23 Famous Temples of Odisha and Their Significance

Odisha, a state in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage. The state has many ancient temples, each with its unique history, architecture, and spiritual significance. From the grand structures of Bhubaneswar to the shrines amidst nature, Odisha’s temples speak volumes about Indian art.

In this blog, we will explore some of the most iconic temples in Odisha. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply an admirer of architecture, Odisha’s temples are sure to leave a lasting impression. This information will not only help you to get general information but will also help you prepare for exams like the UPSC, State PCS, SSC, Bank PO, and more.

Sri Lokanath Mandir

The Lokanath Temple, located near the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a significant Shaiva shrine. According to local folklore, Lord Rama established the temple while on his way to Lanka to search for Sita. A local Sabara presented him with a pumpkin resembling a Shiva Linga, which Lord Rama installed and prayed to. This Shiva Linga is believed to be the origin of the temple’s name, Lokanath. While the temple’s architecture may not be particularly noteworthy, it holds significant religious and cultural importance in Odisha.

Alarnath Temple

The Alarnath Temple, located in Brahmagiri, Odisha, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, locally known as Lord Alarnath. The current temple, believed to date back to the 14th century, was constructed by Rajputs from Alwar who settled in the region during that time. The name “Alarnath” is derived from “Alwarnath.”

Legend has it that Lord Alarnath is a black stone form of Vishnu, carved as per the Lord’s instructions to Brahma. There is also a belief that those who cannot worship Lord Jagannath during his annual seclusion can receive blessings by visiting the Alarnath Temple. This belief is connected to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who claimed to have visualized Lord Jagannath’s appearance in Lord Alarnath and spent a significant amount of time worshiping there.

Sakhigopal Temple

Sakhigopal, located 19 kilometers north of Puri, is a historically significant village in Odisha. The name “Sakhigopal” means “witness of Gopal” or “Srikrishna.” The temple here features a 60-foot-tall structure and houses statues of Lord Krishna and Radha, standing at 5 and 4 feet respectively. Surrounded by Brahmin settlements, Sakhigopal is also a center for coconut trade. The biggest festival of the village, Anla Navamee, attracts a large number of devotees every year to witness the “Radha Pada” or the feet of Goddess Radha.

Ramachandi Temple

Located near Konark in Puri District, Odisha, the Ramachandi Temple stands on the banks of the Kusabhadra River. It’s believed to be the presiding deity of Konark and is considered one of the most benevolent forms of Chandi. While its architecture may not be as impressive as the nearby Sun Temple, Ramachandi holds significant religious importance as a famous Shakti Peetha.

Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple, located in Odisha, India, is a renowned tourist attraction dedicated to the Sun God. The name “Konark” comes from “kona” (corner) and “arka” (sun), referring to its northeastern location in Puri. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva-I of the Ganga dynasty, this massive temple showcases exceptional artistry and engineering. It took 12 years (1243-1255 AD) to complete with the help of 1200 artisans.

Wooden Sun Temple

The Biranchi Narayan Temple, often referred to as the “wooden Konark,” is a stunning wooden structure dedicated to the Sun God. Built in 1790 by King Srikar Bhanja of the Ghumusar dynasty, the temple resembles a chariot pulled by seven horses. Its intricate wood carvings and paintings are its most notable features. Unlike other sun temples, which face east, the Biranchi Narayan Temple faces west, ensuring that the last ray of the sun falls upon it.

Parashurameswar Temple

The Parsurameswar Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to have been built around 650 AD in the Nagara style, the temple is a popular tourist destination. Visitors from around the world come to explore the temple’s historical significance and architectural beauty.

Rajarani Temple

The Rajarani Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is renowned for its unique architectural style. Built in the 11th century from reddish-yellow sandstone, it’s also known as the “Love Temple” due to the erotic carvings found inside. Initially dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple’s name was later changed to Rajarani, after the type of sandstone used in its construction. The temple’s intricate carvings and romantic themes make it a popular tourist attraction.

Lingaraj Temple

The Lingaraj Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is the largest temple in the city and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built-in the 7th century by King Jajati Keshari, the temple is highly revered due to the natural formation of the Linga, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Linga stands at an impressive height of 8 inches and has a diameter of approximately 8 feet, making it a significant attraction for devotees and tourists alike.

Mukteswar Temple

The Mukteswar Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an exquisite example of Kalinga architecture, built in the 10th century by the Somavamshi Dynasty. Attributed to the sculptor Yayati-I, the temple is renowned for its innovative design and intricate carvings. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mukteswar has become a popular religious tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide to admire its architectural beauty.

Vaital Temple

The Vaital Deula, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is an ancient Hindu temple situated on the banks of Bindu Sarovara. Known locally as Tini Mundia Mandira, it’s one of the oldest temples in the city.

Built in the 8th century, the Vaital Deula is a prime example of the Khakara style of Kalinga architecture. It’s a rare temple in India that was used as a shrine for tantric practices. Dedicated to Goddess Chamundi, the tantric form of Goddess Durga, the Vaital Deula is a significant religious and historical site.

Ananta Basudeva Temple

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Built in the 13th century by Queen Chandrika of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the temple is a testament to her devotion. Its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere make it a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna.

Harishankar Temple

Harishankar Devasthana, located on the Gandhamardhan hills in Odisha, India, is a popular temple known for its scenic beauty and connection to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and a perennial stream that creates cascading waterfalls. As a peaceful retreat from the summer heat, Harishankar offers a serene and refreshing experience for visitors.

Huma’s Leaning Temple

The Huma temple, located near Sambalpur in Odisha, is a unique attraction known for its leaning structure. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. While the exact reason for its tilt remains a mystery, it’s not believed to be a construction flaw, considering the many other impressive temples built during that era by Raja Balaram Deb.

Nrusingnath Temple

The Vidala-Nrusinghha Temple, nestled in the Gandhamardan hills, is a popular pilgrimage site known for its scenic beauty and the presence of Nrusinghanath, a form of Lord Vishnu. Surrounded by waterfalls and sculptures, the temple offers a peaceful and visually appealing environment.

Located 165 km from Sambalpur, the current temple is a 14th-century structure built on an older site. The four pillars in the Jagmohana suggest a 9th-century origin, while the beautiful doorframes date back to the 11th century.

Yogini Temples(Hirapur, Ranipur Jhariat)

The Chausathi Yogini Temple, located in Hirapur near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is the first and smallest of the four major surviving 64 Yogini temples in India. It’s believed to have been built around 900 AD, as suggested by the Somesvara shrine nearby. The temple’s unique feature is its depiction of 64 Yoginis, goddesses associated with tantric practices. While the Ranipur-Jharial temple, another 64 Yogini temple in Odisha, was built with a less durable sandstone, the Chausathi Yogini Temple remains a significant religious and historical site.

Pataleswar Temple

The Pataleswar Temple, located in Budhikomna, Odisha, is a unique brick-built temple in the Pancharatha style. It’s a popular pilgrimage site and a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts. While the temple offers a rich cultural experience, it’s hampered by a lack of infrastructure, causing inconvenience to both tourists and pilgrims.

Samaleswari Temple

Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is a revered goddess in western Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, she is worshipped as Jagatjanani (Mother of the World), Adishakti (Primal Power), Mahalaxmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Mahasaraswati (Goddess of Knowledge). The Sambalpur region, known as Hirakhanda since ancient times, has a rich cultural heritage and is deeply connected to the worship of Maa Samaleswari.

Ladubaba Temple

The Ladu Baba temple, formerly known as the Kainchhi Temple, was built in the 13th century and is a unique example of the fusion of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Located in the Nayagarh hills, the temple is situated between the Chitrakarini and Mohini temples. While the sanctum is empty, the exterior sculptures suggest that the temple was initially dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is now worshiped as Ladukeswara.

Raghunathjew Temple

The Raghunatha temple in Odagaon, Odisha, is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Ramachandra. The temple houses beautiful wooden idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxman, and its Kalash is made of pure gold. A fascinating legend connects the temple to the 17th-century poet Kavisamrat Upendra Bhanja, who is said to have composed his masterpiece “Baidehisha Vilas” at the feet of Lord Raghunath.

Bhagabati Temple

Goddess Bhagabati, the presiding deity of Banpur, Odisha, is a renowned religious center with a rich historical past. As the former capital of the Sailodhvaba dynasty, it played a significant role in the construction of early temples in Bhubaneswar. The discovery of numerous Buddhist images in Banpur indicates its association with the Vajrayana cult of Buddhism. The Daksha-Prajapati temple, a masterpiece of Odisha art, further highlights the region’s cultural heritage.

Nilamadhaba Temple

The Nilamadhaba Temple, located near the Mahanadi River, is a miniature replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. It shares similar architecture, rituals, and traditions. Known for its beautiful brass and bell metal crafts, the temple is a popular tourist destination. A continuous flow of holy water from Lord Nilamadhaba’s feet and the presence of Lord Siddheswar are additional attractions. The nearby Kantilo is a popular picnic spot in Odisha.

Baladevjew Temple

The Baladev Jew Temple, located in Ichhapur, Kendrapara, Odisha, is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Balarama. Along with Balarama, Lord Jagannath and Subhadra are also worshipped in the main temple. Built in 1761 AD during Maratha rule, the temple was constructed by Raja Gopal Sandha of Kanauja and Srinivas Narendra Mahapatra of Chhedara Killah.

Related Post

Delhi Sultanate Architecture	Mughal Architecture
Indo-Islamic Architecture	Dravidian Style Temple
Temple Architecture and Different Styles	Mysore Painting

FAQs

This was all about the “Temples of Odisha”.  For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section + our Study Material Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.