About Markandeya Tank
Markandeya Tank is a sacred freshwater tank located near the Markandeshwar Temple in northeastern Puri, Odisha. Considered one of the Pancha Tirtha (five sacred water bodies) of Puri, it is associated with Sage Markandeya and mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The tank features stone ghats, a central shrine, and is revered by pilgrims visiting the Jagannath Temple. It serves as both a religious site and a historic water reservoir in the holy town.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a rectangular sacred tank with stone-paved ghats and steps leading to the water, surrounded by temples and residential lanes in the old town of Puri. The central part of the tank contains a small shrine. The setting is quiet and religious, with pilgrims performing ritual bathing and prayers, especially during festivals. The adjacent Markandeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva can be explored alongside the tank.
Key highlights
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One of the Pancha Tirtha sacred tanks of Puri
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Associated with Sage Markandeya and Markandeshwar Temple
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Stone ghats and steps surrounding the water body
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Small shrine located in the centre of the tank
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Mentioned in the Skanda Purana and other scriptures
History of Markandeya Tank
Markandeya Tank is traditionally associated with Sage Markandeya, who is believed to have performed penance here. The tank and the adjacent Markandeshwar Temple are mentioned in the Skanda Purana and other Puranic texts related to Purushottama Kshetra (Puri). It has historically served as a sacred bathing tank and water reservoir for the temple town.
Culture & Context
The tank is one of the Pancha Tirtha of Puri, along with Rohini Kunda, Swetaganga, Indradyumna Tank and Narendra Tank. Pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip in these five tanks before visiting the Jagannath Temple. It is especially significant during festivals and ritual observances and is revered as a Shaivite and Vaishnavite sacred site due to its proximity to Markandeshwar Temple.
Route
| By air |
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