Top 9 Famous Temples in Odisha to Visit
Odisha, known for its vibrant culture and spiritual fervour, boasts a plethora of temples that attract pilgrims and tourists alike. These architectural marvels stand as symbols of devotion and heritage, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
These temples epitomise the spiritual essence of Odisha and are must-visit destinations for anyone seeking an enriching cultural experience amidst divine tranquillity.
9 Best Temples to Visit in Odisha
Explore the 9 of the most famous temples in Odisha that are steeped in myth, legend, and devotion:
1. Jagannath Temple | Puri
The Jagannath Temple, one of the most famous temples in Odisha, is a revered site for Hindus worldwide. Its annual Rath Yatra attracts millions of devotees. The temple's architecture showcases Odisha's grandeur, with its towering spire visible from afar.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5 am to 10 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: Well-connected by road in Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri
- Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Puri
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2. Ramchandi Temple | Puri
Ramchandi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ramchandi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Situated on the banks of River Kushabhadra, this temple offers a tranquil retreat for devotees seeking solace and divine blessings.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 8 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Puri
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri
- Nearby Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Puri Bus Stand
3. Maa Tara Tarini Temple | Banks of River Rushikulya
Perched atop a scenic hill, the Maa Tara Tarini Temple is dedicated to the twin goddesses Tara and Tarini. With panoramic views of the Rushikulya River, this temple attracts pilgrims and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Best Time to Visit: March and April
- Temple Timings: 5:30 am to 7 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: By road, via NH-5 from Berhampur
- Nearby Railway Station: Berhampur
- Nearby Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Berhampur
4. Konark Sun Temple | Konark
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple is a masterpiece of Odisha's architectural brilliance. Built in the shape of a colossal chariot, dedicated to the Sun God, this temple is a testament to Odisha's rich cultural heritage.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 8 pm - Monday to Thursday and Saturday - Sunday
- How to Reach: By road from Puri or Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri
- Nearby Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Konark Bus Stand
5. Lingaraj Temple | Bhubaneswar
Dating back to the 11th century, the Lingaraj Temple is one of the most prominent Shiva temples in India. With its towering spire and intricate carvings, this temple is a testament to Odisha's architectural finesse and religious fervour.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Temple Timings: 5 am to 9 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: Centrally located in Bhubaneswar, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Airport: Biju Panik Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhubaneswar
6. Brahmeswara Temple | Bhubaneswar
Revered for its exquisite architecture and intricate sculptures, the Brahmeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 9th century, this temple is a fine example of Kalinga architecture, reflecting Odisha's rich cultural heritage.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5 am to 9 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: Accessible by road within Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhubaneswar
7. Mukteswara Temple | Bhubaneswar
Renowned for its exquisite carvings and architectural splendour, the Mukteswara Temple is a gem of Odisha's architectural heritage. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 6:30 am to 7 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: Easily reachable by road in Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Airport: Pantnagar Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhubaneswar
8. Rajarani Temple | Bhubaneswar
Adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, the Rajarani Temple is a unique architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Surrounded by lush greenery, this temple offers a serene ambience for devotees and tourists.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 7 am to 5 pm - Every day
- How to Reach: Situated in Bhubaneswar, accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhubaneswar
9. Ram Mandir | Bhubaneswar
Dedicated to Lord Ram, the Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar is a serene haven amidst the bustling city. With its tranquil ambience and spiritual aura, this temple offers solace to devotees seeking divine blessings.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 9 am - Every day
- How to Reach: Central Bhubaneswar, easily accessible by road
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik Airport
- Nearby Bus Station: Bhubaneswar
FAQs about Temples to Visit in Odisha, India
What is the entry fee for Rajarani Temple?
The entry fee for Rajarani Temple is ₹5 for Indian nationals and ₹200 for foreign tourists.
Is photography allowed inside the temples in Odisha?
No, photography inside temples in Odisha is generally not allowed. Visitors are advised to respect the sanctity of the religious sites and refrain from taking photographs inside the temple premises.
Are there any festivals celebrated at temples in Odisha?
Yes, festivals like Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple and Magha Saptami at Maa Tara Tarini Temple are celebrated grandly in Odisha's temples.
Which is the highest temple of Odisha?
The highest temple in Odisha is the Lingaraja Temple located in Bhubaneswar.
Why are Odisha temples famous?
Odisha temples are renowned for their intricate architecture, spiritual significance, and historical importance, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
Which temple is the capital of Odisha?
One of the oldest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, is the Lingaraja Temple, which is devoted to Shiva.
Which city is known as a temple city in Odisha?
With more than 500 temples, Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known as the Temple City of India!
Which style of temple is in Odisha?
The temples of Odisha were designed in the Kalinga School of Architecture, a regional variation of the Nagara or North India School of Temple Construction.
Which is the most famous yatra of Odisha?
The Rathyatra is one of the most enjoyable yearly events held at the Jagannath Puri temple. The followers of Lord Jagannath in Odisha organize this well-known celebration each June.
Which temple has no shadow in Odisha?
The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is renowned for its architectural brilliance and is said to be constructed in a manner that no shadow falls on the ground at any time of the day.
Which temple is known as the Love Temple of Odisha?
Because of its sensual sculptures of ladies and couples, the Raja Rani Temple is affectionately referred to as the "love temple" in the community.
Which temple has no God in Odisha?
The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, is often cited as a temple with no deity inside. While it was dedicated to the Sun God Surya, the main idol is believed to have been removed or destroyed, leaving the temple devoid of a central deity.
Which temple in Odisha was called the White Pagoda?
The Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is sometimes referred to as the "White Pagoda" due to its iconic white spire.
Which place is known as Tantra Pitha of Odisha?
The place known as the Tantra Pitha of Odisha is Taratarini Temple.