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Rath Yatra 2024 promises to be an exciting event with hundreds of thousands of domestic and international, Hindu and non-Hindu visitors. As the streets of Puri swell with the crowds, you may wish to experience this exciting annual festival or get away to visit other religious places in Odisha. Trident, Bhubaneswar is the perfect base for Rath Yatra 2024 visitors and for those wishing to explore temples near Puri and temples in Odisha.

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Konark Sun Temple

Temples in Odisha abound with legends and myths, and this one is no exception. It is said that the Konark Sun Temple used to be held together with a magnet so strong it would wreak havoc with the Portuguese trading boats’ compasses and had to be destroyed with dynamite, which led to the temple’s ruin. Located 35 kilometres away from Puri, the Konark Sun Temple dates back to the 13th century. Remnants of the 30 metre-high chariot of Surya, the sun god, can still be seen, pulled by seven horses that represent the days of the week, with 24-spoked wheels that represent hours in the day.

Hindu devotees believe that the sacred River Ganga flows through the top of Shiva Linga statues. At this temple in Puri, icons of Lord Shiva and his symbolic Shiva Linga are thus submerged under holy water. This holy water is believed to have miraculous healing powers for true believers.

The presiding deity of this temple, Maa Mangala, has a special bed made of solid stone within its walls. It is believed she rests here after touring the universe every day. Also dedicated to the Mother Goddess branch of Hinduism, Kakatpur Mangala Temple is a site of Shakti Pitha and one of the best places near Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra route for a slightly less bustling temple experience.

Another one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple has an underground water source that is said to emanate from the Shiva Linga via the River Ganga. The healing properties of this water are believed to heal minor and major ailments in those of strong, pure faith.