Odisha Loknath Mandir – Guide
Loknath Mandir is one of the holiest temples in Odisha dedicated to Lord Shiva. An interesting aspect of this shrine is that it has a Shivalinga in its sanctum sanctorum, which appears only once a year. The reason for this is that a natural fountain fills the entire sanctum including the Shivling with water throughout the year. It is only on the night of Pankodhar Ekadashi three days before the Shivaratri festival that all the water in the sanctum sanctorum is drained out, and the Shivalinga becomes visible.
History of this Temple
According to historians, when Lord Rama was on his way to Lanka to rescue Goddess Sita, he stopped at Puri and took a vow to see Lord Shiva. Meanwhile Sabaras, a man from the nearby village of Sabarapalli, gave Lord Rama a pumpkin which resembled a Shivalinga. Lord Rama installed this pumpkin as a replica of the Shivling and prayed to the Lord to fulfill his wish of saving Sita. Since then, the Shivling is known as ‘Lauknath’. Over the centuries, the name ‘Lauknath’ changed to ‘Loknath’.
Odisha Loknath Mandir Timings
Odisha Loknath Mandir opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and close at 9:00 PM in the evening. Morning aarti is performed at 6:00 AM in the morning and evening aarti is performed at 8:30 PM in the evening.
| Saturday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
| Sunday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
| Monday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
| Thursday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
| Friday | 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:00 AM & 08:30 PM |
Places to visit near this Temple
Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple located in Puri is famous all over the country and the city of Puri in Orissa is known for the Jagannath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna. Apart from Lord Shri Krishna, idols of his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra have also been established in this temple.
Chakratirth
Chakratirth is an important pilgrimage site, it is located in the northern part of Puri city and at a distance of 3 km from Jagannath Temple. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha at this place.
Narendra Pokhar
Narendra Pokhar also known as Narendra Tank. This is a huge and sacred pond, which is situated in the Dandi Mala Sahi area, 1 kilometer from the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This pokhar is called the largest tank of Odisha. This pond was built by Raja Narendra Dev Rai in the 15th century.
Gundicha Temple
Just at a walking distance away from the Lord Jagannath Temple is the Gundicha Temple, which is also believed to be the home of Lord Jagannath’s maternal aunt. This temple is the oldest temple in Puri and the journey of Lord Jagannath starts from Jagannath temple and ends here.
Also Read: Neemsar Mandir Sitapur, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach
How to reach Odisha Loknath Mandir
By Air- The nearest airport from Odisha Loknath Mandir is Biju Patnaik International Airport which is at a distance of 60 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Odisha Loknath Mandir is Puri railway station which is at a distance of 4.6 km from this Temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.
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