Top 5 Temples to visit in Odisha

Posted by Susovan Mishra on July 8th, 2023

Introduction to Odisha

Are you looking for an introduction to the incredible state of Odisha, India? Odisha is a coastal state located in the eastern part of India known for its wonderful Hindu culture and unique temple sites. If you are eager to explore and gain insight into this fascinating destination, there are five amazing temples that are a must-see when visiting this region.

Konark Sun Temple is one of the most popular destinations to experience when visiting Odisha. This 13thcentury temple is extremely famous for its structure which resembles a giant sun chariot. The intricate carvings on the temple walls offer visitors much to appreciate and admire.

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Jagannath Temple, Puri

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most revered and visited temples in India and is a cornerstone of Hindu religious culture. This temple is considered one of the four "dhams" or sacred abodes of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu and has been worshipped by devotees since ancient times. The origins of this great temple are associated with the Mahabharata epic, where it is said to be the site where Krishna had his miraculous chariot victory. The temple complex stands tall and beautiful against the backdrop of majestic sandstone walls, majorly attracting pilgrims from all over India as well as abroad.

If you are planning to visit Odisha, then making a trip to Jagannath Temple should top your list of priorities. Not only will you get to marvel at its majestic architecture and rich history, but also get the opportunity to take part in many cultural festivals such as Rath Yatra, when millions of devotees come here from around the world.

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar

When it comes to spiritual sites and ancient wonders, few places can rival the beauty of India’s Odisha region. One of the most important temples in Odisha is the Lingaraj Temple, which is located in Bhubaneswar.

The Lingaraj Temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Odisha, having been built during the 11th century CE. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the holiest sites for Hindus in India. The temple complex covers an area of about 44 acres and includes many smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

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One of the most striking features of this temple is its 50foot high red sandstone tower, or deul, which rises above the complex. This tower houses a 6foot tall image of Lord Shiva that was carved out of granite almost 800 years ago. As you enter the shrine you will be greeted by a breathtaking bronze sculpture depicting Shiva dancing with his consort Parvati, as well as several other statues depicting various gods from Hindu mythology.

The Lingaraj Temple also has significant religious importance for Hindus, especially for devotees who practice Vaishnavaism and Saivism (the worship of Vishnu and Shiva respectively). The temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year including Janmashtami (the birthday of Krishna), Shivratri (Shiva’s birthday), Maha Shivaratri (the great night of worshipping Shiva) and Durga Puja (honoring goddess Durga).

Sun Temple, Konark

When it comes to visiting India’s religious temples, Odisha has some of the best offerings around. One of the standout attractions is the 13th century Sun temple in Konark. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for anyone interested in unique architecture and intricate stone carvings and sculptures.

The Sun Temple dates back to the reign of King Narasimhadeva I, who built it between 1238 and 1264AD. He wanted to create an artistic representation of the grand chariot of Surya (the Hindu sun god). The temple has three main structures: a high platform on which stands the shrine with a tower above it; four pairs of enormous wheels at each corner that symbolize Surya's chariot; and twelve pairs of wheels along the sides. The walls and piers have detailed carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, such as battles, processions, sacrifices, etc.

Konark is considered one of Odisha’s most important pilgrimage sites due to its religious significance. Hundreds of devotees flock here every year to pray at the feet of the Sun God and bathe in holy waters that are believed to purify their soul. During festive occasions such as Chhati or Karthik Purnima (full moon nights), thousands come from neighboring states just to witness the grandeur and beauty of this magnificent temple complex.

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Ananta Vasudev Temple, Bhubaneswar

When searching for a top temple to visit in Odisha, look no further than the Ananta Vasudev Temple. This monument is a remarkable 11th century structure built with sandstone walls and decorated with exquisite carved detailing along its pillars and roof struts. Its metal idols of Lord Vishnu in various forms, including His four-armed resting form, are a sight to behold.

The Ananta Vasudev Temple showcases grandeur of Odishan architecture and is considered one of the state’s greatest monuments from the Ganga era. The main entrance of the temple is decorated with intricate sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology. Inside, you can find a small shrine that houses two black stone idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Goddess Laxmi dating back centuries.

As one of the top five temples to visit in Odisha, the Ananta Vasudev Temple offers visitors a chance to explore its intricate beauty up close. From its ornately designed domes to its symbolic carvings depicting Hindu mythology, this temple is an impressive testament to ancient Odishan culture and architecture that should not be missed during your travels. Whether you are looking for spiritual guidance or simply seeking an iconic destination in Odisha, the Ananta Vasudev Temple is a must-see!