PURIS (Shiva Puri, Brahama Puri, Vishnu Puri and Indra Puri) Death will ultimately come in Indra Puri (heaven of Indra), Brahma Puri (heaven of Brahma) will not be there for ever;Shiva Puri (heaven of Shiva) will also come to an end….. (Gauri M. 5, p. 237) All the Puris, regions and worlds of Jivas are under the Command of the Lord. The Greatness and Acts of such Command are Indescribable. (Var Sarang M. 4, Shalok M. l, p. 1241) The word Puri is ordinarily used for a town or city. Mythologically it is related to gods.
Their abodes or heavens are known as Puris. The abode of Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu is known as Puri Dwara or Dwarka Puri. Jagannatha Puri in Orissa is the city of Jagannatha. The heavens of Indra, Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are known as Indra Puri, Brahma Puri, Shiva Puri and Vishnu Puri respectively. According to Guru Granth Sahib, all the Puris of gods are temporary heavens like gods, who are also prone to death. Only the Lord-God is immortal and His Writ runs everywhere throughout His Creation
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
In Hindu mythology, Puris often refers to the Sapta Puri, which are the seven sacred cities of India. These cities are considered highly auspicious pilgrimage sites, believed to grant moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) to those who visit them. Each of these cities holds immense spiritual and mythological significance.
The Sapta Puri (Seven Sacred Cities):
Ayodhya:
- The birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, as described in the Ramayana.
- Known as Ram Janmabhoomi, it is a central site for Rama worship.
Mathura:
- The birthplace of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
- Mathura is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Krishna Janmashtami.
Haridwar:
- Located on the banks of the Ganga River, it is one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela.
- Haridwar is considered the gateway to the gods and a place for spiritual cleansing.
Varanasi (Kashi):
- Known as the City of Lord Shiva, it is believed that dying in Varanasi grants liberation.
- It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Kanchipuram:
- Known as the City of a Thousand Temples, it is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi and other deities.
- It is a major center for Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Ujjain (Avantika):
- Home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred Shiva lingas.
- Ujjain is also a site for the Kumbh Mela.
Dwarka:
- The kingdom of Lord Krishna after he left Mathura.
- Dwarka is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Symbolism:
The Sapta Puri represent the spiritual journey of a devotee, encompassing devotion, knowledge, and liberation. Each city is associated with specific deities and mythological events, making them integral to Hindu cosmology.
