Discover the Beauty of Govardhan Matha Puri

January

13.8 - 30.0 °C

February

16.8 - 31.9 °C

March

21.1 - 33.8 °C

April

22.5 - 34.3 °C

May

22.5 - 35.5 °C

June

23.7 - 35.2 °C

July

24.0 - 34.6 °C

August

24.2 - 34.5 °C

September

24.1 - 34.8 °C

October

21.9 - 34.5 °C

November

17.6 - 32.4 °C

December

14.7 - 30.4 °C

Major Airports :

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneshwar

Nearest Railway Station :

Balugaon Railway Station (BALU)

A historic monument of spiritual majesty

Welcome to Puri, Odisha where history unfolds with spectacular grace in the form of Govardhan Matha. Dating back to 8th Century CE when it was established by Adi Shankaracharya himself as an institution with spiritual, cultural, and philanthropic roots; be ready for an incredible experience as you venture on this soul-stirring journey of exploration!

Step into the sacred world of Govardhan Matha, one of four monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya to revive and promote Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy that resonates with universal principles of unity and oneness.

Where Gods and history embrace

At Govardhan Matha, Gods and history come together. Located in Puri in Odisha's eastern state, Govardhan Matha finds itself basking in the presence of Lord Jagannath. This ancient temple dedicated to him has played an instrumental part in maintaining and spreading his unique cult that only flourishes here in Odisha. Join our pilgrimage of spirituality where Lord Jagannath welcomes you with open arms alongside sister Subhadra and brother Balabhadra!

Govardhan Matha has an extraordinary history that spans back thousands of years, drawing in patronage from kings and nobles of all types over its existence - most prominently Odisha's Gajapati kings who bestowed generous land grants and endowments upon this holy site. Today it stands as an iconic landmark drawing devotees and scholars from every corner of India and beyond.

Incredible stories echoed

Every brick of Govardhan Matha tells an incredible tale of wisdom and devotion, dating back to its establishment by Adi Shankaracharya himself. With locations all across India, this monastery represents one of the four cardinal mathas forming a remarkable network of spiritual sanctuaries.

Under the tutelage of Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, Govardhan Matha continues to blend Hindu culture and spirituality to produce melodies that resonate throughout Odisha and even further beyond its borders.

The Math runs a vedic education centre, a yoga school, Vyayama Shala to train athletes, a free dispensary for pilgrims and Puri residents and a cow shed having around 70 cows.

Timings

Opening time - 06:30 AM

Closing time - 07:30 PM

Ethereal ways to elevate your journey

As you explore Puri, Govardhan Matha will serve as your compass - but there are more treasures and experiences waiting to be experienced than just his.

The Jagannath Temple is a celestial sanctuary dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Every year during Rath Yatra you can witness this grand spectacle where deities march magnificently in procession. Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, provides visitors with spectacular sights of exotic flora and fauna as well as migrating birds; boat rides and bird-watching tours allow visitors to appreciate its tranquillity. Pattachitra paintings offer visitors an intimate way of exploring mythological tales or daily life scenes; Pattachitra pieces make amazing keepsakes which you'll treasure!

In November, you can enjoy the Puri Beach Festival; an energetic celebration of Odisha culture through music, dance, culinary delights and watersports. Sand art will also be on display, along with thrilling watersports competitions! Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as an impressive testimony to India's architectural splendour of old. Admire its intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes of glorious past; or indulge in Odia cuisine which features spices as well as seafood! Savour dishes like fish curry, cottage cheese dessert chhena poda and lentil and vegetable stew dalma at Puri Market, before shopping to bring home souvenirs such as seashell items, brass sculptures and textiles from this bustling marketplace.

Experience the essence of timeless festivals

Beyond the tranquil setting of Govardhan Matha, Puri is home to vibrant festivals that will enchant you. Discover local culture through these unforgettable events:

Rath Yatra: Held annually between June and July, this grand festival marks Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra's journey from their respective temples to Gundicha Temple on grand chariots pulled by devotees.

Chandan Yatra: Celebrate Lord Jagannath's summer pastimes by attending this 21-day festival of Chandan Yatra from May or June. Experience rituals like anasara, snana yatra and sandhya darshan for yourself.

Konark Dance Festival: Experience magic this December when the Konark Dance Festival brings classical forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Manipuri dancing to life against the stunning Konark Sun Temple backdrop.

International Sand Art Festival: Be amazed and mesmerised at the International Sand Art Festival held every December on Puri Beach, featuring amazing sand artists from across the globe as they create breathtaking sculptures!

Puri will immerse you in centuries-old tales of devotion, spirituality and cultural splendor as soon as you set foot there. Visit Govardhan Matha and stroll along sacred sites while being mesmerised by its vibrant festivals that echo through time - Puri awaits, ready to embrace you with its eternal embrace of beauty and wisdom.