Top 9 Most Famous Temples to Explore in Odisha

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When we talk about the most famous temples in Odisha, there is no dearth of options. The state of Odisha is among the most beautiful places in the country and one of the tourist’s dream destinations. Each year, the state is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the country to enjoy natural beauty, scenic locations, and famous temples in Odisha.

If you also plan a trip to Odisha, then you can see numerous temples in Odisha. The list below mentions some of Odisha’s famous temples:

List of 9 Famous Hindu Temples in Odisha

Jagannath Temple Odisha
Jagannath Temple Odisha

Jagannath Temple is among the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds great importance. The temple has a mysterious fact linked with it. It is said that the flag on the top of this temple flows in the winds’ opposite direction. The priests of this temple climb to the top of the temple, which is as high as a 45-story building to change the flag.

The priests follow the ritual without missing them even for a single day. There are beliefs that if this ritual is missed even for one day, the temple will shut down for 18 years. Also, no temple shadows can be seen at any time of the day.

Highlights: No shadow is created during the daytime and one cannot hear the sound of the waves of the ocean when standing inside the temple.

Timing: 5 am – 11 pm

Ramachandi Temple
Ramachandi Temple

Ramachandi Temple is among the beautiful Odisha mandir located on the banks of the Kusabhadra River. The temple is just 5 km away from Konark in the Puri District of Odisha. Ramachandi is commonly believed the presiding deity of Konark and the most benevolent Chandi known. The temple is one of the oldest temples and is older than the Sun temple at Konark.

Ramachandi Temple is of religious significance and is one of the famous Shakti pithas of Puri.


Maa Tara Tarini Temple
Maa Tara Tarini Temple

Maa Tara Tarini Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas in India which is located on the banks of River Rushikulya. As per the beliefs associated with this temple, after the Daksha Yagna, when Sati’s body was dismembered with Sudarshan Chakra, her breasts fall at the location where the temple is constructed. The temple was built in the 17th century and has close to 1,000 steps.

Also, there are numerous tourist attractions located close to this temple.

Highlights: This is one of the Shakti Peethas and is believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes.

How to Reach: Bhubaneswar is the closest airport to the temple while Berhampur is the nearest railway station. Travelers can take a taxi or bus from the airport or railway station to reach this temple.

Timings: 5:00 am – 12:25 pm, 2:00 pm – 9:45 pm

Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun

Konark Sun Temple was constructed in the 13th century and is popular all over the world for its marvelous architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sun. This Odisha mandir has unique architecture as compared to other temples and is constructed in Lord Surya’s chariot shape. The sundials carved on Sun Temple accurately tell the time of day and night. Also, Sun Temple is a World UNESCO heritage site and the structure of this temple has been designed in such a way that the rays of the sun directly fall 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 wristwatch.

How to Reach: Konark Sun Temple is situated in Konark, Odisha, which is almost 60 km away from the capital Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri.  One can easily reach the temple from Puri and Bhubaneswar via different means including trains, buses, and taxis.

Timings: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm

Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar. The construction of this temple started in the 8th century and has been built in the shape of a sanctuary tower. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Several carved figures on the interior and exterior walls of the temple are brilliant examples of unique architecture.

Also, there are carved structures of Goddess Durga, Bhairava, Chamunda, and other deities located inside the walls of this temple. The tank water inside this temple is believed to have healing powers for curing physical illness.

Highlights: The Linga inside this temple appeared on its own and is called as ‘Syambhu Linga.’

How to Reach: The closest bus stop to one of the famous temples of Odisha is the Bermuda bus in Bhubaneswar, from where one can easily take a private or local bus. Also, the nearest railway station is the Bhubaneswar railway station, almost 6 km from the temple. Reaching this temple via flight is also possible as the Biju Panik Airport is 6 km far from the temple.

Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm


Brahmeswara Temple
Brahmeswara Temple

Brahmeswara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest temples in Odisha. The temple was established during the Somvanshi Dynasty. The temple has historical and architectural significance and thus is a must-visit temple in Odisha. If you are a history lover, then you must visit this temple.

The temple has been built in the Lingayat architectural style and the architecture looks quite similar to the Mukteshwar temple. Many beautiful parts of the temple are divided into different sections. Moreover, it has banquets and dance halls that are beautifully designed.

Highlights: It has been constructed in a pyramidal shape and has beautiful architecture.

How to Reach: One can reach directly to Bhubaneswar airport, and take a car to Brahmeswara temple, which is just 10 km from the airport. Also, Bhubaneswar has excellent rail and road connections thereby making the temple easily accessible.

Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm

Mukteswara Temple
Mukteswara Temple

Mukteswara Temple was constructed during the rule of the Somvanshi Dynasty, in 950 A.D and is popular all over the world for its stunning architecture. A portion of this temple has been constructed in the Buddhist style of architecture. It is among the most popular temples in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Shiva. One can see statues of many deities inside this temple.

One can see several ornate structures and carvings inside the temple which all tell the intricate details. Also, carvings and sculptures done on the walls will take you back to ancient times. The illustrations from the Panchatantra are displayed on the outer side of the latticed windows.

Highlights: Known as the ‘Gem of architecture.’ It has many intricate carvings.

How to reach: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Mukteshwar Temple and one can take a taxi from the airport to reach this temple.

Timings: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm


Rajarani Temple – The Love Temple
Rajarani Temple – The Love Temple

Rajarani Temple, listed among Odisha’s famous temples, was constructed in the 11th century, and is popularly known as the ‘Love Temple’. The temple has erotic carvings of men and women. One thing that is unique about this temple is that you will see no sculptures or idols of deities inside this temple. People of all religions and ethnicities are welcome here.  The temple has been constructed in reddish-gold sandstone.

The temple walls have several sculpted scenes depicting various moods during the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Highlights: It has no deities and has intricate and erotic carvings of couples

How to reach: Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearest airport to this temple while then Bhubaneswar railway station is the nearest railway station. Visitors can reach this temple by all modes of transport.

Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Ram Mandir
Ram Mandir

Ram Mandir is located in the center of the city. The temple is known for its amazing architecture and has been listed among the top tourist spots in Bhubaneshwar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, and devotees here worship Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and Goddess Sita. Inside the complex, one can also see the deities of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva, along with many other Hindu deities.

It is incredible to see how beautifully the idols of gods and goddesses are placed inside this Orissa temple. While visiting this place, attend the evening aarti for a tranquil and spiritual experience.

How to Reach: Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik Airport is located just 5 km from the temple. While Bhubaneswar Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand.

Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm

Conclusion

Odisha is a land of many ancient temples having architecture, and historical, and mythological importance. Most of the temples in Odisha have a rich history ad was built between the 8th and 12th centuries you can visited to experience their striking architecture and intricate carvings. So don’t wait for more, rather plan your getaway to Odisha with a customized trip from Honeymoon Bug.

FAQs About Temples of Odisha

How many temples are there in the state of Odisha?

The state of Odisha has more than 700 temples and thus it is called the ‘Land of temples.’

What is the architectural style of temples in Odisha?

Most of the temples in Odisha have been built and constructed with the Kalinga style of temple architecture. It has a tower and hall for prayers.

Name the highest temple in Odisha.

Lingaraja is the highest temple and one can see the top-most tower easily from most parts of the city.

What is the specialty of the Parsurameswara temple?

This temple was built in the 7th century during the period of Shailodbhava’s dynasty. It is considered the time period when the Odisha temple’s architecture started.

Why Odisha is known as the “Land of Lord Jagannath”?

Odisha is also referred to as the “Land of Lord Jagannath”. It means the Lord of all the Universe. Located in Puri, Jagannath Temple was constructed in the 12th Century AD.

Which temple is known as the Gem of Odisha?

Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar is considered a gem among all the temples in Odisha due to its splendid art and architecture. Located on the Bhubaneswar – Puri Road, the standalone Torana of Mukteswar is the pride of Incredible India.

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