Odisha, a historic land in eastern India, is renowned for its ancient Hindu temples, crafted by dynasties like the Somavanshis, Gangas, and Gajapatis. These shrines, adorned with intricate carvings and towering spires, reflect Odisha’s rich spiritual and architectural legacy. Below are fourteen key temples in Odisha, each with its unique history and divine significance, welcoming devotees and visitors from India and beyond.
Jagannath Temple, Puri
By the Bay of Bengal, the Jagannath Temple, from the 12th century, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. Built by Ganga king Anantavarman Chodaganga, its Kalinga-style spire, 214 feet tall, has carvings of Vishnu with Garuda. The Rath Yatra in June or July draws lakhs for chariot processions. Known for its sacred prasad, mahaprasad, it’s a top pilgrimage site. Local tales say Jagannath blesses all who visit.
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, the Lingaraj Temple, from the 11th century, honors Lord Shiva as Harihara, a combined form with Vishnu. Its Somavanshi-era gopuram, 180 feet high, shows Shiva with Nandi. Mahashivratri in February or March has lamp offerings. With 150 smaller shrines, it’s a vast holy complex. The temple’s bilva leaves, given as prasad, are cherished by devotees.
Konark Sun Temple, Konark
Near Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, from the 13th century, is dedicated to Lord Surya. Built by Ganga king Narasimhadeva I, its chariot-shaped Kalinga design has 24 stone wheels and carvings of Surya riding horses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it hosts the Konark Dance Festival in December. Known for its sundial accuracy, it draws history lovers. The temple’s black granite adds to its sacred aura.
Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Mukteshwar Temple, from the 10th century, is a Shiva shrine in Bhubaneswar, built by the Somavanshis. Its Kalinga-style arch and carvings of Shiva’s dance are fine. Shravan Maas in July or August has water rites. Known as the “Gem of Odisha Architecture,” its torana gate is unique. The temple’s quiet courtyard feels holy. Stories say it grants liberation.
Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, the Rajarani Temple, from the 11th century, is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Its Somavanshi-era spire has carvings of nayikas and guardians. No active worship occurs, but its annual music festival in January draws crowds. Known for its erotic sculptures, it’s a historic gem. The temple’s pink sandstone glows at sunset, adding to its charm.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, from the 13th century, honors Lord Vishnu. Built by Ganga queen Chandrika Devi, its Kalinga gopuram shows Vishnu with Lakshmi. Janmashtami in August has bhajan nights. Known for its sacred kitchen, it serves prasad like Puri’s Jagannath. The temple’s serene setting by Bindusagar Lake feels divine. Locals say it fulfills vows.
Brahmeswara Temple, Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, the Brahmeswara Temple, from the 11th century, is a Shiva shrine built by Somavanshi king Udyotakesari. Its Kalinga spire and carvings of Shiva with ganas are clear. Mahashivratri has milk offerings. Smaller Durga and Lakshmi shrines add to its holiness. The temple’s calm garden draws devotees. Its 1060 CE inscription links it to history.
Parsurameswar Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Parsurameswar Temple, from the 7th century, is Bhubaneswar’s oldest Shiva shrine, built by the Shailodbhavas. Its early Kalinga design has carvings of Shiva’s wedding. Shravan Maas sees water rites. Known for its lattice windows, it’s a historic site. The temple’s small size feels intimate. Stories say it was a sage’s prayer spot.
Taratarini Temple, Ganjam
On a hill by the Rushikulya River, the Taratarini Temple, from the 17th century, honors twin goddesses Tara and Tarini, forms of Shakti. Its Ganga-era gopuram shows Durga with lions. Chaitra Parva in March or April has boat processions. Known as a Shakti Peetha, it draws women for blessings. The hill’s red soil adds to its sacred feel.
Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple, Cuttack
In Cuttack, the Cuttack Chandi Temple, from the 12th century, honors Goddess Chandi, a form of Durga. Its Ganga-era dome has carvings of Durga with weapons. Durga Puja in October brings pandal fairs. Known for its silver gate, it’s a city landmark. The temple’s daily aarti feels holy. Locals say Chandi guards Cuttack.
Dhabaleswar Temple, Cuttack
On an island in the Mahanadi River, the Dhabaleswar Temple, from the 10th century, is a Shiva shrine built by Somavanshis. Its Kalinga spire shows Shiva with Parvati. Shivaratri has boat pilgrimages. Known for its hanging bridge, it’s scenic. The temple’s river setting feels divine. Tales say Shiva blessed a sage here.
Kapilash Temple, Dhenkanal
On Kapilash Hill, the Kapilash Temple, from the 14th century, honors Lord Shiva. Built by Gajapatis, its Kalinga gopuram has carvings of Shiva meditating. Mahashivratri has lamp rites. Known for its 2,000 steps, it’s a trek for devotees. The temple’s forest calm draws many. Stories of its healing spring add wonder.
Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur
By the Mahanadi River, the Samaleswari Temple, from the 16th century, honors Goddess Samaleswari, a form of Shakti. Its Gajapati-era dome shows Durga with a trident. Nuakhai in September has harvest rites. Known for its gold idol, it’s a tribal holy site. The temple’s riverside peace feels sacred. Locals say Samaleswari protects Sambalpur.
Harishankar Temple, Balangir
In Balangir, the Harishankar Temple, from the 14th century, honors Vishnu and Shiva as Harihara. Built by the Chauhans, its Kalinga spire shows Vishnu with Shiva. Kartik Purnima in November has lamp festivals. Known for its waterfall, it’s scenic. The temple’s hill setting feels holy. Tales say it grants harmony.
