10 Famous Temples in Odisha

Odisha, a state in eastern India, is famous for its ancient temples that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. Some of the most famous temples in Odisha include:

Jagannath Temple:

Located in the holy city of Puri, Jagannath Temple is one of the most revered temples in Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival, during which the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession.

Lingaraj Temple:

Situated in Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a remarkable example of Kalinga architecture and is one of the largest temples in the city. The temple has a 55-meter-high tower and is surrounded by smaller shrines and a large garden.

Konark Sun Temple:

Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located near the town of Konark in Puri district. The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels, each about 3 meters in diameter. It is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, and is a masterpiece of Odisha’s architecture.

Mukteswara Temple:

Another important temple in Bhubaneswar, Mukteswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its exquisite carvings and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture. The temple is also famous for its impressive torana (arch) and the depiction of various scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Rajarani Temple:

The Rajarani Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, located in Bhubaneswar. It is famous for its intricate carvings and is considered to be one of the best examples of Odisha’s temple architecture. The temple is known for its unique name, which is derived from the reddish-gold sandstone used in its construction.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple:

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is located in the heart of Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its exquisite carvings and is a fine example of Kalinga architecture. It is also famous for its annual Chandan Yatra festival, during which the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession.

Vaital Deul Temple:

The Vaital Deul Temple is an ancient temple located in Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. The temple is known for its unique architecture, which features a circular sanctum with a conical roof. It is also famous for its stone carvings and sculptures, which depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.

Mukhalingam Temple:

The Mukhalingam Temple is located in Srikakulam district of Odisha and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its impressive architecture, which features a towering gopuram and intricate carvings on its walls. The temple is also famous for its annual Maha Shivaratri festival, during which devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Gundicha Temple:

The Gundicha Temple is located in Puri and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is one of the most important temples in Odisha and is known for its annual Rath Yatra festival, during which the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession and brought to the Gundicha Temple.

Kapilash Temple:

The Kapilash Temple is located in Dhenkanal district of Odisha and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated atop a hill and is known for its stunning architecture, which features a towering shikara and intricate carvings on its walls. The temple is also famous for its annual Mahashivaratri festival, during which thousands of devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.

These are just a few more examples of the many famous temples in Odisha, each with its unique architecture, history, and cultural significance.

How to reach Odisha

Odisha is well-connected to the rest of the country by air, rail, and road. Here are some ways to reach Odisha:

1. By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the major airport in Odisha. It is well connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Other airports in Odisha include Jharsuguda Airport, Rourkela Airport, and Jeypore Airport.
2. By Rail: Odisha has a well-developed rail network and is connected to major cities in India. The major railway stations in Odisha are Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, and Sambalpur. Some of the popular trains to Odisha are the Konark Express, Hirakud Express, and Puri Express.
3. By Road: Odisha has a good network of roads and is connected to major cities in India. National highways NH-16, NH-20, NH-53, and NH-59 pass through the state. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles are easily available for travel within the state.
4. By Sea: Odisha has a coastline of 480 km and is well-connected by sea. The major ports in Odisha are Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur. These ports connect Odisha to other parts of India and countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar.

So, depending on your location and preference, you can choose any of the above modes of transportation to reach Odisha.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Odisha depends on your travel plans and preferences. Odisha experiences a tropical climate and is best visited during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The monsoon season in Odisha starts in June and lasts till September, and during this time, the state receives heavy rainfall. While the lush green landscape during monsoon can be a beautiful sight, it may not be the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The summer months in Odisha, from March to June, can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C. While some visitors may find the beaches and coastal areas appealing during this time, others may find it uncomfortable.

If you are interested in witnessing some of the popular festivals in Odisha such as Rath Yatra or Durga Puja, then plan your visit during these festivals. Rath Yatra, which takes place in June or July, is one of the most important festivals in Odisha and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists from all over the world.

In summary, the best time to visit Odisha is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.