Odisha is popular for its ancient and esoteric temples. You can visit these temples for their spiritual significance and architecture. People from all over the world visit Odisha to explore the architecture and sculptures on the walls of the temple. The striking architecture and artistic work on the walls of these temples is worth a glimpse. You can view the history, culture, religious and artistic works on the walls of these temples. These are the temples you can explore to get a glimpse of the fine architecture, history, and listen to fascinating tales from mythology. So, make sure that you explore all these temples in odisha if you like to see the intricate details of the temples.
Here is the list of the top temples in Odisha that you must explore due to their intricate details and colorful designs. Most of the temples have the Kalinga style of architecture as it ruled Odisha for a long time. Scroll down to take a good look at them and the highlights they have. We recommend covering at least 2-3 temples when you do visit this glorious land:
- Jagannath Temple Odisha – The Most Popular
- Maa Tara Tarini Temple – Shakti Peethas
- Sun Temple – 13th Century Architecture
- Lingaraja Temple – The Largest In Odisha
1. Jagannath Temple Odisha – The Most Popular
Jagannath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Odisha. It is the temple of Lord Vishnu and holds great significance. It has very high spiritual significance and sees visits of thousands of employees every year. Want to know a mysterious fact about this temple? Well, it is said that the flag on the top of this temple flows in the opposite direction of the wind.
Priests of this Jagannath temple Odisha are said to climb the temple which is as high as a 45-storey building to change the flag. This ritual has been followed since the time the temple has been built. There is a belief that if this ritual is missed even for one day the temple shuts down for 18 years. Also, there are no shadows of the temple to be seen during any time of the day. There are many astonishing facts about this temple.
Location: Bhanumati Way, Puri, Odisha 752002
Highlights: The temple does not create a shadow during the daytime. You cannot hear the sound of the waves of the ocean when you are inside the temple.
Timing: 5 am – 11 pm
2. Maa Tara Tarini Temple – Shakti Peethas
Considered as one of the Shakti Peethas in India, Maa Tara Tarini Temple is positioned on the banks of River Rushikulya. It is believed that after the Daksha Yagna, when Sati’s body was dismembered with Sudarshan Chakra, her breasts had fallen in this location. Chaitra Mela is the most important event celebrated inside this temple.
This is said to be a wish fulfilling temple. It was built in the 17th century and has 999 steps. It is located on top of Taratarini Hill. The sacred River Rushikulya is believed to be the elder sister of the River Ganges. There are many tourist attractions near this temple.
Location: Temple Road Dt, near Rushikulya River, Raipur, Purusottampur, Odisha 761018
Highlights: This is one of the Shakti Peethas and is known to be a wish fulfilling temple.
Timings: 5:00 am – 12:25 pm, 2:00 pm – 9:45 pm
3. Sun Temple – 13th Century Architecture
It was built in the 13th century and is known for its marvelous architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Sun or Surya. This temple has a unique architecture compared to other temples and are built in the shape of Lord Surya’s chariot. Europeans called it the ‘Black Pagoda.’ It is built in the Kalinga architectural style. There are erotic sculptures on the walls of this temple.
The sundials carved on this temple tell the time accurately during day and night. This is a World UNESCO heritage site. The structure of the temple was designed in such a way that the rays of the sun falls directly on the main sanctum of the temple. Moreover, there are magnets placed on top of the temple which holds two iron plates sandwiched between stones.
Location: Konark, Odisha 752111
Highlights: The temple is in the shape of the Sun’s chariot. The sundial in the shape of the wheel has been an inspiration to design the dial of the wrist watch.
Timings: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
4. Lingaraja Temple – The Largest In Odisha
Lingaraja Temple is not only the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar but also in the whole state. It is said that the construction of this temple can be dated back to the 8th century and it is built in the shape of a sanctuary tower. It has a Dravidian Gopuram similar to what you find in most of the South India temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. There are many carved figures on the interior and exterior walls of the temple.
The presiding deity is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and there are many deities within this temple. There are carved structures of Goddess Durga, Chamunda, Bhairava, and other deities inside the walls of this temple. It is courtyard there are a thousand Lingas also known as Sahastralingas. The tank water inside this temple is said to have healing powers for curing physical illness.
Location: Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Highlights: The Linga inside this temple appeared on its own and is known as ‘Syambhu Linga.’
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm