The tank was constructed by Narendra Dev, a minister during the rule of the Suryavanshi Gajapati kings of Odisha.
During the 21-day Chandan Yatra festival, the deities are anointed with sandalwood paste and taken on decorated boats called 'Chapa' across the water.
It contains 16 ghats, each associated with specific rituals or neighborhood communities in Puri.
The central island temple is accessible only by a narrow pedestrian bridge that is frequently submerged or restricted during major festivals.
The water is considered holy and is believed to have medicinal properties by local devotees.
Narendra Pushkarinee is the largest sacred water tank in Puri, covering approximately 16 acres of land. It features a central island temple known as Chandana Mandapa, which is connected to the shore by a stone bridge. The tank is historically significant as the site of the annual Chandan Yatra, where the deities of Jagannath Temple are brought for a ritual boat ride. The water body is surrounded by 16 small temples of varying sizes, reflecting traditional Odishan architectural styles. It serves as a major site for religious ablutions and spiritual observance for locals and pilgrims. The tank's design includes stone steps, or ghats, spanning the entire perimeter for easy access to the water.
From the edge of the stone ghats looking towards the Chandana Mandapa temple island.
Visit during the early morning hours to observe traditional daily prayers and bathing rituals performed by locals.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view of the island temple and the surrounding stone ghats.
Ensure you carry comfortable, slip-on footwear as you will need to remove them frequently when entering temple areas.
Avoid visiting during the height of the Chandan Yatra festival if you prefer a quiet experience, as the area becomes extremely crowded and congested.
The area becomes particularly busy during the 21-day Chandan Yatra festival in the summer, which may restrict public movement around the tank.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor; remove footwear before stepping onto the temple platforms or the bridge.
