1. Jagannath Temple, Puri
Jagannath Temple in Puri is an important Holy Place in Char Dham pilgrimage. It is a pilgrimage place for Hindus. Constructed in the 12th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), which sees millions of devotees from around the world attending.
2. Temple of the Sun, Konark
This is the Sun Temple of Konark, a world heritage site of UNESCO. Shaped like a gigantic chariot, the temple is an architectural wonder. This temple was constructed in the 13th century and installed the Sun God to epitomize the pinnacle of Kalinga architecture.
3. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
The largest temple in Bhubaneswar, the Lingaraj Temple is associated with Lord Shiva. It is an edifice of the 11th century and is thereby a beautiful testimony of ancient Odia workmanship. The temple’s main tower commands a lofty sky line as it rises to a height of 180 feet.
4. Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
Affectionately called the “Gem of Odisha,” the Mukteshwar Temple is renowned for its beautifully carved design and arched entrance. The temple built in the 10th century is indicative of the terrific combination of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu styles.
5. Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Bhubaneswar
This is one of very few Vishnu shrines located in Bhubaneswar, which is largely a city of Shaivas. It’s for Lord Krishna and is famous for its exceptional rituals and exquisite figures.
6. Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
Known as Temple of Love, it is famous for its exquisite erotic carvings. Constructed in the 11th century, it is an excellent sample of Kalinga architecture.
7. Brahmeshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
Brahmeshwar Temple dates back to the 9th century and is very famous for its grand and intricate sculptures of gods and goddesses, besides their celestial counterparts. It is a classic early type of Odia temple design.
8. Tara Tarini Temple, Ganjam
High atop a hill, the Tara Tarini Temple is one among very few ancient Shakti Peethas that the country holds. Worshipped here is the goddess Tara Tarini, providing magnificent views of surrounding hills and rivers.
9. Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur
Devoted to the goddess Samaleswari, the temple-housed deity over Western Odisha was the most spiritual place. A mass of thousands visits the temple during the festival Nuakhai for new grain.
10. Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur
A rather isolated circular temple dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, this shrine nearby Bhubaneswar is a mystic site that showcases tantric tradition. Very few among Yogini temples, it is the only such temple.
Purely Spiritual – Odisha
More than their physical reality, the temples of Odisha undergo a process of spiritual encounter. The chanting of priests, and scent-gathering incense that fills the air are their journey through devotion as well as thrice also through the sense.
Challenges and preservation efforts
Much of the ancient temples of Odisha gone though these evils of nature, urbanization, and careless maintenance. Restoration projects are also managed continuously by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in conjunction with local organizations to pass on these cultural landmarks to future generations.
