Top 9 Temples in Bhubaneswar | Styles At Life

1. Lingaraja Temple:

Lingaraja temple is one of the oldest temples in Orissa and is located in Bhubaneshwar. It is dedicated to Hindu God, Harihara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It represents the Kalinga architecture and is built in Deula style which has four components namely, vimana, jagamohana, natamandira, bhoga-mandapa. The temple also has images of Lord Vishnu. The water of the river filling Bindusagar tank is believed to heal spiritual and physical illness, so people take a dip during festive occasions. Shiva Ratri is the main festival here followed by RathaYatra.

2. Ram Mandir:

Ram Mandir is located in the heart of Bhubaneshwar is a temple complex with images of Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Hanumana, Lord Shiva and others gods and goddesses. Many Hindu festivals are celebrated within the temple complex but the most popular ones are Ram Navami, VivahaPanchami, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Shiva Ratri and PanaSankranti. An annual fair attracts many people on the day of RakshaBandhan.

3. Mukteshvara Temple:

Mukteshvara temple was built in the 10th century and is located in Bhubaneshwar. It’s a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mukteshvara means ‘God of Freedom’. The compound walls’ outer face have niches of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Saraswati, Ganesha and Lakulisha. The temple organizes a three-day yearly dance festival called Mukteshvar Dance Festival within the premises.

4. Rajarani Temple:

Rajarani temple located in Bhubaneshwar is known as ‘love temple’ by the locals because of its erotic carvings of women and couples in the temple. The temple is not specifically dedicated to any god or goddess but is classified as Saivite based on the niches. It is said to be built between 11th and 12th centuries. The temple organizes a three-day Rajarani Music Festival inside the complex every year and focuses on classical music, Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi.

5. AnantaVasudeva Temple:

AnantaVasudeva temple constructed in the 13th century is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The presiding deities worshipped in the temple are complete idols of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra. The temple resembles the famous Lingaraja temple but includes Vaishnavite sculptures too.

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6. Brahma Temple:

Brahma temple located on the banks of Bindusagar River is surrounded by Bindusagar tank on the west. The temple was built in the honor of Lord Brahma when he came to Bhubaneshwar to attend the coronation of Lingaraj Deva. The main temple is said to be built in the 15th century but the present temple is said to be built during the rule of Gajapati rulers. The presiding idol of Brahma holds a Veda and water vessel in upper hands and rosary, abhaya mudra in the lower hands.

7. Madanesvara Shiva Temple:

Madanesvara Shiva temple is an ancient temple built around the 12th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has an enshrined deity with a circular yonipitha or basement. The temple’s sanctum is square shaped and is faced towards the east. Its renovated pabhaga includes five mouldings such as khura, kumbha, pata, kani and basanta.

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8. Chintamanisvara Shiva Temple:

Chintamanisvara Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at the end of Chintamanisvara road faces towards the west. The temple’s enshrined deity is a Shiva Lingam with yonipitha or basement. It is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century by the Kesharis or Somavamsis.  The temple also has a tank and an idol of Lord Ganesha. Major festivals celebrated here are KartikaPurnima and SravanaPurnima.

9. Parsurameshvara Temple:

Parsurameshvara temple is one of the most well preserved structure which dates back to the Shailodbhava period between the 7th and 8th centuries. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been built in Nagara style architecture. The temple has a vimana, sanctum and a bada or the curvilinear spire over its roof. The temple also has other idols dedicated to Shakta deities. The temple also has depictions of Saptamtrikas. Archaeological Survey of India maintains and administers the temple.

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