Temples form an intrinsic part of the people of India and Odisha is no exception. Visit Odisha and you will be amazed with the sheer number of temples that the state has in its ambit. The capital city Bhubaneswar was once dotted with over 1000′s temples and though the number has now come down it is still known as the “Temple City “. The ever-popular pilgrimage town of Puri is known for the famous Jagannath Temple that attracts millions of people from all over the world during its annual Rath Yatra festival while the Sun Temple of Konark is a sheer masterpiece of Indian temple architecture known for its grandeur and erotic sculptures.
Once you embark on spiritual journey to Odisha you will be mesmerized by the sheer wonders of the Kalinga school of temple architecture. Here in Odisha, not only does each temple reverberates with the sound of chanting and worship but all of them also tell a story -something that one can easily find out from the beautiful sculptures and carvings that adorn the temple walls.
Cities and towns that should be in your list are:
- Bhubaneswar– When in the capital, make sure to visit the Lingaraj Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; the Muktheshwar Temple known for its well maintained and beautiful torana (gateway), the Parsurameswar Temple and the Rajarani temple.
- Puri– Lord Jagannath reigns supreme here and you can visit his abode any time of the year. Besides the Jagannath temple one can visit the Gundicha Temple, Lokanath Temple, Markendeswar Temple and various ponds associated with the temple history.
- Konark-Home to the Sun Temple, also known for the ‘Black Pagoda’, one can also visit the Ramchnadi Temple located a few kms away from Konark.
- Joranda: Known for the temples of Mahima cult – Sunya Mandir and Dhwani Mandir
- Sambalpur: A few kilometers from Rourkela, Sambalpur is known for the Samaleswari temple, the Patneswari temple as well as the Budharaja and Gopaljee temple. Go another 23 kms to Huma where you will find a Leaning Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Beyond these, Odisha boasts a plethora of captivating temples that hold immense cultural significance, such as the Yogini temple of Hirapur, the leaning temple of Huma, and the Anant Vasudev Temple, among others.Each one has its own special character and history!
However, please be aware that foreigners and non-Hindus are not allowed inside several temples, like the Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraj Temple. It is therefore advisable to consult with local residents before planning your temple visits to ensure a smooth experience.
So, if you are looking forward to a lesson in temple architecture or are on a road to spiritual discovery, Odisha is where you should be. Therefore, pack your bags and embark on spiritual and architectural tour of Odisha.
Keywords: Kalinga school of temple architecture, Temples of Odisha, Temple city, Odisha Travel Guide, Temple architecture of Odisha