Temples of Odisha

The temple is associated with the visit of the saint Ramanujacharya to Odisha.[1] Chaitanya Mahaprabhu during his stay in Puri used to see the deity form of Jagannath daily. During Anavasara when Jagannath and his sibling deities were taken to the secret chamber for 15 days, he was unable to see the Lord. So as per legend, Jagannath directed him to go to Brahmagiri and visit the Alarnath temple. Still today the Shila over which Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to do Sankirtana is there. Many historians opine that Alvars once visited this place, but there is no mention of it in Divyaprabandam. But still the temple is considered one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition.

Dating back to the 13th century, this is the only major temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Krishna (Vasudeva), Balarama, and Subhadra. Like the Puri temple, it is highly famous for its daily preparation of street-style Mahaprasad.

A historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Biraja (a form of Durga). Jajpur is traditionally known as Biraja Kshetra and is considered a highly sacred Shakti Peetha where the navel of Goddess Sati fell.

An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi, the living deity of Cuttack. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, it is famous for its grand Durga Puja and Durga Utsav celebrations.

Devkund (or Debakunda) is a renowned 51st Shakti Peetha located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, near the Simlipal National Park. It features a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Ambika and a breathtaking, crystal-clear waterfall that cascades into five natural ponds (Kundas). It is a stunning blend of spirituality and nature.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located on an island in the Mahanadi River. It is famous for its hanging bridge (suspension bridge) that connects the island to the mainland, drawing massive crowds during Shivaratri and Kartika Purnima.

A sacred 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. It is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) and its massive kitchen serving Mahaprasad to tens of thousands daily.

Kapilash Temple, located on a hill in Dhenkanal, Odisha, is famous as the legendary "Second Kailash" of Lord Shiva. Built by King Narasinghdeva I in 1246 CE, it is renowned for its 60-foot main tower, ancient legends of Sage Kapila, and as a popular scenic pilgrimage site

The largest temple of the town is dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari, the family goddess of the ruling chiefs of Mayurbhanj. The Goddess Kichakeswari was not only ishtadevata of Bhanj dynasty but also the state deity. The original temple dates back to 7th or 8th Century, with repairs done over the centuries.

A 13th-century CE Sun Temple shaped like a monumental chariot with 24 beautifully carved stone wheels pulled by seven horses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

The largest and oldest temple in the "Temple City" of Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Harihara (a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu). Built in the 11th century, its main tower stands at an impressive 180 feet.

The Tara Tarini Temple in Odisha is famous as one of the four major ancient Adi Shakti Peethas. The main idols inside the garbagriha are two stone female faces adorned with gold and silver ornaments. Two brass heads representing their Chalanti Pratima are in between. There is also a small murti of the Buddha in the garbhagriha.

A deeply revered shrine dedicated to Maa Tarini, situated amidst the dense sal forests of Ghatgaon. It is famous across eastern India for the unique tradition where devotees send coconuts through local buses and transport networks to be offered at the temple.

Widely regarded as the "Gem of Odisha Architecture" for its exquisite stone carvings. Built in the 10th century, its most famous feature is the magnificent arched stone torana (gateway) indicating Buddhist influence.

Situated at the foothills of the Gandhamardan hills, this 14th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Nrusinghnath (an avatar of Vishnu worshiped in the form of a cat). It is surrounded by lush forests and beautiful natural waterfalls.

An 11th-century temple locally known as a "love temple" due to its erotic carvings of couples and women. It is unique because it has no presiding deity inside and is constructed from dull red and yellow sandstone.

A medieval temple dedicated to Lord Gopinatha (Krishna). According to local tradition, a pilgrimage to the Jagannath Temple in Puri is considered incomplete without visiting Sakshigopal to bear witness to your pilgrimage.

A 16th-century shrine dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Western Odisha. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, the temple is built of a unique local stone and features a strong architectural identity.