Famous Temple in Odisha

There are more than 100 famous temple in Odisha, The State of Odisha lies in eastern India and is well known for its rich cultural heritage and the architecture of its temples. The state stands as an epitome of Architectural Brilliance which displays a harmonious blend of art, history, and spirituality enduring as an example of craftsmanship and devotion of the people of the state.

One of the most famous and iconic temples in the State is Shree Jagannath Temple located in Puri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shree Jagannath, who is an Avatar of Lord Shree Hari Vishnu.

The temple’s Rath Yatra is world famous which draws the attention of devotees as well as Tourists. The state has a famous temple which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and other famous temples as well that showcase the masterpieces of kalinga architecture and culture of Odisha.

These famous temples not only serve as an example of the artistic finesse of the region but also serve as a place of worship and living museums of history, offering a glimpse into the glorious past of Odisha.

These Famous temples not only attract admirers from across the globe but also continue to stand tall through the centuries, they serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the state’s artistic and spiritual traditions.

There are two major cities in Odisha where most of the pilgrimage visit Bhubaneshwar and Puri.

Famous Temple in Odisha- Puri

Jagganath  Temple, Puri

The Jagannath Temple is a popular and One of the Oldest Famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath who is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu located in Puri a district in Odisha. The main temple of Jagannath Puri was built by King Indradyumna of Avanti. This temple is believed as one of the Char dhams. The temple is world famous because it is believed that Lord Krishna’s heart was placed in this temple.

The temple is a famous tourist attraction in Odisha. People from all over the world visit the temple during Ratha Yatra, a major festival celebrated in this temple. The Jagannath Puri is a famous temple in Odisha for its popular festival Ratha Yatra also known as the chariot festival celebrated annually in June- July. The suitable month to visit this temple is during June- July month, during this great festival. Read More……

Sun Temple, Konark;

Konark Sun Temple also known as Surya Deula or Surya Deul is a famous temple in Odisha dedicated to Sun God Surya. This famous Hindu temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty about 1250 CE. It is also famous for the Chandrabhaga Mela held in February month every year. The temple is also known for great Kalinga architecture.

On the west of the famous Sun Temple, there is a famous Mayadevi temple built during the 11th century. Goddess Maya Devi is the wife of Lord Surya. The best time to visit this top tourist attraction of Odisha is during the Winter season from October to February.

Konark Dance Festival is also the major festival celebrated in this temple. It is a five-day dance festival held every year in the Sun temple located in Konark, Odisha India. The Konark dance festival is celebrated from 1st December to 5th December. Read More…..

Gundicha Temple, Puri:

Gundicha temple, also known as Lord Jagannath’s aunt’s house is a very famous temple in Odisha. Every year this is the last destination of Rath Yatra. It was located 3km from Jagannath Temple.

It was said that Rani Gundicha was the queen of King Indravarma, who built the Jagannath temple. And because of her devotion, Lord Jagannath and her siblings visit her every year. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Devi Subhadra are worshiped here in a wooden form.

The temple was built in Kalinga and Deula style with gray sandstones. The temple has four parts: Jagamohana, Vimana, Natmandir, and Bhoga Mandapa. There is a kitchen in the temple. The main temple is located at the center of the garden. There is a throne or seat, called “Ratnavedi” or “Janmavedi” in the temple, where idols are kept at the time of Rath Yatra. Two gates, the Western or main gate, and the Eastern or Nakuchana Gate are two gates of the temple. Read more ……..

The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM, and from 3 to 4 PM, the temple remains closed.

Vimala Temple, Puri

Vimala temple is located near the Rohini Kund of Jagannath Temple. Vimala Temple is a very famous temple in Odisha. It is one of the Shakti Peeth of Odisha. It is said that Mata Sati’s feet fell on this place. The Famous Devi Vimala is worshiped here. She is considered the guardian of the whole Jagannath Temple. Every Mahaprasad in Jagannath Mandir first served to Devi Vimala and then to Lord Jagannath.

Yayati Keshari, ruler of the Kesari Dynasty, built the temple in the 6th century. Vimana, nata-mandir, Jagamohana, and bhoga-mandir are the four parts of this temple. The temple is built in Deula style with laterite and with sandstone. The main idol of Devi Vimala is made of chlorite stone. Durga puja is one of the major festivals of Vimala temple. And sometimes fish are also offered to Devi. Read more…..

Famous temple in Odisha- Bhubaneshwar

Lingaraja Temple, Bhuaneshwar

Lingaraja Temple is a famous Hinduism temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha state. This temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswar. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. This famous temple in Odisha is a major tourist attraction of Odisha. The best time to visit this famous temple is during the Winter season from October to March, as the climate is pleasant during this month. It can be visited by Hindus only. Read more….

The famous temple was built during the 11th century. The great place of worship houses Shivalinga which is self-manifested Shivalinga.

Famous festivals like Mahashivratri, Ashokastami, and Chandan Yatra are celebrated in the temple every year. Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival celebrated in this famous temple during February- March month with great joy and enthusiasm. Mahashivratri is the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were believed to be married.

Mukteswara Temple, Bhubaneswar

Mukteswara Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This famous temple in Odisha is a must-visit tourist place. It was Built during the 10th Century. The temple is considered as  ‘Gem of Odisha’ for its magnificent architecture.

Mukteshwar Dance Festival is the major festival celebrated on the premises of this famous temple every year in January. The great festival is organized by the State tourism and cultural departments. The great festival is celebrated to display the cultural heritage of Odisha. The best time to visit the temple is during the Winter season from November to February.

RajaraniI Temple, Bhubaneswar

Rajarani temple is a famous temple in Odisha located in Bhubaneswar. The great famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered to have been built during the 11th century. The famous temple is also known as a ” love temple” as the walls of the temple show the carvings of women and couples. The temple was also known as Indreshwara Temple.

The temple is considered one of the major tourist attractions of Odisha because of its famous Rajarani Music festival celebrated in January annually. The great festival is celebrated for three days on the premises of Rajarani Temple from 18th to 20th January. The best time to visit this temple is during the Winter season during January to enjoy the Rajarani Music Festival.

Vaital Deula Bhubaneswar

Vaital Deula Temple is a famous temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. It is a famous Hindu temple believed to be built during the 8th century. The famous temple in Odisha is also known as the Tini-media doula because of the three spires located on its top. These three spires represent the powers of the goddess Chamunda – Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi, and Mahakali.

The famous temple is a major tourist attraction of Bhubaneswar because of its famous Kalinga style of architecture. A large number of devotees from Odisha visit Vaital Deul temple every day to offer prayers. The best time to visit this famous temple is during the Winter season from October to March.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is a famous temple located in Bhubaneswar. The famous temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a famous Hindu temple, and only Hindus are allowed to worship there. The temple was built during the 13th century and contains statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra, who are also the famous deities of this temple and are worshipped there.

The famous temple in Odisha is one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswar. The major attraction of the temple is its kitchen, where Mahaprasad popularly known as Abhada, is cooked. The Mahaprasad served as bhoga to deities and then administered to peoples as prasad. The temple is very famous for its Mahaprasad. People from far away visit here to have this Mahaprasad. The best time to visit the temple is from November to February. Read more…

Parasurameswar Temple, Bhubaneswar

Parasurameswar temple is one of the popular Hinduism temples located in Bhubaneswar. This famous temple is considered the oldest Hindu temple existing in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is considered one of the famous and oldest tourist places of Bhubaneswar, built around 650 CE.

Parashurameshvara temple is a famous Lord Shiva Temple but has the images of Shakta deities sculpted on its walls. This famous temple in Odisha also features a carved image of the goddess Durga with six arms. This is the first temple to contain Saptamatrika images on its walls, which signify a group of seven goddesses.

Parasurashtami is the major festival celebrated here in the temple during June–July every year. The temple is a famous place to visit in Bhubaneswar from November to February.

Raghunath Temple, Bhubaneswar

Raghunath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Odagaon in the Nayagarh district of Odisha. This famous temple in Odisha is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site in Odisha.

The famous temple was built by Mrityujay Singh who was King of Nayagarh during the 19th century.  The temple was completed in 1763.

Lord Raghunath Jew (Ram), Lord Laxman, and Goddess Mata Sita are worshipped in this famous temple. The famous temple is divided into three parts: the Bhadra Mandap, Nata Mandap, and Darshan Mandap. Other than Lord Rama temple,  goddess Durga, Lord Surya Mandir, Lord Ganesh Mandir, Lord Narayan Mandir, etc. are situated here and they are also worshipped. Devotees from different parts of Odisha visit here daily to worship Lord Rama. This temple is considered as a major tourist place of Odisha. The best time to visit this temple is during the Winter season from November to February.

Brahmeswar Temple, Bhubaneswar

The 11th-century Famous temple Brahmeswar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most beautiful and oldest  temples of India and it is a very famous temple of Odisha. It was built by the mother of Somavamsi king Udyotakesari, Kolavati Devi. It was said that there were Devdasis, who worshiped and took care of God, in this temple.

This famous oldest Panchayatana temple, which has four other shrines in four corners, and also a pyramid was built in Lingaya and Kalinga style. Jagamohana, Vimana, Natmandir, and Bhoga Mandapa are the four parts of the temple.

The lion head idol of Jagamohana, the prayer hall, and various designs are the showcase of Odisha’s art and culture. Vimana was also built with iron beams. The famous temple is known for its architecture, beautiful sculptures, and porch.

The famous temple is open from 6 Am to 8 Pm. The temple is located 5 km from Bhubaneswar Railway station. 

Famous Temple in Odisha- Other Districts

Akhandalamani Temple, Bhadrak

Akhandalamani Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Aradi village of Odisha which is about 37 km from Bhadrak. This famous temple in Odisha is dedicated to Baba Akhandalamani or Lord Shiva. This temple is considered a must-visit famous tourist attraction of Bhadrak. The Best month to visit this famous temple is during Winter month when the climate is quite pleasant from October to March.

The Famous Temple was built by Niladri Samara Singha Mohapatra and was completed in 1830 CE.

Mahashivratri is the major festival celebrated in this famous  Temple every year with great joy and enthusiasm during the month of February- March. Devotees from different parts of Odisha visit the temple to worship Baba Akhandalamani.

Biraja Temple, Jajpur

13th-century Biraja temple or Biraja kshetra is one of the Shaktipeeth is a very famous temple in Odisha. Devi’s navel or navi falls on this place. So the famous temple is also called Nvigaya. Therefore, the temple has also great significance. The king of the Kesari dynasty Jajati Keshari built this temple. The temple was built in the Nagara architectural style.

Dwi Bhuja or two-hand Devi Durga or Mahisasurmardini is worshiped here. Devi idol is 70 ft tall. Devi Durga in this place is also called Aadya Stotro. Lord Vishnu in his Varha form worshiped here. Navi Sthal is also present there. There are 108 Shiva lingas in the temple which are all in different shapes and sizes. There is a big hall where 54 lingas are kept. Other lingas are kept in different temple complexes. It is also said that there are Koti Shiva lingas in the famous temple. Sixteen days of Durga Puja is the main festival of the temple.

Tarini Temple, Ghatagaon

Tarini Temple is a very famous temple in Odisha located 45 km distance from the town of Keonjhar. Nestled in the beauty of a forest, the famous temple is witness to varieties of wildlife, which makes the temple more beautiful. It is said that if coconut can be offered to Maa Tarini one can fulfill his wishes.

It is said that, one day after the King of Keonjhar died, Bhanja decided to take Devi Tarini from Puri to Keonjhar, on one condition that if he looked behind, she wouldn’t come anymore. He can hear the sounds of her jewelry from which he can assure her that she is coming. But entering a forest he couldn’t hear the sounds. So, he thought that she was not coming. So, he looked back. But due to the forest mud, sounds were not hearable. But as he broke the condition, Devi stopped there in the forest. And from then she was worshiped here.

It is built in Kalinga style. The temple is located in the Sal Forest. Gundichaghgi waterfall is located near the temple.  Chaiti Yatra, Pana Sankranti, Patua Yatra, and Ashadi Parba are some famous festivals of the temple.

Chhatia Bata

Chhatia Bata is a very famous temple in Odisha. It is located in the village of Chhatia Jajpur district, Odisha. The famous temple is dedicated to the Avatar of Vishnu, Kalki Avatar. Lord Jagannath along with Balaram and Subhadra are worshiped here. There is an old banyan tree on the boundary of the main temple. And due to this, it is called Chhatia “Bata”. Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century made this temple. Hadi Das lived in this temple.

All the rituals are very similar to Puri, and Jagannath Mandir. There is another uniqueness in this famous and renowned temple. The temple is also a showcase of beautiful architectural style. No idols are facing the doors in this temple. Lord Jagannath and Balaram are also worshiped in the form of Kali, they are riding horses. It is said that as time flows their swords are growing. The temple is 60 km from Bhubaneswar and 28 km from Cuttack.

Harishankar Temple, Balangir

This temple is a very famous temple in Odisha, Balangir. It is located 81 km from Balangir. The King of Chauhan Kingdom first discovered the deity and Durlava Devi built this temple. Lord Shiva and Vishnu are worshiped in the Harishankar Temple.

 In front of the Famous temple, there is a Buddha statue. And there is a zoo near the temple, another tourist place. The Famous temple is located at the foot of the hill of Gandhamardan Hill. The scenic beauty of the hill and the natural beauty make this place very peaceful. Nrusingha Chaturdashi Mela is the main festival of the temple.

Bhattarika Temple, Dhenkanal

It is another famous temple in Odisha, situated in the Dhenkanal district near Cuttack. It is said that Parsuram built this temple. The Famous temple is dedicated to Devi Bhattarika, another form of Devi Sati. It is located near the Mahanadi River. It is said that Parasurama offered prayer to Goddess Durga to kill Saharasjuna And she granted her powers to him. And Devi Durga is worshiped as Devi Bhattarika. Also, God’s Sun is worshiped here.

As per the Buddhist system, the main deity is situated at the center of a circle. And eight other deities are situated around her. The famous temple is also called Tarini Peetha. Durga Puja is the major festival of this temple. And in this time of the festival, Buffaloes are given as a sacrifice to the goddess. Badamba is the nearest bus stand to the temple. Cuttack is the nearest station.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions