20 Most Famous Ancient Temples in Bhubaneswar
The Indian state Odisha is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty that attracts people from all across the world. Odisha is also a place with a lot of diversity, history and rich culture. This is a sacred state for most people because Odisha has an abundance of temples and ancient shrines spread all over. The most beautiful ancient temples from Odisha can be found in Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha. Temples in Bhubaneswar are considered auspicious, and one should visit at least a few of them when exploring the city. Here are some of the ancient temples of Bhubaneswar to cover:
Table of Contents
20 Most Famous Ancient Temples in Bhubaneswar
1. Brahmeswara Temple
A Bhubaneswar Shiv Mandir, this temple is dedicated to the deity Shiva. Historians believe that the temple dates back to the 11th century. It is a coming together of the temple with four shrines. It is one of the essential architectural marvels in Orissa.
2. Astasambhu Siva Temples
This is a combination of 8 Bhubaneswar Shiv Mandirs. They are arranged in an exciting array and are believed to have been built around the 10th century. It is a place to visit if you are in Bhubaneswar.
3. Puri Jagannath Temple
The Shri Jagannath temple is dedicated to the deity Jagannath, considered an avatar of Vishnu. Jagannath Temple, Bhubaneswar, is regarded as one of the most famous temples there. When in Bhubaneshwar, a visit to this temple is almost a must.
4. Mukteshwar Temple
Mukteshwar temple, Bhubaneswar, is believed to have been built in the 9th century. The architecture reflects the beauty of that time. It was built using red sandstone and is dedicated to the deity Shiva. It is one of the most famous temples in the area.
5. Konark Sun Temple
If you are in Bhubaneswar, you certainly must add this to your itinerary. It is a temple for the Sun and a vast temple shaped in the form of the Sun God’s Chariot. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it is one of those must-visit places in Bhubaneshwar.
6. Iskcon temple in Bhubaneswar
Iskcon has temples and followers across the country and the world. If for nothing else, do get there for the food’s deliciousness and the architecture and the arrangement that they have to offer. It is primarily dedicated to the deity Krishna.
7. Ananta Vasudeva Temple
As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the deity Krishna and is believed to have been built in the 13th century. The temple is also a host to deity Balram and Subhadra, and all are worshipped here. This is one of the famous temples that serve great ‘prasad’ and meals.
8. Vaital Deul
Believed to have been built in the 8th century, this temple is dedicated to the deity Chamunda. It is also called Tini Mundia and is an essential visit for believers of Goddess Shakti. The place has some of the best carvings on the wall of different deities.
9. Lingaraja Temple
Very close to the Vaital Deul temple is the Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Mandir. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar and is considered to be taken from Kalinga architecture and built-in Deula style. It is one of those places that are a must-see. The temple has 50 shrines in its large compound.
10. Anantashayana Vishnu, Dhenkanal
A host of many sculptures and paintings. This is a place that is close to the Brahmani River. It is believed to have been created during the 9th century. It is protected by the Archeological Survey of India and is undoubtedly a place to visit in Bhubaneshwar.
11. Bahirangeshwar Temple
A place surrounded by greenery and dedicated to the deity Shiva. Amongst this beauty, the architectural temple is at the foothills of Dhaluali. The sights in and around the temple are enough to get to the temple and visit the breathtaking views. The temple is protected under the Odisha State Archaeology.
12. Kedar Gauri Temple
Considered one of the eight Astasambhu temples for Shiva, the Kedar Gauri Temple is a Bhubaneswar Mandir that is a must-see. The temple is dedicated to the deities Kedareshwar (Shiva) and Gauri, which comes with many legendary stories. It also has statues of gods Hanuman and Durga.
13. Rajarani Temple
Believed to have been built in the 11th century, it is a famous temple in Bhubaneswar. Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, is considered a beautiful temple or its sculptures and the beautiful gardens surrounding it. Rajarani is often known as an epitome of love.
14. Siddheshwar Temple
When in the Mukteswar temple, the Siddeshwar temple is a must-visit. It is a calm property where you can go to see architecture from the 10th century. It is a combination of architecture from different faiths of that time. A charming place that may not be as famous but a must-see for its own beauty.
15. Subarnesvara Temple
Located on Lingaraja west canal banks’ banks, this is a beautiful place to go to. It is believed to have been built in the 10th century and is a place that must-visit areas in Bhubaneswar. The proximity to the canal often results in water seepage sometimes during heavy rains.
16. Parashurameshvara Temple
Parasurameswara Temple is believed to have been built in 650CE by Shailobhavas. Parashurameshvara Temple is recognised as the oldest temple in Odisha and was constructed in Nathe Gara (vertical) Hindu architecture style. The main deity in this temple is Shiva.
17. Champakesvara Temple
Located in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is believed to have been built in the 13th century. This is the place where many come to conduct important ceremonies and hold celebrations. It is one of the temples in Bhubaneswar that has gained relevance over the centuries that it has been around.
18. Pabaneswara Temple
Though the timing of when the temple was built is not sure, it is believed to have been built around the 10th century. It has a Shiva linga, and the temple area is a popular shopping site. Though it has undergone particular renovations over the years, it remains a leading site.
19. Mangalesvara Temple
Believed to have been built around the 14th century, this is an architectural marvel of a temple in Bhubaneswar. The beauty of the architecture of this temple has to be seen to be experienced in its entirety. This is a temple that you have to take the time to review everything that the temple stands for.
20. Ram Mandir
The Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar, is one place people go to when in the state. It is a temple dedicated to deities such as Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. It is one of the main places to visit in the city. It is also a place that has hosts of deities such as Hanuman, Shiva and others.
Look at the grandeur of these worship places in Bhubaneswar to understand our ancient history. With the number of temples and holy ghats, this city is one of India’s top religious sites. You can visit Bhubaneswar with friends and family or even alone if you are a solo traveller. The best time to visit Odisha is during winters, so take a trip during winter months. Rest be assured, you will come back feeling spiritual and rejuvenated.
FAQs – Ancient Temples in Bhubaneswar
– Which is the oldest temple in Bhubaneswar?
Bhrameswara temple, Astasambu shiva temples, Puri Jagannath temples, Ananta Vasudeva temple and Ram Mandir, are a few of the oldest and ancient Bhubaneswar temples.
– How many temples are there in Bhubaneswar?
There are nearly 500 to 700 temples in Bhubaneswar. There are many ancient temples in Bhubaneswar, and it is known for it.
– Why Bhubaneswar is called the temple city of India?
Bhubaneswar is called the temple city of India because it nearly had 700 astounding ancient temples that once stood there magnificently.
– Which is the biggest temple in Odisha?
Lingaraja Temple is the biggest and beautiful temple in Odisha.
– Why Konark Sun Temple is called Black Pagoda?
The Konark Sun Temple is called the Black Pagoda because it is supposed to reasonable for drawing ships into the shore and causing shipwrecks.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.