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Known for its pristine beaches, waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna, India’s eastern state of Odisha is also home to some breathtaking ancient temples. Some are picturesque ruins, while others are still in near-immaculate condition.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a sacred pilgrimage destination with high spiritual significance. Its unique feature is that its flag flows in the opposite direction of the wind.
List of The Top 12 Popular Temples in Odisha
1. Jagannath Temple Odisha
The Jagannath Temple is a cultural icon of Odisha and is deeply rooted in the state’s identity. It’s also a reminder of the power of faith and how it unites people in their search for divinity.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are carved out of neem wood. The process of replacing them is called ‘Nabakalebara’ and it happens every 8, 12, or 19 years.
2. Konark Sun Temple Odisha
Konark Sun Temple Odisha is a breathtaking architecture showcasing the artistic prowess of Indian civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to the Sun god and is built entirely of stone.
The name ‘Konark’ is derived from the words Kona (Corner) and Arka (Sun) – together meaning ‘Corner of the Sun’. This 13th-century Sun Temple was commissioned by King Narasimha Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE.
3. Gundicha Temple Odisha
Gundicha Temple is a stunning architectural masterpiece. It showcases the cultural heritage of Odisha and awes visitors with its intricate carvings and beautiful gardens.
It is known as the Garden House of Jagannath and is home to Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra during Rath Yatra. The images of the deities are smeared with sandalwood paste twice a day to keep them cool.
4. Mausi Maa Temple Odisha
Mausi Maa Temple is a small temple located on the midway of Grand Road at Balagandi Square in Puri. The Goddess is regarded as the aunt of Lord Jagannath. During the Ratha yatra, the chariot of the Lord stops a little here to offer Podapitha, a dish made with cheese, flour, milk, ghee, and cloves.
5. Mukteshwara Temple Odisha
Known as the “gem of Odisha architecture” Mukteshwara Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 10th century by King Yayati I of the Somavamsi Dynasty.
This temple reflects the transition between different styles of Hindu temple architecture. Its unique feature is the Torana, with carved sculptures of lean ascetics in meditative poses.
6. Ananta Vasudeva Temple Odisha
Ananta Vasudeva Temple Odisha is a 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. The sanctum sanctorum has complete murtis of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra.
It is one of the few Vaishnavite sanctuaries in Bhubaneswar. Its architecture resembles the Lingaraja temple and has longitudinal shikharas.
7. Parshurameshwara Temple Odisha:
The skeletal ascetics sculpted on the lintel of the west doorway give clues to the shrine’s role as the center for Tantric initiation. It was repaired in 1903.
Built by Madhavaraja II of the Shailodbhava dynasty, this mid-7th-century temple is dedicated to Shiva. It is also one of the earliest Bhubaneswar temples to have carved images of Saptamatrika.
8. Rajarani Temple Odisha
Rajarani Temple Odisha is a beautiful monument of Indian temple architecture that was built in the 11th century. It is located in Old Bhubaneswar.
It is built in the Pancha Ratha style on a raised platform with the structures: a crucial shrine called Vimana having a bada over it rising to 18 m and a viewing hall named Jagamohana having a pyramidal roof. The temple was made of dull red and yellow sandstone locally referred to as Rajarani.
9. Lingaraja Temple Odisha
Lingaraja Temple Odisha stands testament to the rich heritage and culture of ancient Odisha. Its colossal size, architectural grandeur, and spiritual significance attract devotees from all over the country. The main festival of the temple is Shivaratri, which is celebrated in February or March.
10. Brahmeshwara Temple Odisha
Situated in the city of Bhubaneswar, this temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptural art, particularly on the tower and porch. The sandstone walls are adorned with pretty flower designs and flying figures along with images of the eight directions guardian deities and tantric-related images.
11. Maa Tara Tarini Temple Odisha
Maa Tara Tarini Temple Odisha is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas, where the foot (Pada) and breast (Sthana) of Sati Devi fell. The temple is a beautiful blend of Kalinga and Dravidian architecture.
The presiding deities of the temple are Maa Tara and Maa Tarini, twin sisters. Legends speak of them as ferocious warrior goddesses who defeated the demons.
Taratarini Temple is a remarkable sight of spiritual significance and cultural heritage. This Shakti Peetha (shrine of a powerful mother goddess) lies on the Kumari hills overlooking the Rushikulya River near Purushottampur in the Ganjam district of Odisha.
The shrine is dedicated to Adi Shakti in the form of twin goddesses – Maa Tara and Maa Tarini. This renowned pilgrimage site celebrates a grand festival during Chaitra month and attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
FAQs
Popular Temples to Visit in Odisha
- Jagannath Temple
- Konark Sun Temple
- Maa Tara Tarini Temple
- Brahmeshwara Temple
- Mausi Maa Temple
- Gundicha Temple
Most Famous Temples to Explore in Odisha
- Chausathi Jogini Temple
- Mausi Maa Temple
- Mausi Maa Temple
- Maa Tara Tarini Temple
- Sun Temple
- Lingaraja Temple
- Brahmeswara Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Mukteswara Temple
- Parsurameswara Temple
- Rajarani Temple
Famous Hindu Temples in Odisha
- Lingaraj Temple
- Shree Bramheswara Temple
- Maa Samaleswari Temple
Famous Temple in Odisha (Orissa)
Jagannath Temple Famous Temple in Odisha (Orissa).
Most Famous Temples To Visit In Odisha
- Jagannath Temple
- Konark Sun Temple
- Maa Tara Tarini Temple
- Brahmeshwara Temple
- Mausi Maa Temple
- Gundicha Temple
Which is the famous temple in Odisha?
Jagannath Temple is a most famous temple in Odisha.