Apart from Jagannath Puri: 8 historical temples to visit in Odisha

Time of India

2 days ago

Jagannath Puri is iconic, majestic, and practically one of the major crowd pullers in the region. But Odisha's temple run doesn't stop at Puri's gates. Here, you will find a treasure trove of historical temples that have managed to stand tall through wars, weather, and so much more.
So, if you're temple-hopping in Odisha and want to avoid the crowd-surfing at Puri, here are nine lesser-known, no less divine, shrines to add to your spiritual bucket list.
Konark Sun Temple
Tucked away in the eastern state of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple isn't just a monument—it's a jaw-dropping tribute to the original solar power icon, the Sun God himself. Built like a colossal chariot, complete with 24 stone wheels and seven horses (yes, all carved out of rock), this temple doesn't do subtle things.
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
It's one of the ancient temples built in the 7th century by King Jajati Keshari. This temple holds great reverence as the Linga here, representing Lord Shiva in his phallic form, is believed to be self-manifested. It rises impressively, standing 8 inches above the floor and spanning nearly 8 feet in diameter.
Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
Built in the 10th century, this temple is from Somavamshi Dynasty, and is one of the prominent temples in Odisha's temple circuit.
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Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
This temple exudes a distinctive charm, which sets it apart. Built during the 11th century, the temple is often referred to as the 'Love Temple' by locals, it is famed for its intricate erotic carvings of couples and women adorning the sanctum sanctorum. Interestingly, the temple was originally known as the Indreswara Temple and was dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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Taratarini Temple, Ganjam
This temple is believed to be one of the four major Shakti Peethas, as mentioned in mythological texts from the Satya Yuga. With a history believed to span over 6,000 years and references in the Puranas, it stands as a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar
Constructed in the 13th century, it's a rare and remarkable shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple stands out as one of the few in Odisha devoted exclusively to Krishna.
It was commissioned by Queen Chandrika of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, who played a pivotal role in initiating and overseeing its construction. Her vision brought to life this architectural gem, which continues to be a revered spiritual site in the heart of Bhubaneswar.
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Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
This temple is believed to be the first 64 Yogini temples in India, from which the tradition spread to other states. It's also the smallest among the four major surviving 64 Yogini temples, and was built around 900 AD with coarse sandstone.
It now shows signs of erosion but still holds historical and architectural significance.
Parashurameswar Temple, Bhuvaneshwar
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Parsurameswar Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Believed to have been built around 650 AD in the Nagara architectural style, it draws visitors from across the world eager to explore its ancient charm and enduring mysteries.