Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is fondly known as the “Temple City of India” for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent architecture. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, the city is home to hundreds of temples that reflect its deep-rooted spiritual traditions. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a traveler seeking cultural experiences, these iconic temples offer a glimpse into the glorious past and spiritual essence of Bhubaneswar.
Here are the top 5 temples in Bhubaneswar that you simply can’t afford to miss
1.Lingraja Temple.Bhubaneswar
Introduction & Significance:
Lingaraja Tempel is a Hindu temple dedicated to shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of odisha , India. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state. Shiva’s consort and the temple’s presiding Goddess, Parvati, is referred to as Annapurna or Gauri
The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. a noted critic and historian rated the temple as “one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India”. It is enshrined within a spacious compound wall of measuring 520 ft (160 m) by 465 ft (142 m). The wall is 7.5 ft (2.3 m) thick and surmounted by a plain slant coping. Alongside the inner face of the boundary wall, there is a terrace to protect the compound wall against outside aggression. The tower is 45.11 m (148.0 ft) high and the complex has 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard. Each inch of the 55 m (180 ft) tall tower is sculpted.The door in the gate of the entrance porch is made of sandalwood.
Visiting Information:
- Timing: Morning (5:00–12:30 AM) and evening ( 3:30–9:00 PM). Some sources mention opening at 6:30 AM and closing at 7:00/7:30 PM .
- Entry: Only Hindus may enter the temple complex.
- Rules: Remove footwear; photography/electronics prohibited inside; modest traditional attire is advised; avoid unauthorized puja service providers
- Location:Ekamra Kshetra, Old Town, Bhubaneswar,Odisha
2. Mukteswar Temple ,Bhubaneswar
Introduction & Significance:
The revered Mukteswara Temple is a must-visit tourist attraction in bhubaneswara. Built in the 10th Century, this shrine is considered as a ‘Gem of Odisha’ for its splendid architecture, exquisite sculpture work and intricate carvings. Dedicated to the Almighty Lord Shiva, this temple boasts of the Kalinga architectural style.The Mukteswara Temple, Bhubaneswar lies adjacent to the which is another masterpiece from that era. It is also situated close to another popular place of worship in the city – the Lingraja Temple.Entirely made out of red sandstone, this 35-feet temple is famous especially for its elaborately decorated arched-shaped gateway (locally known as Torana). The intricate and exquisite carvings on the arch is simply mesmerizing and is a testimony to the skilled craftsmanship of that period
The temple, built in Kalinga architectural style, has a height of approximately 35 feet. It is considered as a ‘Gem of Odisha’ for its elaborate architecture that comprises intricate carvings, diamond-shaped windows featuring lattice design and sculptures of characters from the popular tales of Panchatantra.
Surrounded by an octagonal compound wall featuring intricate carvings, the temple is believed to have been built with a somewhat new pattern that was a development from its predecessors, something that went on to be replicated in the architecture of temples in the city, built
Visiting Information:
- Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Open all days)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Photography: Allowed outside, restricted inside sanctum
- Best Time to Visit: Winter months (Nov–Feb), especially during the dance festival
3.Rajarani temple,bhubaneswar
Introduction & Significance:
The Rajarani Temple is one of the sacred and popular shrines of the ‘Temple City’ – Bhubaneswar in Odisha. Built in the 11th century, this temple boasts of spectacular architecture, which is typical of Kalinga temple architectural style. There is no presiding deity in the shrine, but it is believed that it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.The temple is built with red and yellow colored sandstone, which is referred to as ‘Rajarani’ in the local language. Hence, the temple is named as Rajarani Temple. Locally this temple is also known as ‘Love Temple’ as many images of beautiful couples and women have been sculpted on the walls of it
Visiting Information:
- Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM daily
- Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
- Photography: Allowed (no flash inside)
- Best Time: November to February
- Location: Situated on Rajarani Temple Road, off Tankapani Road, in Old Town Bhubaneswar.
- Easily accessible from other famous temples like Mukteswar, Lingaraj, and Parashurameswar.
4.Ananta Vasudeva Temple,Bhubaneswa
Introduction & Significance:
Ananta Vasudeva Temple is one of the rare and remarkable temples in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while most other temples in the city are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located near Bindusagar Lake, this temple stands out for its Vaishnavite architecture, deity, and rituals.
The Ananta Vasudeva Temple is known for its fantastic Kalinga style of architecture. An interesting aspect of the shrine is its pillars and walls, which are engraved with several images that depict chapters from different Vaishnavite scriptures. The Gopuram (entrance tower) of the shrine is also carved with pictures of various gods and goddesses that portray various mythological stories. The temple also has long Shikharas (spires) carved with various images. The main shrine is divided into four parts: the sanctum, Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa and Natamandira. The main sanctum consists of the idols of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna and Goddess Shubhadra.
Visiting Information:
- Location: Near Bindusagar Lake, Old Town, Bhubaneswar.
- Timings: Generally open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: During Janmashtami and other Vishnu-related festivals for special rituals and celebrations
5.Brahmeswara Temple,Bhubaneswar
Introduction & Significance
The Brahmeswar Temple is an important historical and religious monument located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple stands as a fine example of early Kalinga architecture and temple-building tradition.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brahmeswara Temple stands in a courtyard flanked by four smaller temples. The temple belongs to late 11th century according to an inscription carried to Calcutta from Bhubaneswar. The inscription indicates that the temple was built in 1058 AD by King Udyotakesari’s mother Kolavati Devi during the Somavamsi king’s 18th ruling year.
The temple is built in the traditional Kalinga architecture style by using of stones. The temple is classified as a panchatanaya temple where four subsidiary shrines situated in the four corners of the main shrine. This pyramid shape temple has two parts namely the Vimana and Jagamohana. The Vimana of the temple is around 18.96 m. It was during the construction of this temple that iron beams were used by the builders. The Jagamohana is famous for the lion head idols that were first found at the Mukteswar Temple
Visiting Information:
- Location: Tankapani Road, near Bindusagar Lake, Bhubaneswar
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
- Best Time to Visit: During Mahashivratri for grand celebrations and rituals
Conclusion:
Bhubaneswar, often called the Temple City of India, is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, spiritual serenity, and timeless heritage. The top 5 temples — Lingaraja Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Brahmeswar Temple, and Ananta Vasudeva Temple — not only reflect the city’s deep-rooted devotion but also showcase the artistic brilliance of Kalinga architecture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a cultural explorer, visiting these sacred marvels is an experience that will stay with you forever. Don’t just visit — immerse yourself in the divine rhythm of Bhubaneswar.
