Each temples in Bhubaneseswar tells a story of devotion, artistry, and tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and historical essence of the region.
From the majestic Lingaraj Temple to the serene Mukteswar Temple, there are many sacred places to visit in Bhubaneseswar that are architectural marvels and vital centers of worship and cultural heritage.
Exploring these temples in Bhubaneseswar provides a journey through time, faith, and artistry.
So, Join us on a journey and explore temples in Bhubaneseswar, where spirituality and history meet to create an unforgettable experience.
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This religious sites in Bhubaneswar is situated in the old part of Bhubaneswar at a distance of 5 km from Bhubneshwar Railway Station. The temple showcases excellent Odissi architecture with intricately carved stone vaults.
A small temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati is also there in the courtyard. Entry is restricted to Hindus. The temple attracts around 6,000 visitors daily, surging to 200,000 during the Mahashivratri festival when it is adorned with flowers, lanterns, and lights.
Managed by a private trust, this religious sites in Bhubaneswar complex also features shrines with ochre-painted marble idols of Hanuman, Shiva, and other deities.
Major Hindu festivals like Ram Navami, Janmashtami, and Dussehra are celebrated with enthusiasm, and the morning and evening Aarathi ceremonies attract many devotees. An annual fair is held during Raksha Bandhan, adding to the temple’s vibrant cultural life.
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Unlike many Hindu temples, it lacks images inside the sanctum and is not tied to any specific sect, making it open to all visitors regardless of religion. Although its exact construction date remains uncertain, the temple’s architecture influenced other central Indian temples, including those at Khajuraho.
Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, this religious sites in Bhubaneswar is a ticketed site and stands out in Bhubaneswar for its unique artistic and historical significance.
Built by Kolavati Devi, the mother of King Udyotakesari of the Somavamsi Dynasty, this religious sites in Bhubaneswar feature traditional Kalinga architecture with a central sanctum surrounded by four sub-shrines. The towering Vimanam, which rises 18.96 meters, and the Jagmogana adorned with lion faces are distinctive elements.
The temple’s walls are crafted from sandstone, with detailed carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and birds, including a striking idol of Lord Nataraja playing the veena. Notably, iron beams were used in its construction.
The Brahmeswara Temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures and is especially lively during Maha Shivaratri, a major festival held in grand style.
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Built by the Ganga dynasty, this double-storied temple stands out for its two-tiered bada (tower) and its west-facing design. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Bhaskareswara, the temple features a notable 9-foot tall Shivalingam in the sanctum sanctorum, which local texts describe as Vrihalingam and believed to be growing over time.
The lower floor serves as a platform with four doorways, while the temple’s exterior is adorned with simple architectural motifs rather than elaborate sculptures. The temple also houses deities such as Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati as Parsvadevtas.
Renowned as the “Gem of Odisha,” it showcases a blend of ancient and modern Kalinga architecture. The temple, 35 feet tall and built of sandstone, features a unique pithadeula structure with a pyramidal roof over the hall (jagamohana), marking an architectural innovation of its time.
Its highlight is the ornate torana (gateway), with intricate carvings and Buddhist influences. The temple is adorned with sculptures depicting various scenes, including playful monkeys and figures from the Panchatantra.
Nearby, the Siddheswar Temple, also from the 10th century, houses a notable statue of Lord Ganesh and complements the Mukteswara Temple with its architectural elegance.
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The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Balarama, Gaura Nithai, Subhadra, and Jagannatha, is built of white stone and designed to resemble a blooming lotus. The temple emphasizes the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, focusing on spiritual education and practice.
Regular activities include kirtans, bhajans, and pooja, as well as the promotion of the sankirtana movement, which involves groups chanting God’s names. It also hosts various Vaishnav festivals, celebrating the traditions of the ISKCON movement.
Apart from its religious significance, the temple is renowned for its striking architectural beauty. Its tall spires, or shikharas, are visible from various parts of the city, making it a prominent landmark.
The architectural marvels of Bhubaneswar Temples and craftsmanship attract many tourists, adding to its appeal as both a spiritual and architectural gem.
The temple’s design is similar to the Lingaraja Temple but features Vaishnavite carvings. It houses Lord Krishna, Lord Balaram, and Goddess Subhadra, with fully formed deities unlike those at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
A notable feature of this sacred Places in Bhubaneswar is the Bhoga Mandap, a hall for food offerings, reflecting Vishnu’s human-like nature. The temple was renovated by the Marathas in the late 17th century.
An inscription of Queen Chandrika Devi, once in London, is now displayed in the Odisha State Museum.
According to legend, Kedar, a village boy, and Gauri, a village girl, eloped due to opposition from their families. Tragically, Kedar was killed by a tiger, and Gauri, heartbroken, died by jumping into a pond in the temple complex.
Moved by their story, King Lalatendu Kesari built the temple to honor their eternal love. The temple features Lord Shiva as Kedareswar and Goddess Gauri. It is a popular spot for couples seeking blessings for a happy marriage.
The major festival celebrated here is Sitalasasthi, which includes a ceremonial marriage of Lord Lingaraja and Goddess Gauri.
Dedicated to Goddess Ardhasani, considered the aunt of Lord Jagannath, this temple plays a crucial role during the Rath Yatra festival. The temple is an integral part of the celebrations, where offerings like “Poda Pitha” are made.
The Mausima Temple is significant for its connection to the Jagannath Temple and the Rath Yatra, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of Puri. Its architecture and the festivals associated with it highlight its importance in the region.
The temple provides a peaceful retreat for visitors and adds to the appeal of Andhra Pradesh as a top travel destination.
This sacred Places in Bhubaneswar also includes smaller temples for Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Durga, as well as two sacred ponds—Khira Kund and Marichi Kund—believed to have healing powers.
According to legend, this sacred Places in Bhubaneswar was built by King Lalatendu Keshari to honor the love story of Kedar and Gauri, or as a place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati found peace.
It is one of the few temples in the city, along with Mukteswar Temple, that features a sculpted arch. Built by King Anangabhima Deva II of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, at the request of Swapnesvara, the temple is designed in the Saptaratha style.
This temples in Bhubaneseswar is famous for its intricate carvings of dancers, animals, birds, and flowers. It is situated near Pandav Nagar on Tankapani Road.
Dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, it is also known as Tinimundia Deula due to its three spires, symbolizing the three major powers of the deity. The temple is renowned for its elegant Kalinga-style stone carvings and intricate designs and features inscriptions in the Odia script.
Inside the temple complex, you’ll find images of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati, showcasing its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
From the ancient glory to intricate carvings and unique spires, the architectural marvels of Bhubaneswar Temples offer a unique glimpse into the religious and artistic traditions of the region.
Visiting these temples in Bhubaneseswar is one of the best things to do in Bhubaneseswar that not only serve as places of worship but also as enduring symbols of the artistic and devotional zeal that has shaped the city’s history.
So, next time you are in Bhubaneswar must explore the temples in Bhubaneseswar and make the most of your trip.
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