{"id":55695,"date":"2024-09-08T17:03:29","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T17:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=55695"},"modified":"2025-01-28T06:50:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T06:50:33","slug":"markandeshwar-temple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/markandeshwar-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Markandeshwar Temple: A Complete Guide For Travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Markandeshwar Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an important spiritual and historical site devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its exceptional architectural and artistic design. The temple’s entrance displays a statue of Nataraja with ten arms. The temple’s architecture dates back to the 8th century, displaying Odisha’s heritage and attracting pilgrims as well as historians. This guide offers a complete overview of the temple, making sure that your visit is both spiritually rewarding and culturally enriching.<\/em><\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n
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Photo: Sailesh Patnaik \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The temple lies in the centre of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. Bhubaneswar is known as the “City of Temples” because of its huge number of ancient temples, and Markandeshwar is one of the city’s most celebrated shrines. The Markandeshwar temple address is convenient to find as it is located in the southwest corner of Bindu Sagar Tank in Bhubaneswar among other notable temples such as the Lingaraj Temple and the Mukteshwar Temple. Surrounded by greenery, this temple gives visitors a pleasant escape from the busy pace of city life.<\/p>\n

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How To Reach Markandeshwar Temple<\/h2>\n
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Photo: Krupasindhu Muduli \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Reaching Markandeshwar Temple Odisha is quite convenient due to its central location in Bhubaneswar. The city is well-connected by air, rail, and road.<\/p>\n

By Air<\/strong>
\nBhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport is approximately 4 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.<\/p>\n

By Rail<\/strong>
\nThe Bhubaneswar Railway Station is about 4 km from the temple. Taxis, autorickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are readily available to take you to the temple.<\/p>\n

By Road<\/strong>
\nBhubaneswar is connected by road with major cities in Odisha and neighbouring states. Local buses, taxis, and autorickshaws make it easy to reach the temple from any part of the city.<\/p>\n

Places To Visit In & Around Markandeshwar Temple<\/h2>\n

Discover the spiritual and historical richness of Bhubaneswar with these must-visit sites in and around Markandeshwar Temple.<\/p>\n

1. Lingaraj Temple<\/h3>\n
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Photo: Ajit Kumar Majhi \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Lingaraj Temple, located roughly a kilometre from Markandeshwar Temple, is one of Bhubaneswar’s most famous and oldest temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture and a must-see for anybody interested in historic temples. The incredible beauty of the temple, with its towering spire, detailed carvings, and sacred sanctum, gives a spiritual experience unlike any other.<\/p>\n

Timings:<\/strong> 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM<\/p>\n

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2. Mukteshwar Temple<\/h3>\n
\"View<\/div>\n

Photo: J.prasad2012 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

A short walk from the Markandeshwar Temple, Mukteshwar Temple is another architectural marvel of Bhubaneswar. This tenth-century temple is famous for its marvellous Torana (arched entrance) and has been called the “Gem of Odisha Architecture.” The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and features some of the most beautiful carvings and sculptures, making it a great option for history fans and art lovers.<\/p>\n

Timings:<\/strong> 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM<\/p>\n

3. Bindu Sagar Lake<\/h3>\n
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Photo: Bikash Ojha \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Bindu Sagar Lake, located near the temple, is a sacred water body surrounded by numerous temples. It is said that the lake contains water from all of India’s holy rivers, making it an important pilgrimage attraction. Visitors can take a nice stroll around the lake or relax by the banks to soak in the calm environment. The Bindu Sagar Lake is also a popular location for photography, particularly in the early morning and late evening when the temples surrounding the lake are beautifully lit up.<\/p>\n

Timings:<\/strong> Open 24 hours<\/p>\n

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4. Dhauli Shanti Stupa<\/h3>\n
\"View<\/div>\n

Photo: Debashis Pradhan \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Dhauli Shanti Stupa, located around 8 kilometres from the temple, is a notable Buddhist landmark that stands for peace and nonviolence. It is believed that the Kalinga War, which converted Emperor Ashoka into a Buddhist, took place here. The Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding land and serves as a quiet place for people wanting to meditate or simply relax in a peaceful environment.<\/p>\n

Timings:<\/strong> 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM<\/p>\n

5. Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves<\/h3>\n
\"A<\/div>\n

Photo:Steve Browne & John Verkleir \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

The Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, located about 8 kilometres from the temple, are two ancient rock-cut caves of great historical and archaeological value. These caves, dating back to the second century BCE, were excavated out to serve as Jain monks’ dwelling quarters. The caverns have complex designs and inscriptions portraying the lives and teachings of Jain Tirthankaras. Exploring these caves offers a glimpse into Odisha’s fascinating past and old religious rituals.<\/p>\n

Timings:<\/strong> 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
\nTicket Prices:<\/strong> \u20b925 for Indian citizens, \u20b9300 for foreign tourists<\/p>\n

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Where To Stay<\/h2>\n
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Photo: Andrew Neel \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Bhubaneswar offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Consider getting accommodation at one of the Old Town’s mid-range hotels for a comfortable stay close to the temple. These hotels offer easy access to the temple and other surrounding attractions. Popular options include The New Marrion, Hotel Pushpak, and Trident Bhubaneswar, all of which offer a balance of comfort, amenities, and proximity to the city’s major attractions.<\/p>\n

Where To Eat<\/h2>\n
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Photo: Subhransuphotography \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Bhubaneswar is a foodie’s dream, with an extensive variety of local and international cuisines. Various restaurants serve authentic Odia cuisine, including Dalma, Chhena Poda, and Pakhala Bhata, near the temple. Dalma Restaurant, Odisha Hotel, and Truptee Restaurant are some of the area’s popular eateries. For those looking for a quick snack, various street food shops are selling Dahi Vada, Aloo Dum, and Bara Ghugni which will leave you wanting more.<\/p>\n

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Other Factors To Consider<\/h2>\n
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Photo: Kelly Sikkema \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Time To Visit<\/strong><\/p>\n

The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months, from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits and sightseeing. The Markandeshwar Temple timings are from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The temple also hosts several festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, Navratri, and Kartika Purnima, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and draw large crowds of devotees. Visiting during these festivals promises an unforgettable cultural encounter.<\/p>\n

Tips For Travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n