Loknath temple

Loknath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva has situated one kilometre away from of Puri - Jagannath Temple. Therefore, this temple of Puri is also referred to as the Shiva temple of the region.

The Lokanatha temple has four parts such as Vimana (Main Temple), Jagamohana (Entrance Hall), Natamandapa (Dancing Hall) and Bhogamndapa (Offering Hall). The main temple is about 30 feet from the ground level and is built with sandstones.

As per the history, Puri was a centre of Shiva worship where Lord Ramachandra himself placed the Lingam in the Lokanath Temple. This lingam is always submerged with water of river Ganga, can only be seen on Pankodhar Ekadasi, before Shivaratri, when the water is removed from the lingam. On that day, thousands of devotees come for a darshan. It is believed that whosoever visit this place, gets rid of all the problems from his life.

Every year many festivals get celebrated at this temple. One of the most famous festivals that get celebrated in this temple is the Saranti Somobar Fair which is attended by large numbers of tourists. The utsava murti of Lokanath is kept inside the Jagannath Temple, Puri. He is the guardian deity of all the treasures and jewellery of Lord Jagannath.