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Majhighariani Temple or Rayagada Temple is a significant religious landmark in the Rayagada district of Odisha. Built by King Vishwanath Dev Gajapati of the Suryavanshi dynasty, it worships the goddess Majhighariani. It provides tourists with a calm and enlightening spiritual experience. In addition to being a site of prayer, this temple offers visitors a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by verdant vegetation and soothing landscapes, this sacred attraction is a must-visit for every spiritual seeker.
Location
Photo: Hpsatapathy / Wikimedia Commons
The state capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is around 300 kilometres southwest of Rayagada district. The Rayagada Temple address is in a serene location with rolling hills and thick trees all around, adding to the spiritual experience. The temple’s setting makes it the ideal getaway for anyone looking for a spiritual retreat and a chance to spend time in nature.
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How To Reach
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By Air: The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is at a roughly 300 kilometres distance, is the closest airport to the temple. To get to Rayagada from the airport, you can either take a bus or hire a taxi.
By Road: Bhubaneswar and other surrounding cities offer a scenic route via road to Rayagada. This route is serviced by several buses and taxis, and the trip provides beautiful views of the Odisha countryside.
By Train: Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and other major cities are easily accessible from the railway station of the region. Train travel to Rayagada is convenient due to regular train services.
Places To Visit Around Rayagada Temple
The Rayagada district of Odisha is famous for numerous prominent temples honouring Hindu gods and goddesses.
1. Pataleshwar Shiva Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Pataleshwar Shiva Temple is the oldest temple of the region. The moniker “Pataleshwar,” which alludes to Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Underworld, is a reference to this. The traditional sanctum of this old temple features a large Shivalinga. Around Maha Shivaratri, when pilgrims from the surrounding areas visit the temple to make prayers and carry out rites, it gets especially busy. Devotees and tourists alike should not miss the temple because of its serene setting and spiritual importance.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
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2. The Sri Rama Temple
Photo: Hpsatapathy / Wikimedia Commons
The Sri Rama Temple worships the Lord Rama, a key character in the Hindu epic Ramayana and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In addition to drawing devotees from the surrounding areas who come to seek Lord Rama’s blessings, this temple is a significant religious location for the local population. The temple is famous for its traditional features, which honour the local cultural heritage, and its magnificent yet understated construction. Frequent special rites and rituals are held in the temple, which comes alive, especially on holidays like Rama Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama.
Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
3. Sri Jagannath Temple
Photo: Hpsatapathy / Wikimedia Commons
The stunning replica of the well-known Jagannath Temple in Puri is the Sri Jagannath Temple in Rayagada. Devoted to Lord Jagannath, as well as his siblings, Subhadra and Balabhadra, its sanctum and its finely carved pillars are examples of the temple’s traditional Kalinga architectural style. With the deities being carried out in magnificent chariots, evoking the greater celebration in Puri, the temple is a centre of spiritual activity, particularly during the annual Rath Yatra festival. For the people of Rayagada, the temple is a mainstay of both culture and religion.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
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4. Laxminarayan Temple
Photo: Hpsatapathy / Wikimedia Commons
Devoted to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the Laxminarayan Temple in Rayagada is another significant place of devotion. Lord Vishnu in his Laxminarayan avatar is beautifully portrayed in the temple. To obtain blessings for wealth and well-being, devotees go to the temple. Though simple in design, the temple’s architecture belies its powerful devotional spirit, as evidenced by the daily rituals and special pujas held in honour of significant Hindu holidays like Diwali and Janmashtami.
Temple Timings: 7AM – 12:30 PM. 5 PM – 8 PM
5. Devagiri Hill
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The region’s most famous component, Devagiri Hill, is around 40 kilometres from Rayagada and is significant both historically and religiously. Old temples and monuments on the hill are a testament to Odisha’s rich cultural past. With its leafy forests and undulating slopes, the hill’s panoramic vistas provide a dazzling overview of the surroundings. Due to its peaceful environment, Devagiri Hill is a well-liked destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Devagiri Hill, located in the Rayagada area, is a must-see location due to its picturesque surroundings and historical features.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
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Where To Stay
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There are several dwelling options available in Rayagada to fit a variety of budgets. The town offers some charming guesthouses and hotels with modest amenities that are affordable for travellers on a tight budget. Rayagada also offers many premium resorts with contemporary facilities including swimming pools, spa treatments, and fine cuisine for visitors looking for a more opulent experience. Some of the recommendations include: Hotel Lotus Paradise, Hotel Ashok, Hotel Sai International, Srikanth Hotel, and more.
Where To Eat
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There are many eateries and restaurants in Rayagada that offer typical Odia food. The town’s cafés and restaurants are well-known for serving authentic Odia food. You can enjoy classic local meals like crab and prawn curry and seafood dishes like Pakhala Bhata and Dalma. Some of the recommended restaurants are: The Bombay Spice, The Dawat Restaurant, Pakwaan Family Restaurant, Highway Garden, and more.
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Best Time To Visit
Photo: Hpsatapathy / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Rayagada Temple is October to March because of the captivating weather, which is perfect for exploration and travel. You may also visit here during the celebration of the Rath Yatra and Maha Shivaratri festivals.
Other Factors To Consider
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There are a few things to consider when visiting this sacred temple for a better experience.
Tips For Travellers
- As the temple is the place of worship, hence modest clothing is advised.
- It is recommended to remove shoes before entering the temple grounds.
- Always honouring regional traditions and customs deepens one’s spiritual journey.
- Respectfully take part in temple ceremonies and abide by local customs.
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The serene and spiritually significant Rayagada Temple allows guests to commune with the divine while taking in Odisha’s breathtaking scenery. Travellers and believers alike can find peace in its serene backdrop amidst rolling hills and thick forests. A delightful and enriching visit to the temple is guaranteed as you book your vacation with TripXL for a pleasant getaway.
Cover Photo: Hpsatapathy / Wikimedia Commons
