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Odisha Temples are among the important religious symbols in Hinduism. From the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri to Vaital Deul Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha is the epicentre of Hindu culture. Also referred to as the Land of Temples, Odisha boasts a rich history and religious tradition. Its centuries-old temples famous for their architectural grandeur and profound religious importance, bear witness to the region’s glorious heritage. Each of these temples tells a tale of devotion, craftsmanship, and the eternal beauty of Indian artistry.
10 Odisha Temples To Visit
Let’s take a look at the top ten ancient Odisha temples that are well worth seeing. These temples in Odisha are focal points of the region’s religious and cultural heritage.
1. Jagannath Temple
Photo: Prachites / Wikimedia Commons
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is more than a mere temple; it is a religious centre for billions of Hindus all around the world. This temple, one of the Char Dhams, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s soaring 65-meter-high sanctuary and artistically carved columns showcase Odisha’s architectural talent. The annual Rath Yatra, in which the deities are paraded through the streets, is an important draw for both pilgrims and tourists.
Location: Puri, Odisha
Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:15 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:15 PM
Nearby Attractions: Sakshigopal Temple, Puri Beach, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Lingaraj Temple
Photo: Pattnaik.chandan / Wikimedia Commons
One of Bhubaneswar’s largest and most ancient temples, Lingaraj Temple honours Lord Shiva. The 54-meter-tall main tower of the temple commands attention from the skyline and exhibits the magnificence of Kalinga architecture. Upon stepping inside the temple, the walls are covered with thousands of sculptures that recount tales from Hindu mythology. The temple building is a hive of activity as worshippers pray and perform rituals, resulting in a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bindu Sarovara
3. Konark Sun Temple
Photo: Subhrajyoti / Wikimedia Commons
An incredible example of ancient Indian architecture, the Konark Sun Temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is designed like a gigantic chariot with seven magnificent horses and twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels. The wheels’ carvings, which show images from everyday life, give this heavenly design a human feel. The temple’s magnificence hasn’t decreased despite the passage of time, allowing a window into the glorious days of Odisha’s architectural grandeur.
Location: Konark, Odisha
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Konark Sun Temple Museum, Ramachandi Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach
4. Mukteshwar Temple
Photo: Paramanu Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons
The Mukteshwar Temple, often referred to as the “Gem of Odisha architecture,” is an extraordinary work of art. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, blends Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain architectural elements. The delicately carved, elaborately arched entrance known as the Torana is perhaps its most exceptional feature. Beautifully sculptured idols that demonstrate the artistic grandeur of the period grace the walls of the holy place.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Sitla, Bhalu Gaad Waterfall, Ramgarh
5. Rajarani Temple
Photo: Lnm8910 / Wikimedia Commons
With its distinctive design and erotic sculptures, the Rajarani Temple is sometimes referred to as the “Love Temple.” Rajarani Temple seems more mysterious than other temples in Odisha due to the lack of a god. The red and gold sandstone used in its construction gives the temple a unique look. Its appeal is further enhanced by the complex carvings of Lord Shiva in various forms that adorn the walls.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts, Dhauli Giri Hills, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation
6. Brahmeshwar Temple
Photo: Anupam Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons
Another spectacular example of Kalinga architecture is the Brahmeshwar Temple. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the Hindu temple has a serene interior and beautifully decorated walls. The temple complex is a whole spiritual retreat, with four more smaller shrines. The visitors get treated to a visual feast as the exquisite sculptures on the walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology, making it one of the best Orissa temples to seek blessings.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Chilka Lake, Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens, Regional Museum of Natural History
7. Parasurameswara Temple
Photo: J.prasad2012 / Wikimedia Commons
The Parasurameswara Temple, one of the oldest in Odisha, is a notable location in the history of Indian temple construction. The temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is popular for its intricate carvings of many gods and events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. History lovers ought to visit the small but beautifully designed complex, which is a monument representing the early period of Odisha’s construction of temples.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Chilka Lake, Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bindu Sarovara
8. Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Photo: Satyabrata / Wikimedia Commons
The only temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. Although the temple’s architecture is reminiscent of the Lingaraj Temple, the carvings of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra set it apart. The temple is an idyllic spot that welcomes devotees and visitors with its relaxing environment and finely crafted artwork. It is one of the most underrated Orissa temples.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Chilka Lake, Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, Bindu Sarovara
9. Chausath Yogini Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of Odisha’s most unique temples in terms of both architectural design and spiritual significance is the Chausath Yogini Temple. An uncommon feature of Indian temple buildings, the circular temple is open-roofed and dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, female deities associated with the tantric tradition. The temple is a must-visit place due to its religious importance and minimalism. The temple holds an important place in the tantric culture and the religious history of the state.
Location: Hirapur, Odisha
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, Dhuandhar Falls, Narmada River
10. Vaital Deul Temple
Photo: Nayansatya / Wikimedia Commons
Odisha is home to the Khakhra architectural style, which can be seen in the Vaital Deul Temple, devoted to Goddess Chamunda. The style of architecture is similar to the Dravidian-style temples found in South India. The most notable aspects of the temple are the magnificent wall carvings and its semi-cylindrical shape. The temple is modest but incredibly detailed, offering a glimpse into many of the less well-known aspects of Odisha’s history of architecture.
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa, Lingaraja Temple
Every Odisha temple gives a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of the region with its distinct architecture and extensive history. Whether visitors are interested in spirituality, history, or architecture, these religious structures offer an enlightening experience. Book your trip to Orissa with TripXL and make sure to explore these temples and take in the timeless splendour of the Land of Temples.
Cover Photo: G.N. Subrahmanyam / Wikimedia Commons /Image For Representation Only
