Markandeshwar Temple Puri Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Markandeshwar Temple Puri Phone
N/A
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Based on total 32 reviews
Markandeshwar Temple Puri Address: Near, Markandeshwar Sahi, Brahmagiri Rd, Puri, Odisha, 752001, India
Puri Tour Packages
Markandeshwar Temple Puri Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Wedesday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Thursday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Friday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Saturday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Sunday | 5:00 am – 12:00 pm 4:00 am – 9:00 pm |
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Markandeshwar Temple lies close to the sacred Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha. It is considered to be one of the 52 Shiva shrines in the country and one of the Panch Tirthas (Five Pilgrimages) of Puri. The temple is also known by other names such as Markandeshwara Mahadeva Temple and Markandeya Shiva Temple. It is believed that the shrine was built around the 12th century at the exact same spot, where Rishi (Sage) Markandeya meditated in devotion to Lord Shiva.
History of Markandeshwar Temple Puri
According to mythological stories, Lord Shiva once saved Rishi Markandeya from a great danger from the sea. After which Markandeya placed a Shivalinga at the exact spot, where God saved him and began his meditation in Lord’s dedication. This place came to be known as Markandeya. As per his historical records, the Ganga Dynasty built the present temple here around the 12th century.
A number of festivals including Maha Shivaratri, Rishi Panchami, Sankranti and Janmashtami are celebrated in the temple with great fervor. The rituals of the Jagannath Temple such as Sital Sasthi, Chandan Yatra, Kaliyadalan, Balabhadra Janma, etc. are also associated with this temple.
Architecture of Markandeshwar Temple Puri
The Markandeshwar Temple is a white-colored, small structure with elaborate carvings at the top. The temple lies adjacent to the Markandeya Sarovar (Tank), which is believed to be the starting point of the Puri pilgrimage. This rectangular-shaped tank is enclosed by a stone wall, which is made of laterite blocks. It is an open structure that serves as the spot for ritual and normal bathing. Besides those other rituals such as Mundan Kriya, Pinda Dana, etc. are performed on the steps of this tank.
Image Gallery of Markandeshwar Temple Puri
Things to do in Markandeshwar Temple Puri
Tourists, on a visit to this sacred temple, can relax on the steps of the Markandeya Sarovar and enjoy the cool breeze and view of the tall coconut trees in the background, besides offering their prayers here. In addition to this temple, tourists can head to other famous holy temples in the city including the Jagannath Temple, Loknath Temple, Gundicha Temple and Ramachandi Temple.
Markandeshwar Temple Puri Timings and Entry fee
There is no entry fee to visit the Markandeshwar Temple. It remains open all days of the week from 5 am till 12 noon and 4 pm to 9 pm.
How to reach Markandeshwar Temple Puri
The Markandeshwar Temple lies at a distance of about 4.1 km from the Puri Railway Station and approximately 2.9 km away from the Puri Bus Stand. Puri receives a number of inter-state and intrastate trains and buses on a daily basis. Private taxis, auto rickshaws, battery-operated rickshaws and cycle rickshaws can be availed from the railway station and the bus stand to reach the temple with ease.
The nearest airport to the temple is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar; it is located at a distance of about 59 km. From the Bhubaneswar Airport, it takes about an hour or so to reach Puri by road. Tourists can avail private taxis from the list of top car rental companies in Bhubaneswar or local bus service to reach the city hassle free.
Things to keep in mind while visiting Markandeshwar Temple Puri
- Footwear inside the temple premises is not allowed.
- Special care should be taken near the tank, especially in case of kids.
- Littering and damaging any part of the property is strictly prohibited.
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