple, and only reveals it once a year on the night of Pankoddhar Ekadashi, three days before Shivaratri. On this day, the water is bailed out from the sanctum, and the Shivalinga and the treasure become visible. Devotees throng to the temple to have a glimpse of the Shivalinga and the treasure, and offer their prayers and offerings.
The temple is also believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva himself manifested as the Shivalinga at Loknath Temple, and grants the wishes of his devotees.
Timings of Loknath Temple Puri
The temple is open for visitors from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm on all days of the week. The temple has different timings for different rituals and ceremonies, such as Mangala Arati, Abakasha, Balabhog, Sahanamela, Sandhya Arati, and Badasinghar. The temple also has special timings for festivals and occasions, such as Shivaratri, Saranti Somavar Mela, Kartik Purnima, and Ashadha Ekadashi.
Entry Fee of Loknath Temple Puri
There is no entry fee to visit the temple. Devotees can make donations and offerings to the temple as per their wish and capacity.
How to Reach Loknath Temple Puri
The temple is located in the heart of Puri, near the Jagannath Temple. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Puri Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport, which is about 60 km from the temple. There are buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws available from the railway station and the airport to the temple. The temple is also within walking distance from the Jagannath Temple and the Puri Beach.
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