​10 Most Famous Temples To Visit In Odisha

​10 Most Famous Temples To Visit In Odisha
Some of the most exquisite ancient temples are also found in India, particularly in Odisha, a state with stunning architecture and historical value. There are many tales of history associating this dreamy location with myths and mysteries. The warm hospitality of local residents is something that millions of tourists come here for. On this tour, you will get to see the sight of some of the most mysterious monuments. The destination is worth visiting, from the splendour of Konark Sun Temple to the enigma of shadows in Jagannath Temple. The culture and tradition of the Hindu religion in India are very rich, and this can be represented by looking at the art as well as carvings on walls of these temples. All Must Visit Temples in Odisha.

Here are ​10 Most Famous Temples To Visit In Odisha:

Each with its own unique significance and architectural appeal, the top ​10 Most Famous Temples To Visit In Odisha will be explored in this article.
  • Lord Jagannath Temple
  • Konark Sun Temple
  • Lingaraja Temple
  • Mukteshwar Temple
  • Rajarani Temple
  • Maa Samaleswari Temple
  • Brahmeswara Temple
  • Chausath Yogini Temple
  • Taratarini Temple
  • Ram Mandir
If you are planning to visit famous temples in Odisha? Here, we have compiled a list of 10 Most Famous Temples To Visit In Odisha that should be on your wishlist!

1.) Lord Jagannath Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Lord Jagannath Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Lord Jagannath Temple[/caption] One of the holiest places in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu at Jagannath temple. There are many temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the one being in the state of Odisha which is a great symbol of Hindu religion in India. Several bird species live in this temple that is sacred and truly wonderful. The last blessing of the god is through Mahaprasad, a form of offering that is provided to thousands of people on daily basis within the precinct of the temple. The origin of the temple is very mysterious. If you plan on visiting this site, you can see it with your own eyes: the flag flutters in the opposite wind direction. Do not forget to dress appropriately when visiting this temple. It is a temple that the Ganga dynasty constructed in the twelfth century under the leadership of King Anantavarman Chodaganga. To begin with, if we discuss lord Jagannath, it is ambiguous by itself. In several historical scripts you’ll find reference about Lord Jagannath. Different origins – Vaishnava; different origins- Vedic and so forth. Millions visit this temple every year, in awe of its breathtaking spiritual importance. It is reported that there is one ritual held daily in all the temples, where all saints have to climb the highest part of a temple, about of 45-storey building, to replace a flag. Note: This temple is considered one of the four Dhams (CharDham Yatra) of Hindus.
  • Timings: 5:00 AM to 11 PM

2.) Konark Sun Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Konark Sun Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Konark Sun Temple[/caption] The Konark sun temple, it should be mentioned, is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sun. The temple has magnificent walls with numerous scriptural carvings for you to see. You’ll stand there, staring at this magnificent temple interior. The walls show that there are numerous erotic carvings which represent a deep level of creativity from the Kalinga. The sanctum of this world heritage site located at UNESCO falls into the first rays of the sun. All the traditional rituals in Hindus’ faith are practiced therein by the gods of this church. The wheels are actually Sundials that can help one determine the exact time because of the shape of the chariot temple. It was constructed in thirteenth century by Eastern Ganga’s King Narasimha Deva I. If any Vedic reader have heard or sight on the mention of Shri Konarak Temple, it is considered to be a highest shrine to worship of Shri Surya. In addition to that, the very shape of the sun chariot can be seen from this temple in a ten-rupee note in India indicating the high value that Indians place on their tradition.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

3.) Lingaraja Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Lingaraja Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Lingaraja Temple[/caption] One of the biggest temples in all the state of Odisha is Linga raja temple. This ancient temple, devoted to lord Shiva is the main tourist draw that is common to the state. The best instance of Hinduism in India is depicted here through this temple. Legends claim there is a subterranean river that refills this temple tank with healing waters for curing any maladies. The outer walls of the temple contain inviting carvings of the Gods and Goddesses. The main courtyard contains more than 1000 Shivlings that you can watch. It is a very positive and spiritually charged location. Lingaraja Temple was constructed during the beginning of the 8th Century and is known by its name which refers to a form of Lord Shiva’s manifestation. It is said that at one time Maa Parvati came as a girl-cattle to Bhubaneshwar in order to have a visit at this place. Two daemons forced her to be married with any of them trying to do it violently. Despite numerous rejections, they continued stalking her and ultimately were killed by Maa Parvati. Thereafter, Lord Shiva built a lake called ‘The Bindu Saras’ where he was to dwell forever. Here, thousands of devotees come to see the beautiful Kalinga Architecture.
  • Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

4.) Mukteshwar Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Mukteshwar Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Mukteshwar Temple[/caption] One of the most popular tourist sites in Odisha that attracts many visitors per day is the Mukteshwar temple. You’ll be astonished at its lovely architectural design and captivating wall carvings. You will have a chance to see various uncommon idols of various deities, including lord Shiva’s temple. The ornate decorations of the new architecture of that time era are illustrated by these carvings on the pillars. This temple, located on hills top draws thousands of pilgrims from different corners of the country. This temple is ten centuries old and its construction was done by King Yayati l of the Somavamshi dynasty. The construction of this temple reflects various phases of the Kalinga style. On these stone steps you are going to immerse into antique temple. It is said that lord Shiva killed demon here and hence today it is known as Mukteshwar means place of mukti. This beautiful is surrounded by many beautiful fruit orchards and climbers. A little trail will lead you to it from all these.
  • Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM

5.) Rajarani Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Rajarani Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Rajarani Temple[/caption] This temple is also known as Indreswara. This love temple is loaded with women’s erotic sculptures and carvings. This will allow you to portray the artistic aspect of Panchratha’s architecture. This place is said to be mainly for people who have visited it and discovered the presence of the Lotus on one of the temples’ walls; hence they link it with Lord – Vishnu Temple. A suitable time to visit would be during the three-day Rajarani Music Festival where people can watch live performances of classics by numerous renowned musicians from different parts of India. The temple was constructed in about 11th century corresponding to the construction of the Jagannath temple. There is beautiful temple whose walls have numerous carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; however, it has no shrine or idol of any deity inside. These captivating carvings will convey many various moods to you. This has made it ideal tourist attraction in terms of erotic cultures and designs coupled with its being unchanged since the ancient times.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

6.) Maa Samaleswari Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Maa Samaleswari Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Maa Samaleswari Temple[/caption] It is this temple of Hindu goddess Samaleswari alone within Sambalpur of Odisha. She is a prominent presiding deity in entire Odisha as well as in a specified portion of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The country’s site is full of rich cultural heritages of India. Festive Celebrations in this Temple. However, they should ensure that they do this in order to witness the goddess dressed in finery during the Navratri season. This particular temple remains special upon which the natives celebrate the festival in utter devotion and splendid manner. The Chauhan Dynasty’s King Balram Dev constructed this temple in the sixteenth century. He determined to construct a temple in honour of Samaleswari, when he saw himself as an image of the goddess under a tree. The archaeologist noted that the temple had been constructed with a larger stone, a strong stone made of granite. Once you come here, you will observe marvellous statues inside the outer walls of the temple. Natives worship her like a lone deity because she is the only presiding deity of the region.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM

7.) Brahmeswara Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Brahmeswara Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Brahmeswara Temple[/caption] The temple is devoted to Lord shiva as a Hindu temple. Perhaps the best temple in Bhubaneswar, Orissa’s capital. This will allow you to make parallels with the Mukteshwar Temple of Orissa. It is constructed in a pyramid structure, and many of the spiritual sculptures can be seen from its massive walls. This wonder is also characterized by its uniqueness as it supposedly exists within one single stone. This is a huge banquet/dance hall where most classical dances take place. Many devotees visit this destination, some from different parts of the world. It was constructed in 11th century in Lingayat style of architecture. There are many uncertainties behind the origin of this temple. The temple has become a haven of beauty for people interested in the past. The shrine is hewn out of one-piece rock, which became the first monument where metal beams were introduced in construction. It could be indicated in some unreliable texts that the site was constructed during his rule of king Udyoga take sari, which one however, is still not confirmed for validity.
  • Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

8.) Chausath Yogini Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Chausath Yogini Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Chausath Yogini Temple[/caption] Another temple that deserves mentioning is the Chausathi Yogini Temple also known as the Mahamaya Temple.The temple is located at Hirapur some 20 kilometres away from Odisha’s capital city. It is a place of worship for the 64 Yoginis or demi-goddesses. You will see several goddesses, who would stand atop an animal or a demon signifying that Shakti has prevailed. The small but adorable temple encompasses just 25 foot in diameter with sixty-four miniature niches containing the statues of numerous yoginins. This vagueness is often fascinating and thousands of pilgrims visit them every year. Queen Hiradevi of the Brahma dynasty, who ruled in the 19th Century, built the Chausathi Yogini temple. It was built in AD 360 but later became redundant and was reawakened only in 1957. If you are for local priests, they state that Maa Durga had to become fifty-four (54) goddesses with one purpose – to beat a demon. The 64 demi-goddesses is seen nowadays within the temple’s structure. Many sources argue that it was Kalapahad who was the culprit behind the ruin of the Konark temple and the Puri temple who was the one who smashed some murties in this temple.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

9.) Taratarini Temple

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Taratarini Temple Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Taratarini Temple[/caption] The famous temple is located almost 1.5 km away from Bhubaneswar Railway Station. These major shrines feature pictures of Lord Ram, Lakshaman, and Ma Sita. Here you will find idols or shrines of various gods of the Hindu religion, such as Lord Shiva and Hanuman. Ram Mandir should be visited during the high-time festival season of Dussehra to Diwali when this place gets really lively. The city is open view of this splendid temple. Many devotees from across the nation are attracted to this grand Aarti at here. It came into existence on the 27th day of June, 1979 and now hosts numerous festival occasions in Odisha. Here you will see the unique deities of Lord Ram and Maa Sita. The main temple is connected with several other minor temples. # Many pilgrims visit this place in order to see the huge image of Shri Panchmukhi Hamaman as well as lord shiva. Here, the best tradition of Hinduism is experienced through visiting during the Navaratri season.
  • Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:25 PM, 2:00 PM to 9:45 PM

10.) Ram Mandir

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="900"]Ram Mandir Credit: wikipedia (dot) org, temples in Odisha: Ram Mandir[/caption] This is a widely known temple located approximately one and half kilometers away from Bhubaneswar Railway Station. They are the main shrines composed of statues of Ram, Laksmana, and Ma Sita. Here you can observe many gods Hinduism idols such as the temples of lord Shiva and hanuman. The best time to visit Ram Mandir is between Dussehra and Diwali, for both of these main Hindu holidays are observed there with great zeal. One can see this splendid temple from each corner of Kuala Lumpur. Here, many people visit this place for performing the special Aarti . It was founded on 27th June 1979 and houses several festival celebrations in Odisha. Here you can see the strange idols of Lord Ram and Maa Sita. The main temple has many small temples associated with it. There are numerous followers who come to view the mammoth picture of Shri Panchmukhi Hanumaanji as also Lord Shiva. To feel the best of Hindu traditions, one must make a visit here during Navaratri season.
  • Timing:6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Conclusion

It is more than just stone structures in Odisha; it is a repository of history, culture, and spirituality. There is a story behind every temple, and together they make up a sacred tapestry that has survived the tests of time. These temples in Odisha are not simply architectural marvels but also gateways into Odisha's cultural heritage.
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