Shyamakali Mandir Puri - श्यामकाली मंदिर पुरी

Shyamakali Mandir Puri () - Shyamakali Lane Puri Odisha

Key Highlights
◉ The Shyamkali Temple is considered one of the Jagrit Devi of Puri city, protecting against negativity.
◉ This temple has been the family deity of the royal family of Puri (Gajapati Maharaja) for hundreds of years.
◉ It is located near the Jagannath Dham, the main pilgrimage site of Puri city.

Shyamakali Mandir which is also know as maa shyamakali located at shyamakali Lane, Puri, Odisha. The temple is dedicated to devi kali. It is in the Bali Sahi area of Puri town, close to the major pilgrimage zones near Jagannath Dham , Puri. This temple’s Kali Mata is believed to be one of the jagrit devi of the town who protects from negativity.

Shyamakali Mandir Puri History and Architecture
The presiding deity is Mata Shyamakali (a form of Kali). The idol is described as black (Shyama), with four arms, three eyes, standing in the classic Kali pose (right leg on Shiva) and holding a severed head plus sword in one hand, and Abhaya/Varada mudras in others. This is the only temple in whole India where you can find KALI mata in calm and beautiful form.

Historically, the temple has been the Kuldevi of the royal family of Puri (the Gajapati Maharaja) for hundreds of years. Till today, according to the royal custom, the new king after his coronation, first visits this temple and worship ShyamaKali. The temple comprises three main parts: the vimāna (sanctum tower), jagamohana (assembly hall) & natamandapa (festival hall). The vimāna height is about 20 feet above the temple base. The sanctum door-frame has simple decorations; outer structure uses brick and sandstone.

Shyamakali Mandir Puri darshan Timing
Temple is open for the whole week and the darshan timing is 5:30 AM to 7 PM. During Deewali temple is open for 24 Hours.

Shyamakali Mandir Puri Prime Festivals
Major celebrations are on Amavasya (new-moon) of Kartika for Kali Puja , also during Durga Puja and Jagadhatri Puja. On Tuesday and Saturday, the temple is too crowded. During Kali puja whole night homam is performed inside the temple yagna kunda.

How to Reach Shyamakali Mandir Puri
One can easily reach the temple. From Singha Dwar (Lion’s Gate) of Jagannath Temple, take the road towards Swargadwar and then a diversion to Bali Sahi leads you to Shyamakali Lane. From Puri railway station, it's just 2 KM distance.

Things to Consider before Visiting Shyamakali Mandir Puri
❀ Dress modestly (as with most temples in Puri).
❀ Since the temple is in a fairly central area of Puri, you can visit along with a trip to Jagannath Temple / beach.
❀ Visiting during Kali Puja (in October/November) will give you the most vibrant experience.
❀ Try to avoid peak tourist hours if you prefer quiet darshan.