Don’t you think that temples are not just about CONTACT with spirituality but more about building a CONNECTION with it? You must agree with it because there is something more than the extraordinary architecture of temples. There are many temples in Odisha, like Lingaraja Temple, Konark Sun Temple, and Mukteshwar Temple. Each temple will make your connection with spirituality, peace, and art.
The temples of Odisha are constructions of the bygone era. Some of these temples challenge the technological capabilities of the modern era. But some temples challenge science through the unnatural force that is actually more natural than anything else. This positive force is more powerful than science and stronger just like people’s beliefs. Jagannath Temple is a lively example that confronts the theory of science through its mystery. You need to visit this temple to believe in the unbelievable phenomena. Check out this list of famous temples in Odisha to make your spiritual tour in Odisha more commendable. Let’s roll out on the list of some of the best temples in Odisha that personify beauty, art, and positivity.
List of 9 Popular Temples in Odisha that Will Fill Your Heart with Divine Vibes.
- Jagannath Temple
- Lingaraja Temple
- Sun Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Maa Tara Tarini Temple
- Mukteshwar Temple
- Ram Mandir
- Vaital Deula
- Cuttack Chandi Temple
1. Jagannath Temple
The definition of Mystical is well defined by the Jagannath Temple in Odisha. Temple has divine power that is unexplainable and architecture that is far from today’s technique. It has high spiritual significance as it is one of the four Char Dham destinations.
The temple is located in the coastal town Puri of Odisha. But you can’t hear any waves of the ocean when you are in the temple. This 12th-century temple is also known for its annual Rath Yatra that is held in the summer season. June to July is the best time to visit Odisha if you intend to take part in Rath Yatra. Moreover, this temple carries mysterious facts that attract tourists throughout the year.
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- What makes it special: The birds and planes never fly above the temples. And it is not a rule of Government, but it is the law of divine power that is astonishing.
- Location: Bhanumati Way, Puri, Odisha
- Timing of temple: 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Nearby attractions: Narendra Sarovara, Chilika wildlife sanctuary, Puri beach, Sudarshan craft museum.
2. Lingaraja Temple
If your mind experiences a volley of thoughts regarding the biggest temple of Odisha, head to Lingaraja Temple. It is also one of the oldest temples of Odisha and a prominent landmark of Temple City-Bhubaneswar. This temple is still in remarkably good condition that will impress you.
The temple is devoted to Lord Harihara, the incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is built in Kalinga architectural style and features four components. Vimana, Jagamohana, Bhoga-Mandapa, and Natamandira are names of these components. However, the best attraction of this temple is the self-originated Shivalinga that is 8 feet tall.
There are also carved structures of Goddess Durga, Chamunda, Bhairava, which are manifestations of Goddess Parvati. The expansive complex of the temple has around 64 shrines of different gods and goddesses that reflect highly curved work. Shiva Ratri and Rath Yatra are two grand celebration festivals and are considered the best time to visit Lingaraja Temple. During the festival, you can take a holy dip in the tank that is believed to have the ability to heal physical illness.
- What makes it special: Exterior wall of the hall has impressive decorative sculptures of beasts and men and animals
- Location: Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Timing of Temple: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Nearby Attractions: Dhauli Giri Hills, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation, Ekamra heritage walls, and Ashokan rock edict.
3. Sun Temple
Admire the unbelievable architecture by marking your presence at the Sun Temple in Odisha. It is one of the most unique temples of Odisha that receives heavy footfalls throughout the year. This 13th-century temple is dedicated to Surya, the Lord Sun, and is designed in the Kalinga architectural style. You can see erotic sculptures on the walls of this temple. Apart from that, this temple has 12 stone-carved wheels that represent the 12 months of a year. This temple is declared the UNESCO World Heritage site of Odisha. The rays of the sun directly fall on its main sanctum and that shows the mastery work of architecture.
NO wonder! It is one of the best temples of Odisha that carries a uniqueness to amaze everyone. You can observe this architectural marvel that has the shape of a 100ft high chariot of Sun God pulled by horses. The best thing about this temple is that the whole structure is carved out of a single stone. It was made up of black granite that is why it is also known as Black Pagoda. The prominent part of this temple is now ruined, but still, the relics tell the story of brilliant architecture. Another example of its architecture is the carved wheels of the temple. These wheels show the exact time of the day. The time can be calculated by noticing the shadow cast by the wheels.
- What makes it special: The light and sound show in the evening here will give you delightful moments. The timing of the show at Sun temple is 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Location: Konark, Odisha
- Timing of Temple: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Nearby Attractions: Ramachandi Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, and Konark Sun Temple Museum
4. Gundicha Temple
Your spiritual tour in Odisha is incomplete without visiting the Gundicha Temple. It is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Odisha. This temple has a deep connection with Lord Jagannath. And according to Hindu Mythology, it is the home of Lord Jagannath. This temple is built in the name of Lord Krishna’s Aunt- Gundicha. It is made up of Kalinga-style architecture with light grey sandstone. The fascinating thing is that the entire temple was built with a single stone. Many mythological stories revolve around the temple.
These stories will give you an insightful experience on your pilgrimage tour in Odisha. You would like to find more and more about the connection of old age Hindu Mythology. As per the rituals, during the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath resides here for 9 days. The temple is vacant throughout the year, but during the Rath yatra, it becomes one of the best temples to visit in Odisha. This temple is well renowned as The Garden House of Jagannath because of the massive and beautiful garden around the temple.
What makes it Special: This temple is known as Vrindavan of Puri
Location: Gundicha temple, Puri, Odisha
Timing of Temple: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Nearby Attractions: Puri beach, Jagannath temple, Vimala temple, and Chilika Wildlife sanctuary.
5. Maa Tara Tarini Temple
Gear up yourself to feel the combination of history and mystery at Maa Tara Tarini Temple. Many history legends and mythological beliefs revolve around Maa Tarini Temple. It is believed that if you pray from your core of the heart, Devi Goddess will fulfill your wishes. This wish-fulling temple is settled on the top of Taratarini Hill on the banks of River Rushikulya. This river is believed to be the elder sister of the River Ganges.
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According to the pages of mythology, after the Daksha Yagna, when Sati, the body was disjointed with Sudarshan Chakra her breast had fallen here. This temple is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers and one of the major Shakti Peethas in India. You will need to cover the 999 steps to reach the temple. Chaitra Mela and Yatra are the two most celebrated festivals of Maa Tara Tarini Temple. During this festival time, you can see the temple’s glory that will blow your mind. The greenery all around is amusing and a treat for your eyes. This shrine of Odisha is also known as the Maa Tara Devi Temple.
- What makes it special: During the epic Mahabharata time, Lord Krishna and Arjuna came here to pray to Bhadrakali for strength.
- Location: Temple Road Dt, near Rushikulya River, Raipur, Purusottampur in Odisha
- Timing of Temple: 5:00 am – 12:25 pm
2:00 pm – 9:45 pm - Nearby Attractions: Gopalpur sea beach and Jiranga Monastery
6. Mukteshwar Temple
On the pages of Odisha’s history, this temple has imprinted its impression beautifully. Apart from that, the angle of mythology makes it one of the must-visit Bhubaneswar temples. This temple is one of the oldest Lord Shiva temples that was built around the 10th century. This temple is devoted to Mukteshwara, which translates to God of Freedom and Lord Shiva the symbol of destruction. The temple is located on the hilltop and has become an integral aspect of Odisha Tourism. A part of this temple displays the Buddhist style of architecture.
The carved art of the wall in this temple depicts meditation, eroticism, and illustrations from the Panchatantra. But some people believe that this temple was once the center of Tantric initiation because of the evocating carvings on the outer walls of the temple. Apart from that, there are many beautifully carved structures inside the temples. You can also spot the niches of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Lakulisha through the exterior walls of the temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Odisha that still defines the beauty of old-era architecture. This temple hosts a 3-day Mukteswar Dance Festival yearly in the winter season.
What makes it special: It is believed that if you pray from the bottom of your heart, your wish will be fulfilled. It is also known as the architectural gem of Bhubaneshwar.
Location: Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timing of Temple: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
Nearby Attractions: Lingaraj temple, Ekamara heritage walls, and Dhaulagiri hills
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7. Ram Mandir
Just like Lord Rama is located in the heart of devotees, the Ram Mandir is settled in Bhubaneshwar. This temple is one of the most important shrines in Odisha. The architecture of this temple showcases the quintessential work of art. There are Images of Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita. However, this temple is also home to many other shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hanumana, and other deities. The annual fair Raksha Bandhan is one of the prime festivals that is celebrated with full zeal. Besides that, Ram Mandir celebrates many more festivals such as Ram Navami, Vivaha Panchami, Dussehra, Janmashtami, and Shiva Ratri.
This temple of Bhubaneswar holds great spiritual significance. Ram Mandir is still managed by a private trust in Bhubaneswar. From its design to placing the idols of god and goddess, this temple is a praiseworthy spot in Bhubaneshwar. It is one of the best Hindu temples in Odisha and a must-visit temple for devotees of Lord Rama. You can spot beautiful spires of this temple from different parts of the city. The garden that flanks the temple glorifies the beauty of the temple. To feel the divine vibes, you must include this temple in your list.
- What makes it special: Morning and evening Aarti offers a great spiritual experience.
- Location: Janpath Road, Jan Path, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Timing of Temple: 6:00 am to 9:30 pm
- Nearby Attractions: Iskcon Temple, Orissa Modern Art gallery, Museum of tribal arts and artifacts, Udayagiri caves, Nandankanan zoological park.
8. Vaital Deula
Let’s admire the architectural brilliance of Indian heritage by visiting the Vaital Deula Temple. Its distinct architecture reflects closeness to South Indian temples and Buddhist shrines. This ancient Hindu temple was built in the 8th century and is counted as one of the oldest temples of Odisha. Vaital Deula is also known as Tina Munia Mandir because local people address this temple with this name. It is devoted to the Goddess Chamunda, the tantric incarnation of Goddess Durga. If your eyes are looking for some unique temples in Odisha, this temple is just for them. It is one of the unique temples of Odisha that impersonate a tantric cult. Apart from its architecture style, this temple has detailed work of carving on its wall that will amaze you.
The outer wall of the temple is well decorated with panels of Hindu deities. You can spot Shiva and his companion Parvati in the form of Shakti, hunting processions. Apart from that, wild elephants and occasionally erotic couples are also carved on the wall. This temple also features a well intricate figure of Surya, the Sun God that is well known for facial expression. There is a Chaitya window on the upper side of the temple where 10-armed Nataraja is fitted. Each aspect of Vaital Deula architecture makes it one of the top temples in Odisha.
- What makes it special: The inner side carving of the temple is commendable in this temple.
- Location: Barhadanda Road, Old Town, Bhubaneswar
- Timing of Temple: 7:00 am to 8: 00 pm
- Nearby Attractions: Biju Patnaik Park, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Odisha State Museum
9. Cuttack Chandi Temple
“Small in size but a large symbol of devotion” It is a suitable statement for Chandi Temple in Cuttack. Around 20 lakh devotees visit this temple to feel the pure and spiritual vibes. This temple is one of the most famous temples of Cuttack city. It is located on the serene banks of the river Mahanadi and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. The masses of the city believed that Goddess Chandi, one of the forms of Maa Durga, is a living Goddess. The special sweet and Prashad of this temple is Chandi Bhog that is really delicious.
The idol of Goddess Chandi in the temple is known as Maa Katak Chandi. This idol has four hands that hold Ankusha (goad), Paasha (noose), gestures dispelling fear (Abhaya), and granting boon (Vardaan). There are many origin stories that are based on old tales and stories that revolve around the temple. The annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja are two prominent festivals of Chandi Temple. If you want to add some great spiritual experience in Odisha, visit this temple during Durga Puja. During this festival, the temple remains open till midnight and gives you the best time to see, experience, and feel.
- What makes it special: This temple has a fascinating past and covers some stories. It is firmly believed that Goddess Maa Katak Chandi is a living deity who sits and rules on the heart of the ancient city.
- Location: Stadium Rd, Tulasipur Colony, Cuttack, Odisha
- Timing of temple: 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
- Nearby attractions: Netaji Birth Place Museum, Barabati Stadium, Kala Vikash Kendra, Hirapur, Barabati Fort, Dhabaleswar Island
Final Words for Odisha Temples
These Odisha temples are too beautiful, too complex, and too astonishing. Whether you call marvel engineering or divine force, these temples are incredible. You can chart out your tour for Odisha and include these temples to make it more interesting. More importantly, you can experience the relation of spirituality with art, tradition, and culture. From having its temple city to mythological stories, your trip to the Temples of Odisha keeps you engaged beautifully. Plan your Odisha spiritual tour and feel the mix of Mystery and history of this state.
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