When we are talking about the best temple in Odisha, there is no shortage of options. The state is one of the most beautiful places in India and one of the tourist’s dream destinations. Every year thousands of tourists from across the country visit this state to enjoy its natural beauty, lovely people, and warm hospitality. You will be able to find many temples in Odisha that you can visit on your tours.
List of the 10 Best Popular Temples in Odisha (Orissa):
1. Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun temple is a striking example of ancient artistry and creativity of ideas. Due to its artistry and creativity, it is also listed in the Unesco world heritage sites. The temple is dedicated to God Surya (sun). Although much of the temple is now in ruin and rack, it still retains enough charm to be captivating.
It is a representation of enormous imagination. It has witnessed empires rise and fall. Yet, it still appeals to our senses today. The temple was constructed in the 13th Century CE. It was built by King Narasimhadeva, a member of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty from 1238-1250CE.
Konark temple has four corners. Black Pagoda was the name given to the temple by European sailors who used its dark facade for navigation. The temple’s magnetic powers are believed to have drawn ships to the shore.
How to Reach: Konark Sun Temple is located in Konark, Odisha. It is approximately 60 km from the capital Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. It is easily accessible from Puri and Bhubaneswar via trains, buses, and taxis. Renting a cab from Puri is the best way to get to Konark.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
More information top 10 interesting facts about the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
View the package for 5 Nights 6 Days Bhubaneswar Puri Konark Tour Itinerary
2. Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraj temple was built in the 11th century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as the “The largest temple of Bhubaneswar”. The Somvanshi King Yayati II built the Lingaraja temple.
This temple is built from the Redstone. Lingaraja temple is a classic example of architecture in the Kalinga style. The temple complex has 150 shrines. Lingaraj is also known as “Swayambhu”, which means self-originated Shivling.
How to Reach: The nearest bus stop is the Bermuda bus stand in Bhubaneswar, from where you can board a private or local bus. The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar railway station which is approximately 6 km from the temple. If you want to reach here by flight, the Biju Panik Airport is approximately 6 km from the temple. After that, you can take a taxi to reach the temple.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Read Also: Things to Do In Bhubaneswar
3. Jagannath Temple
Odisha is also known as the “Land of Lord Jagannath”, which means the Lord of all the Universe. Jagannath temple is located in Puri. It was built in the 12th Century AD.
Pilgrims travel from all parts of the world to visit the Jagannath temple throughout the year. The architectural brilliance of the magnificent temple is overshadowed by the mysticism that surrounds Lord Jagannath’s cult.
The temple is an architectural wonder on its own, and it is a vast architectural masterpiece. Singhadwara is the main entrance to the temple. Three entrances go along the four cardinal directions. These entrances are not aligned architecturally.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar, approximately 56 km from Puri’s heart. Puri is the nearest railway station. There are regular direct trains from several cities in India. Puri is also connected to the surrounding cities by a state highway.
Visiting Time: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
The famous Shri Jagannath Temple Puri will open for devotees from 16 August
4. Maa Tara Tarini Temple
It is the famous southern Odisha religious spot is where the twin sister Goddess, i.e. Tara and Tarini, adorn the sanctum. It is located on the top of a hillock girdled with the holy river Rushikulya.
Taratarani is a popular attraction for thousands of pilgrims, picnickers, and tourists throughout the year. You have to climb 999 stairs to reach this beautiful temple. It is fun to climb from foot to top of the hill under the shadows of the green plantation.
How to Reach: If you want to reach here by flight, Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, Berhampur is the nearest railway station. After reaching Berhampur, the temple is only 32 km from it. Then you can take a taxi or bus to reach this temple.
Visiting Time: 5:00 am – 12.25 pm and 2:00 pm – 9.45 pm
5. Brahmeswara Temple
Brahmeswara temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Bhubaneswar (Odisha). It was built at the end 9th century CE. The temple is well-carved both inside and outside.
The 18th year of Udyotakesari, the Somavamsi King, was the year that the temple was built. This corresponds to 1058CE. According to historians, the temple is believed to be from the end of the 11th century.
This was confirmed by an inscription that was brought to Calcutta from Bhubaneswar. According to the inscription, the temple was constructed by Kolavatidevi.
How to Reach: You can reach directly to Bhubaneswar airport, and then you can rent a car to Brahmeswara temple, which is about 10km from the airport. Bhubaneswar has excellent rail connections to major cities and towns. It is, therefore, the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Brahmeswara temple in Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is also easily accessible by road. You can get to your destination quickly and comfortably.
Visiting Time: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Take a look at the Odisha travel packages:
- Trip to Bhubaneswar and Puri
- 5 Days Odisha Tour
- 4 Nights 5 Days Orissa Heritage Tour Package
- 7 Days Orissa Private Tour Itinerary
- 8 Days Odisha Cultural Tours
- 12 Nights 13 Days Orissa Tour
6. Mukteswara Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its well-exquisite sculptural work and beautiful carvings. The temple was built in the 10th century AD. Legend says that this temple was one of the first temples built by the Somavamsi Dynasty.
Many scholars believe that this temple was the successor to Parasurameswara Temple and was built before Brahmeswara Temple. Because of its architecture, the temple is also called the “Gem of Odisha”. The Mukteswara temple is a perfect example of the Kalinga School architecture.
It is a magnificent structure built from sandstone and stands 35 feet high. The temple’s main feature is the Torana, the beautiful arched gateway. It is reminiscent of Orissa’s Buddhist influence. The gateway’s thick, the pillared arched shape is exquisitely carved with a string of beads and other ornaments.
It features statues of smiling women in languorous poses. It is also known for its exquisite carvings. It’s fascinating to see unique sculptures like a meeting between thin sadhus and a group of playful monkeys. There are also illustrations from the Panchatantra displayed on the outer side of the latticed windows.
How to reach: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Mukteswar Temple. It is approximately at a distance of 94km from the airport. And, after reaching Pantnagar Airport, it is easy to get a taxi.
Visiting Time: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
7. Parsurameswara Temple
This temple was built in the 7th century during the reign of Shailodbhava’s dynasty. It is widely regarded as the place where the Odisha temple’s architecture began. It is also one of the best-preserved temples in the state.
Parasurameswar temple is the first temple that has the entrance hall attached to the Sanctorum. The appearance of crude joints indicates a skill that has been acquired. Its antiquity is evident by the presence of Asta Grahas (8 planets) on its lintel.
Saptamatrika is their first appearance in the state’s temple architecture. The Saptamatrika is a set of powers that different gods bestowed goddess Shakti.
It means that every mother who is a Shakti-bearing woman inherits her powers. Parasurameswar is Lord Shiva’s presiding deity. This is in keeping with the penance of Sage Parashuram as well as the grace of Lord Shiva.
Visiting Time: 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
8. Rajarani Temple
Rajarani Temple is the temple’s name, which was named after Rajarania (red and yellow sandstone) that was used for its construction. The temple’s architectural beauty is enhanced by the amber-colored stone that has been eroded over time.
Rajarani Temple is picturesque and displays a perfect symphony between skillful creativity, symmetry, and exquisite craftsmanship. It is no wonder that it is considered a masterpiece in Odisha Temple Architecture.
It was believed to have been called Indresvara Temple. Rajarani temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed during the Somavamsi rule’s later stages in the 11th century.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik airport; from the airport, the temple is only 6 km. If you want to reach out by train, then Bhubaneswar railway station is the nearest railway station. The nearest bus stop is Bermuda Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar.
Visiting Time: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
9. Vaital Deula
This unique temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. It is located in a quiet corner area of the old town. It is not far from the Lingaraja Temple. It is unique because of its distinctive architecture, which has been classified as the “Unique”.
Its architecture is based on the Kalinga School of Architecture transitional phase around the 9th Century AD. The temple’s outer walls are adorned with various depictions of nature, rituals, and intimate poses. From the Jaganmohan facade’s chaitya window, one can see a beautifully carved image depicting the Sun god and his seven horses.
The temple is based on tantric practices, which can be seen from the wall carvings of sacrificial ceremonies. You can even see a stone pillar that was used to offer sacrifices to the goddess.
How to Reach: Baitala Deula Temple is located in Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha. Bhubaneswar has good connections to major cities around the globe. Baitala Deula has buses that connect all cities in Odisha to the state transport division. The closest railway station to Vaital Deula is Bhubaneswar which is located at 3 km. And, the Baitala Deula temple is located at a distance of 4km from Bhubaneswar International Airport.
Visiting Time: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
10. Ram Mandir
It is a centrally located temple of the city near Kharvel Nagar. It is known for its beautiful architecture and has been voted one of the top tourist spots in Bhubaneshwar. It is recommended to Hindus who fervently worship Lord Rama.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, who is believed by many to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees have the opportunity to worship Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and Goddess Sita within the temple precincts.
The temple complex also houses Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva, as well as other Hindu deities. Beautiful images of Lord Rama and Lakshmana and Goddess Sita are displayed in the temple. Even today, the temple was managed and built by a private trust.
It is incredible how beautiful the idols of gods and goddesses are placed inside the temple. A well-kept garden flanks the temple. You can spend an evening in the evening aarti for a tranquil and spiritual experience.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik Airport, from there the temple is at a distance of 5 km. The nearest bus stand is Bhubaneswar Bus Stand, and it is well connected to transport because it is in the middle of the city.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Conclusion:
These tours will allow you to see and touch the shrines and provide the true essence of the religious sentiment. The temple tour to Odisha offers many advantages. Not only it will help you understand more about the religious sentiments, but it will also provide you with an opportunity to know about the different architectural styles of the temples.
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