Visit the Narendra Pokhari in 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)

The sacred waters beckon travellers from afar

Chandana Pushkarini or Narendra Pokhari is an ancient tank in Puri, Odisha, India that holds tales of devotion and purification for pilgrims from near and far alike. Built centuries ago, its peaceful waters offer solace through ritual purification ceremonies performed daily to immerse themselves into its spiritual aura. Pilgrims from across India make pilgrimages here every year to offer ritual ablutions as part of their pilgrimage towards Puri Jagannath Temple; allow its allure of Chandana Pushkarini bring you close as you journey towards its sacred waters!

Considered to be the biggest artificial pond in Odisha, Narendra Pokhari was built in the 15th century AD by Narendra Dev, brother of Gajapati Kapilendra Deva, the king of Puri at that time. It has an island in the middle where a temple called Chandana Mandapa is there and is connected by a stable bridge to the southern bank of the tank.

A landmark of reverence

Narendra Pokhari stands as an iconic landmark throughout Puri and revered for hosting events taking place within its sacred premises during Chandan Yatra Festival. This 15th-century pond plays an essential part in the lives of devotees during June to July, beginning with grand procession carrying primary deities to be purified using sacred sandalwood. A watercraft excursion called "Chapa Khela" adds even further splendour as Puri residents celebrate this festival with pride, echoing through time.

Tales of love and redemption

Narendra Pokhari's history is filled with legends and tales that echo its timeless theme of love and redemption. According to legend, Lord Indra himself created Narendra Pokhari as an act of penance for his son Jayanta who fell deeply in love with a local girl of Puri, leading to tragic consequences of devotion. Jayanta constructed this sacred tank as penance and sought forgiveness for his actions from Lord Indra himself; pilgrims believe its waters can offer relief for ailments, providing comfort in its embrace.

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Timings

Opening time - 06:30 AM

Closing time - 07:30 PM

Soul-stirring experiences

Step into a world where spiritual and tangible experiences collide and transform your visit to Chandana Pushkarini into something unforgettable. Immerse yourself in its sacred waters - experts believe a dip can refresh both mind and spirit, cleansing away sin from one's soul in an instant!

Explore Puri's divine ambience as you discover its temples - Gopinath Temple and Markandeswar Temple among them - surrounding its tank, each boasting their own story. Capture its culture through souvenir shops in and around the tank selling seashell crafts and local handicrafts as keepsakes to bring home. When your heart calls out to explore more, head for nearby attractions such as Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, or stunning Puri Beach!

Festivities that will enthral you

As Kartik arrives, October/November brings Chandana Pushkarini alive with celebration. Catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra embarking on their boat ride across Chandan Yatra's sacred waters - their divine presence filling the air with grace and exuberance!

Chandana Pushkarini offers you a timeless oasis, filled with stories of love and devotion, tranquil waters and festivities galore. As you relax into its timeless embrace and experience the splendour of this sacred pond in Puri, may your journey leave lasting memories.