Major religious pilgrimage sites in Odisha, India

Odisha is one of those states in India where there are numerous religious pilgrimage sites. Religious pilgrimage sites in Odisha predominantly revolve around iconic Hindu temples. The towns of Puri and Konark are famous for pilgrimage sites in Odisha. Orissan temple architecture which dates back to centuries old attracts visitors from far and wide. The Kalinga dynasty which ruled the region in the ancient past, has left a perpetual mark on several of these pilgrimage sites in Odisha. Historically significant Buddhist sites have been unearthed in the state. In the 6th-7th century the Lalitagiri Buddhist Complex excavated and open to the public is one of the amazing pilgrimage sites in Odisha. However, the temples have a special place among the devotees and historians when it comes to pilgrimage sites in Odisha.

Jagannath Temple, Puri

The twelfth-century temple has become so famous that the city of its origin, Puri, is a synonym for the Jagannath temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is one of the four holiest of temples of this stature. The chariot festival happening in June-July every year in the temple is attended by tens of thousands of devotees from the world over. Inside the temple, there are idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The large temple complex consists of around thirty smaller temples apart from the main temple. There are gardens, pavilions, and sacred tanks within the premises.

The temple kitchen feeds thousands of devotees on a daily basis. Unlike many other temples, here non-Hindus are not welcomed. They say the flag atop the temple always seems to fly in the opposite direction of the wind and also that the temple does not cast its shadow no matter when!

Sun Temple, Konark

Another Puri-based famous temple is situated in the town of Konark. The word Konark is a combination of two Sanskrit words, ‘Kona’ and ‘ark’ meaning ‘angle’ and ‘the Sun’ respectively. Sun Temple, also known as Konark Sun Temple is built in the shape of a chariot. And it is done to honour the Lord Sun. the chariot structure with twenty-four wheels being dragged by seven horses. King Narasimhadeva I is believed to have built the temple in the thirteenth century. Famous for its intricate carvings and sculptural works, the temple displays outstanding Hindu Orissan architecture at its highest level. Sculpted images of deities, musicians, dancers, lovers, and myriad scenes of country life and animals provide a jaw-dropping experience to anyone.

Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneshwar

One of the oldest and largest temples in the capital of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar is the Lingaraja Temple. Many devotees and history enthusiasts also visit the site owing to its noteworthy Kalinga architecture. The main pillar of this 13th-century temple stands tall at a height of approximately 55m. Pyramidally constructed with horizontal layers, the hall roof is impressive to look at. Sculptural reliefs of human beings and animals add more charm to the structure. Although a Shiva temple, Lingaraja Temple is distinct in terms of representing Lords, Shiva and Vishnu.

The holy water from the Bindusara tank in the temple is distributed among the faithful on festive days. Shivaratri is the primary festival of this temple. Like in Jagannath temple, people of other religions than Hinduism are disallowed here.

Mukteshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Another popular temple situated in Bhubaneshwar is the tenth-century Mukteshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its structure boasts one of the most outstanding architectures of religious pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The construction of the temple is associated with the Somavamshi Dynasty. Entering the temple through the famous arched gateway, you witness red sandstone built 35-feet tall temple. Intricate carvings, many linked to Buddhist architectural designs, depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Even the stunningly carved pillars are admired by historians. The temple complex houses other small temples surrounded by a beautiful garden. Mukteshwar Temple attracts tens of thousands of visitors for its architectural wonders. In addition, the temple premises also become a perfect venue to showcase the Odissi Classical Dance festivals. The Marquee event, first celebrated in 1984 has since become an annual event and is being celebrated in January.

Vaital Deul Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Deemed to be built by queen Tribhuvana Mahadevi of the Bhaumakara dynasty in the late 8^th and early 9th century, it is one of the oldest temples existing today. Dedicated to the goddess Chamunda, once upon a time, the temple was a center of tantric cults. One of the distinctive features of the temple is the deul (tower) of the temple. Others are the rectangular sanctuary with a vaulted roof and a motif with the sun God. One side of the sanctuary is well-furnished with beautiful carvings of women. And on another side, there are reliefs of deities. Other carvings include that of deities, animals, and soldiers among others. Sisiresvara Temple in the vicinity is another site not to be missed while visiting the Vaital Deul Temple.

Iskcon Temple, Bhubaneshwar

ISKCON temples dedicated to Sri Krishna are popular among devotees all over India. The one in Odisha is no different. Anyone visiting the premises of the temple would be enchanted by the pious atmosphere filled with chanting and singing. Built by Sri Gaur Govinda Swami in 1991, the sprawling campus attracts hundreds of devotees and tourists. It is also a peaceful center for spiritual learning and discourse. The large campus includes a Padma Mandira (Lotus Temple) where idols of Sri Radha Gopinatha and Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu are installed.

A separate temple dedicated to Radhakrishna on the campus is a beautiful attraction. There is a ‘Brahmachari’ ashram complex that provides accommodation for holy sages. You can also find a large kitchen where food is cooked for all the devotes and a Prasadam Hall to serve it. The temple is built in typical Hindu style in white marble. The idols of deities such as Krishna, Govardhana Balarama, Subhadra, and Jagannatha make the premises all the more divine.