Puri, Odisha, September 14 : The media delegation from Kerala, participating in the six-day media tour to Odisha organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, visited the iconic Konark Sun Temple and the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday.

The visit offered journalists an opportunity to experience Odisha’s rich cultural, architectural and spiritual heritage while gaining firsthand insights into two of the state’s most significant landmarks.

The delegation began the day at the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is designed in the form of a colossal stone chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses. The journalists were briefed on the historical significance of the monument, its architectural brilliance and its place among India’s most treasured heritage sites.

The group later visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the country’s most important pilgrimage centres and a part of the sacred Char Dham circuit. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, the temple occupies a central place in Odisha’s religious and cultural life. The delegation learned about the temple’s centuries-old traditions, its historical significance and its role in shaping the spiritual identity of the region.

The visit provided the media representatives with a deeper understanding of Odisha’s unique blend of history, faith and cultural traditions. Through direct interactions with local guides and heritage experts, the journalists gained valuable insights into the stories, customs and architectural achievements that continue to attract visitors from across India and around the world.

The media tour, organised by PIB Thiruvananthapuram, aims to provide journalists from Kerala with firsthand exposure to Odisha’s cultural, historical and developmental landscape while promoting greater awareness and exchange between the two states.

The tour will continue with visits to other significant locations in Odisha in the coming days.

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NK

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