Odisha is home to some of the oldest and most spiritual temples in the world.
Temples
Odisha is home to some of the oldest and most spiritual temples in the world. These temples are a major tourist attraction, and people from all over the world come to visit them. The architecture and sculptures on the temple walls are very beautiful, and it's worth checking them out if you're interested in ancient art or spiritual significance. You can learn a lot about Odisha's history, culture, and religious practices while exploring these temples.
Must Visit Temples in Odisha
You have to visit temples in Odisha if you want to feel very special.
In Odisha, there are many temples with beautiful architecture. Some of them are from the Kalinga period, which ruled the state for a long time. We recommend visiting at least two of these temples when you're in Odisha.
Jagannath Puri Temple - The Most Visited
Maa Tara Tarini Temple - One of the Shakti Peethas
Konark Temple - Marvelous Ancient Architecture
Lingaraja Temple - The Largest Temple in the State
Brahmeswara Temple - The Secrets from the Past
Gundicha Temple - Distinct Kalinga Architecture
Mukteswara Temple - Intricate Carved Structures
Parsurameswara Temple - Blessings of Lord Parshuram
Rajarani Temple - The Temple of Love
1. Jagannath Puri Temple - The Most Visited
Jagannath Temple is a place of great worship and spiritual significance in Odisha; where people from all over come to visit. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is very important to the people of Odisha. There are many fascinating facts and beliefs about this temple. It is said that it is impossible to see shadows of the temple at any time of the day and the flag atop the temple is replaced without fail every day. Priests who serve at the temple climb to the top of the temple every day to change the flag, as part of a long-standing tradition. It is believed that if this ritual is not followed, the temple may close for 18 years.
Highlights: The temple does not create a shadow during the daytime. You cannot hear the sound of the waves of the ocean when you are inside the temple.
Location: Bhanumati Way, Puri, Odisha 752002
Timings: 5 am - 11 pm
2. Maa Tara Tarini Temple - One of the Shakti Peethas
The Maa Tara Tarini Temple is a popular Hindu temple located on the banks of the River Rushikulya. It is said that after the Daksha Yagna, when Sati's body was dismembered with the Sudarshan Chakra, her breasts fell into this location. Chaitra Mela - the most important festival celebrated in the temple - is held every year in March. The temple has 999 steps and is located on the top of Taratarini Hill. The River Rushikulya is believed to be the elder sister of the River Ganges. There are many tourist attractions near the temple, including museums and tourist spots.
Highlights: This is one of the Shakti Peethas and is known to be a wish fulfilling temple.
Location: Temple Road Dt, near Rushikulya River, Raipur, Purusottampur, Odisha 761018
Timings: 5 am - 9.45 pm
3. Konark Temple - Marvelous Ancient Architecture
The Konark or Sun Temple is a temple in India that is famous for its beautiful architecture. It was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Sun or Surya. The temple has a unique architecture compared to other temples and is built in the shape of Lord Surya’s chariot. There are beautiful sculptures on the walls of this temple. The sundials carved on this temple tell the time accurately during day and night. This is a World UNESCO heritage site. The structure of the temple was designed in such a way that the rays of the sun fall directly on the main sanctum of the temple.
Highlights: The temple is in the shape of the Sun’s chariot. The sundial in the shape of the wheel has been an inspiration to design the dial of the wrist watch.
Location: Konark, Odisha 752111
Timings: 6 am - 8 pm
4. Lingaraja Temple - The Largest Temple in the State
Lingaraja Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Bhubaneshwar. It is said to have been built in the 8th century, and its architecture and decorations resemble those of southern Indian temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, the main deity is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, and there are many other deities within the temple. There are also many Lingas (statues of Shiva) inside the walls. The courtyard is filled with a thousand Sahastralingas (statues of the goddesses Durga, Chamunda, and Bhairava). The water in the tank inside the temple is said to have healing powers.
Highlights: The Linga inside this temple appeared on its own and is known as ‘Syambhu Linga.’
Location: Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Timings: 5 am - 9 pm
5. Brahmeswara Temple - The Secrets from the Past
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest in Odisha. It was built during the Somvanshi Dynasty and has historical and architectural significance. It is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and mythology, as it is carved out of a single stone and is known for its amazing architecture. The temple is built in the Lingayat architectural style and has many beautiful carvings on its interior and exterior walls. There are also many stunning and beautiful parts of the temple which are divided into different parts. It has banquets and dance halls which are beautifully designed.
Highlights: It is built in a pyramidal shape and has beautiful architecture in all parts of this temple
Location: Tankapani Rd, Siba Nagar, Brahmeswarpatna, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Timings: 5 am - 9 pm
6. Gundicha Temple - Distinct Kalinga Architecture
This temple is one of the most beautiful in Odisha and is usually very crowded during the annual Ratha Yatra from the Jagannath temple. During the rest of the year, it can be visited at any time. It is built in the Kalinga style of architecture and has four carved structures. It is believed that Lord Jagannath resides inside this temple for nine days during the Ratha Yatra.
Highlights: It is empty for the entire year except for the 9 days of annual Ratha Yatra
Location: Gundicha temple, Puri, Odisha 752001
Timings: 6 am - 9 pm
7. Mukteswara Temple - Intricate Carved Structures
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 950 AD during the rule of the Somvanshi Dynasty. It is known for its beautiful architecture, which is in the Buddhist style. There are many statues of deities inside, and it is located on a hilltop. It has ornamented Torana and also many striking features inside the temple, such as ornate carvings and sculptures.
Highlights: Known as the ‘Gem of architecture.’ It has many intricate carvings.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 6 am - 7 pm
8. Parsurameswara Temple - Blessings of Lord Parshuram
This temple was built in 650 AD, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are many intricate designs carved on the walls of the temple. In addition, there are carvings of eight planets from Vedic astrology, excluding Ketu. It is believed that this temple is the place where Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, punished himself and got penance from Lord Shiva. You will find beautifully carved motifs with intricate details on the walls of the temple.
Highlights: Jaganmohan, a worship hall which is the first and one of its kinds is a part of this temple
Location: Near Bindu Sagar Pond, Kedar Gouri Vihar, Old Town Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Timings: 5 am - 6 pm
9. Rajarani Temple - The Temple of Love
This temple is very old and is known as the ‘Love Temple’ because it has carvings of people in various poses of intimacy. There are no sculptures or idols of deities found inside, and it doesn’t belong to any particular sect. People of all religions and ethnicity can visit it. There are many carved figures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati inside the temple. This temple is very different from any other temple. It’s built in a reddish-gold sandstone, and the walls have scenes from the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Highlights: It has no deities and has intricate carvings of couples
Location: Tankapani Rd, near BOI ATM, Kedar Gouri Vihar, Rajarani Colony, Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Timings: 7 am - 5 pm
