Odisha is prominent for cultural, architectural and historical significance. Uncountable people come to Odisha to see architecture and some visit here for spirituality. Odisha is called the land of temples, as there are several sacred destinations in the state. The Jagannath Puri temple lies in Puri, Odisha; and is well known throughout the world. Many other prevalent temples are located in Odisha. These temples have distinct architectural significance and signify beliefs through their shapes, and structures in it.

It is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi and was built in the 8th century and has the architecture of the Kalinga style. It also called Tina Muniya mandir. The temple tower is similar to the Dravidian type of South India. There are many idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva inside this temple. The wall of the temple has alluring carvings of couples. The temple is known for its distinguished architecture. The carving of Lord Surya with his chariot is the most impressive feature of the temple.

Location: Bhubaneswar
Timings: 7 AM - 8 PM

One of the most visited temples in Odisha is Ram mandir; jam-packed all the time. The idols of lord Rama, Lakshaman and Goddess Sita are present inside the temple. The temple also has idols of Lord Hanuman and other deities. Annual fairs conducted inside the temple excite its visitors and daily aarti draws a lot of devotees to this temple. Devotees visit every time and especially come to Hindu festivals like Ram Navami to witness the grandeur.

Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM&nbsp;

Odisha is the land of temples and houses many ancient temples. It is a perfect destination for a pilgrimage. Highly recommend visiting temples in Odisha if you are an architect geek and love listening to spiritual tales. In Odisha, you can experience serenity despite the gushing crowds and have goosebumps witnessing the rituals followed. The temple bells, aarti, Yatra or just the sight of deities inside the temple with captivating architecture transmutes to a divine world. Visit the temples of Odisha and experience the magical Aura.

Listen to engaging tales and beliefs! It is the temple of Lord Vishnu with great significance and is the most sacred place for pilgrims. There are many facts about this temple which you should know by visiting it and listening to its mythology and tales by locals. The flag on top of the Jagannath Puri temple always flows in the opposite direction of the wind. A ritual of changing the flag every day; is followed by the priest. The temple has splendid Oriya architecture and it was built during the first part of the twelfth century. It is of curvilinear shape with a chakra in it.

Location: Bhanumati way, Puri Odisha&nbsp;
Timings: Temple doors open at 5:30 AM

Maa Tara Tarini temple is positioned on the bank of River Rushikulya, the elder sister of the Ganga river. It is a Shakti Peeth. The Goddess Sati's breast, cut from Vishnu's Sudarshan chakra, fell down in this location. It was built in the 17th century on the top of the Taratani hills, with 999 steps. The Chaitra mela observed inside the temple attracts many devotees and is a popular festival. This is said to be a wish-fulfilling temple.

Location: Purusottampur, Odisha&nbsp;
Timings: 5 AM – 12:25 PM &amp; 2 PM – 9:45 PM

It was built in the 13th century and is known for its marvellous architecture. This is the temple of Lord Surya or Sun. Its architecture is different from other temples because it is built in the shape of Lord Surya's chariot. Europeans called it the Black Pagoda. It is built in Kalinga's architectural style and erotic sculptures on the walls of this temple. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sundials carved on the temple tell the time correctly during the day and night.

Location: Konark, Odisha
Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM

The Lingraj temple is the largest in Odisha. It was built in the 8th century in the shape of a sanctuary tower. Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati are honoured in this temple. Its Gopuram is similar to the Dravidian south Indian temple. There are carvings of the Goddess Durga, Chamundi and Bhairavi and other deities inside the walls of this temple. The thousand Lingsa in the courtyard of this temple is collectively called Sahastralingas. It is believed that the tank waters of this temple cure physical ailments.

Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timing: 5 AM - 9 PM

It was built in the 9th century, during the Somvanshi dynasty and is the oldest temple in Odisha. It has a Lingayat architectural style which makes the temple unique and similar to the Mukteshwar temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has beautiful carvings on the exterior and interior walls. The temple has its own banquet and dance hall which are very attractive and beautifully designed. The visit to this temple would be a treat for history buffs and mythology lovers.

Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha&nbsp;
Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM

Gundicha Temple is built in the Kalinga style and is one of the most beautiful temples in Odisha. People gather in the attractive garden of the temple only during the Rath Yatra from Jagannath temple. The rest of the time, the temple is less crowded, making it easier to visit and spend time admiring the magnificence and praying. It was named after Lord Krishna's aunt Gundicha. It is believed that Lord Krishna stayed inside the Temple for nine days when the Rath Yatra was going on. The entire temple is built on a single grey sandstone. It is prominent in the name of 'The Garden House of Lord Jagannath’.

Location: Gundicha temple, Puri, Odisha
Timing: 6 AM - 9 PM
Other places to visit: Mukteshwar temple and Rajarani temple&nbsp;

It is located on a hilltop and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in Somvanshi density in 950 AD and has the essence of Buddhist architecture. There are many deities of different Gods inside this temple. The architecture of this temple is marvellous, with ornamented Torona and carved structures on the exterior and interior walls. The impressive features of the temple will leave you astounded.

Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha&nbsp;
Timings: 6:30 AM - 7 PM

It was built in the 11th century and the second name of this temple is Love temple, which is very prominent in India. The fact about the temple is that there are no idols of any God inside the temple but has erotic carvings of men and women. People with faith in different religions visit the temple. It is built with reddish gold sandstone. The walls of this temple are filled with carvings of occasions of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Rajarani Temple is built on a platform with two structures and a hall also known as a Jagamohana.

Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM

10 Temples in Odisha That You Must Visit

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