
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Bhubaneshwar, India
1. Lingaraj Temple
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate architecture and tall spire.
- Architectural Marvel: Features a unique architectural style called 'Kalinga' that is not found in other temples
- Significance: Considered as one of the most important Shiva temples among the 24 sacred temples of India
- Timings: Open all day, but best visited during early morning and evening aarti (prayers)
2. Mukteswara Temple
A 10th-century Hindu temple known for its exquisite stone carvings and unique architectural design.
- Carvings: Features intricate stone carvings of various deities, making it a visual treat
- Architecture: Distinctive design with three shikharas (towers) showcasing the Kalinga architectural style
- Location: Located near the Mahanadi River, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere
3. Rajarani Temple
A beautiful Hindu temple built from red sandstone and laterite, known for its unique 'Rajarani' architecture.
- Architecture: Incorporates a fusion of Kalinga and Nagara styles, making it stand out
- Material: Built from red sandstone and laterite, giving it a unique reddish-orange hue
- Timings: Open all day but best visited during early morning and evening aarti (prayers)
4. Dhaulagiri Kalinga Temple
A massive ancient temple complex located on the Dhauli hill, built by Emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga War.
- Historical Significance: Built by Emperor Ashoka post-Kalinga war as a symbol of peace and harmony
- Architecture: Features the Kalinga architectural style with a large stupa and several temples inside
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a tranquil environment, perfect for meditation and reflection
5. Parasurameswara Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique 'Vimana' structure and intricate carvings.
- Carvings: Features intricate stone carvings of various deities and mythological scenes
- Architecture: Distinctive 'Vimana' structure with a single shikhara (tower)
- Timings: Open all day, but best visited during early morning and evening aarti (prayers)
6. Vaital Deul
An 8th-century Hindu temple known for its unique 'Sikhara' architecture and intricate stone carvings.
- Carvings: Features intricate stone carvings of various deities and mythological scenes
- Architecture: Distinctive 'Sikhara' architecture with intricate carvings on the exterior walls
- Location: Located within the Lingaraj temple complex, a must-visit when in Bhubaneshwar
7. Bramhesvara Temple
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique 'Rekha' style architecture and intricate carvings.
- Architecture: Features the 'Rekha' architectural style with a single shikhara (tower)
- Carvings: Intricate stone carvings of various deities and mythological scenes adorn the temple
- Timings: Open all day, but best visited during early morning and evening aarti (prayers)
8. Mukteswari Temple
A beautiful 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, known for its intricate stone carvings and unique architectural design.
- Carvings: Features intricate stone carvings of various deities and mythological scenes
- Architecture: Distinctive design with three shikharas (towers) showcasing the Kalinga architectural style
- Location: Located near the Mahanadi River, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere
9. Ganeshagiri Hill
A sacred hill in Bhubaneshwar with a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers panoramic views of the city from the hilltop
- Religious Significance: Home to a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, an important deity in Hindu mythology
- Location: Located near the city center, easily accessible and perfect for a quick visit
10. Ananta Vasudeva Temple
A beautiful 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its intricate stone carvings and unique architectural design.
- Carvings: Features intricate stone carvings of various deities and mythological scenes
- Architecture: Distinctive design with a unique 'Anantashayana' posture of Lord Vishnu
- Timings: Open all day, but best visited during early morning and evening aarti (prayers)
11. Brahmagiri Hill
A sacred hill in Bhubaneshwar with a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, offering a panoramic view of the city.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a panoramic view of the city from the hilltop
- Religious Significance: Home to a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, an important deity in Hindu mythology
- Location: Located near the city center, easily accessible and perfect for a quick visit
12. Narasinghajoga Temple
A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, known for its intricate stone carvings and unique architectural design.
- Carvings: Features intricate stone carvings of various deities and mythological scenes
- Architecture: Distinctive design with a unique 'Yantra' (geometric diagram) on the entrance
- Timings: Open all day, but best visited during early morning and evening aarti (prayers)
13. Chandrabhaga River
A sacred river in Bhubaneshwar with several ghats and temples along its banks.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere along its banks
- Religious Significance: Many temples along the river banks, making it an important pilgrimage site
- Location: Easily accessible from various parts of the city, perfect for a relaxing afternoon
14. Iskcon Temple Bhubaneshwar
A modern temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, known for its unique architectural design.
- Architecture: Distinctive design inspired by traditional Vaastu principles
- Activities: Offers regular cultural programs, bhajans (devotional songs), and classes on Bhagavad Gita
- Location: Located near the city center, easily accessible from various parts of the city
15. Dandapani Maharaj Temple
A modern temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known for its unique architectural design and peaceful atmosphere.
- Architecture: Distinctive design inspired by traditional South Indian architecture
- Activities: Offers regular cultural programs, bhajans (devotional songs), and classes on Hindu scriptures
- Location: Located near the city center, easily accessible from various parts of the city