Puri Lokanatha Temple (Pancha Pandava Sthalam of Puri), Odisha

Address

Puri Lokanatha Temple (Pancha Pandava Sthalam of Puri), Puri, Odisha 752001

Diety

Lokanatha

Introduction

The Lokanatha Temple in Puri, Odisha, holds significant religious and historical importance. The Lokanatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the Pancha Pandava Temples in Puri. It is associated with Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. Additionally, it is one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples that protect the city of Puri in all directions. The temple is located approximately 2 kilometers from the Jagannatha Temple, making it easily accessible for pilgrims and visitors.

Puranic Significance

Pancha Pandava Temples: These five temples were built to commemorate the visit of the Pandava brothers during their exile. Each temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated with one of the Pandava brothers.
Ashta Sambhu Temples: Puri is surrounded and protected by eight shrines known as the Ashta Sambhu Temples. The Lokanatha Temple is one of them, ensuring the spiritual safeguarding of Puri.

Construction and Age: The Lokanatha Temple was built in the 12th century CE by the Ganga Kings, making it an ancient and historically significant religious structure.
Legend of the Lingam: The temple is closely associated with the legend of Lord Rama. It is believed that Lord Rama, during his journey to Sri Lanka in search of Sita, received a unique Lingam shaped like a bottle gourd (Lauki) from the Sabara tribal people in the Sabarapalli village (present-day Puri). This unique Lingam gave rise to the name “Lokanath,” derived from “Laukanath,” which means a Lingam shaped like a bottle gourd.
Medicinal Properties of the Water: A unique feature of the Lokanatha Temple is that the Shivalinga remains submerged in water throughout the year. This water is mixed with offerings such as flowers, sandalwood paste, yogurt, coconut, honey, milk, basil (Tulsi), and bael (Bel) leaves, and it is believed to possess medicinal properties. The Lingam becomes visible to devotees once a year, during the night of Pankoddhar Ekadashi, which is three days before the Shivaratri festival.

Beliefs

It is believed that the decomposition process imparts medicinal properties to the water. The combination of the various substances is considered to have healing qualities. Devotees who suffer from incurable diseases believe that consuming this Prasad will help cure their ailments. They view it as a divine remedy for their health issues.

Special Features

Architecture: The Lokanatha Temple follows traditional Kalingan architecture, typical of temples in the Odisha region. It features a main sanctum (vimana) and an entrance hall (jagamohana), constructed according to this architectural style.
Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a Shiva Lingam within the sanctum.
Religious Significance: The temple is an important religious site for devotees of Lord Shiva and is part of the Puri pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims and visitors often include the Lokanatha Temple in their itinerary when visiting Puri.
Pilgrimage Destination: Puri, in general, is a renowned pilgrimage destination, primarily known for the Jagannatha Temple. However, the presence of several other significant temples, including the Lokanatha Temple, adds to the spiritual appeal of the city.
Annual Ritual: The annual ritual of emptying the water from the sanctum to reveal the Lingam is a significant event for devotees, drawing thousands of worshippers during Pankoddhar Ekadashi.
Other Deities: The temple complex also houses other shrines dedicated to deities such as Uma Mahesvara, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Surya Narayana, Chandra Narayana, Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Lord Hanuman.
Parvati Sagara: There is a large pond called Parvati Sagara near the temple entrance, where devotees traditionally cleanse themselves before entering the temple premises.
Bhandara Lokanatha: The Utsava deity of Lord Lokanatha, known as Bhandara Lokanatha, is the guardian deity of the Ratna Bhandara (treasure house) of the Sri Jagannatha Temple in Puri.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Pankaujhala Ekadashi, Sitalasasti, Ganesh Puja, Durga Puja, Kalipuja, Chandanyatra, Hera Panchami and Mondays especially of the month of Vaisakha, Shraavana and Kartika. Shivrathri is observed in the temple with a lot of devotion by the people. A meeting of Hara (Lord Shiva) and Hari (Lord Vishnu) takes place on that day.