Odisha is a state in eastern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage and its many temples. The state is home to over 50,000 temples, dedicated to a wide range of Hindu deities.
Here is a list of some of the most popular temples in Odisha by district:
Angul
Saila Srikhetra
Angul Saila Srikhetra is a sacred pilgrimage site located in the Angul district of Odisha, India. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or holy sites where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself. The presiding deity of Angul Saila Srikhetra is Maa Budhi Thakurani, who is believed to be the manifestation of Goddess Hingula. The temple of Maa Budhi Thakurani is located on the top of Sunasagad Hill, a small hillock in the middle of the town of Angul.
Maa Budhi Thakurani
Maa Budhi Thakurani is the presiding deity of Angul Saila Srikhetra, a sacred pilgrimage site located in the Angul district of Odisha, India. She is believed to be the manifestation of Goddess Hingula, who is one of the most important deities in Hinduism.
Maa Budhi Thakurani is worshipped as the Adhisthatri Devi, or the presiding deity, of the Angul district. She is a goddess of power and strength, and she is often worshipped for protection and prosperity.
The temple of Maa Budhi Thakurani is located on the top of Sunasagad Hill, a small hillock in the middle of the town of Angul. The temple is a simple structure made of black granite stone. The Bigraha, or the icon of the goddess, is a pillar-like structure that is believed to be the yoni of the goddess.
Maa Budhi Thakurani is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over Odisha and India. The temple is especially crowded during the annual Rath Yatra festival, which is held in the month of July or August.
Giriswar Temple, Angul
Giriswar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the village of Khuludi, about 90 km from the town of Angul in the Angul district of Odisha, India.
The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old. The main deity of the temple is a black granite statue of Lord Shiva. The temple is also home to a number of other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Parvati.
Giriswar Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over Odisha and India. The temple is especially crowded during the annual Maha Shivratri festival, which is held in the month of February or March.
Ramachandi Temple
Ramachandi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Ramachandi, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is located in the village of Narisho, about 15 km from the town of Angul in the Angul district of Odisha, India.
The temple is a simple structure made of black granite stone. The Bigraha, or the icon of the goddess, is a black granite statue of the goddess.
Ramachandi Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over Odisha and India. The temple is especially crowded during the annual Rath Yatra festival, which is held in the month of July or August.
The history of Ramachandi Temple is not well-documented. However, it is believed that the temple was built in the 12th century by a king named Somavamsi. The king was a devout follower of Goddess Ramachandi, and he built the temple to honor the goddess.
Lovi Thakurani
Lovi Thakurani is the presiding deity of the temple of Deulajhari Lovi Thakurani in Deulajhari, Odisha, India. She is believed to be the sister of Maa Budhi Thakurani, the presiding deity of Angul Saila Srikhetra.
Lovi Thakurani is a goddess of power and strength, and she is often worshipped for protection and prosperity. She is also known as a goddess of love and compassion.
The temple of Deulajhari Lovi Thakurani is a simple structure made of black granite stone. The Bigraha, or the icon of the goddess, is a pillar-like structure that is believed to be the yoni of the goddess.
Lovi Thakurani is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over Odisha and India. The temple is especially crowded during the annual Rath Yatra festival, which is held in the month of July or August.
Maa Hingula
Goddess Hingula is a powerful Hindu goddess of fire and destruction. She is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or holy sites where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself. Goddess Hingula is believed to be the presiding deity of Angul Saila Srikhetra, a sacred pilgrimage site located in the Angul district of Odisha, India.
Goddess Hingula is often depicted as a beautiful woman with fiery red skin and four arms. She holds a trident, a sword, a skull, and a severed head in her hands. Goddess Hingula is also known as the “goddess of the underworld” and the “goddess of the dead.”
Goddess Hingula is worshipped by Hindus from all over India. She is especially popular in the state of Odisha, where she is considered to be the patron goddess of the state. Goddess Hingula is also worshipped by some Muslims in India and Pakistan.
Balangir
Harishankar Temple
Harishankar Temple is a popular Hindu temple located on the southern slopes of the Gandhamardan hills in the Balangir district of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the deity Harishankar, who is a combined form of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva.
The Harishankar Temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple complex is surrounded by lush green forests and a beautiful waterfall. The temple is also home to a number of ancient ruins, which are believed to be the remnants of an ancient Buddhist university.
The Harishankar Temple is a popular tourist destination, and it is visited by thousands of devotees from all over India every year. The temple is especially popular during the Baishankha Mela, which is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of April.
Maa Manikeswari Temple
Maa Manikeswari Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Gandhamardan hills of Balangir district in Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to Maa Durga, a form of the Hindu goddess Durga.
The temple dates back to the 12th century and is a wonderful example of Odia architecture. The temple is situated in a large compound and can be accessed through a tall gateway. The porch of the temple is decorated with murals and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple, Maa Durga, is depicted as a seven-headed Shakti goddess. The goddess is holding a sword and a conch shell in her hands. The temple also has several idols of other deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha.
Maa Manikeswari Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
Maa Pataneswari Temple
Maa Pataneswari Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Balangir district of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Shaivism.
The temple dates back to the 14th century and is a magnificent example of Odia architecture. The temple is situated in a large compound and can be accessed through a tall gateway. The porch of the temple is decorated with murals and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple, Lord Shiva, is depicted in the form of Nataraja. Nataraja is dancing on one leg, with the other leg raised, holding a sword in one hand, and a damaru and conch shell in the other hands. The temple also has several idols of other deities such as Vishnu, Durga, and Ganesha.
Maa Pataneswari Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
Maa Ambika Temple
Maa Ambika Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Balangir district of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Maa Ambika, a form of the Hindu goddess Shakti.
The temple dates back to the 12th century and is an excellent example of Odia architecture. The temple is situated in a small compound and can be accessed through a tall gateway. The porch of the temple is decorated with murals and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple, Maa Ambika, is depicted as a four-headed Shakti goddess. The goddess is holding a sword and a conch shell in her hands. The temple also has several idols of other deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha.
Maa Ambika Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
Saintala chandi Temple
Chandi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Gudgudi, Balangir district of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi Devi, a form of the Hindu goddess Shakti.
The temple dates back to the 11th century and is a magnificent example of Odia architecture. The temple is situated in a large compound and can be accessed through a tall gateway. The porch of the temple is decorated with murals and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple, Chandi Devi, is depicted as a fourteen-headed Shakti goddess. The goddess is holding a sword and a conch shell in her hands. The temple also has several idols of other deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha.
Chandi Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
jogeshwar Temple
Jogeshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Jogeswar, Balangir district of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism.
The temple dates back to the 11th century and is a fine example of Odia architecture. The temple is situated in a large compound and can be accessed through a tall gateway. The porch of the temple is decorated with murals and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple, Jogeshwar, is depicted as a four-faced Shiva lingam. The temple also has several idols of other deities such as Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi.
Jogeshwar Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
dhableshwar temple
Dhabaleswar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Khujenpali, Balangir district of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism.
The temple dates back to the 12th century and is an excellent example of Odia architecture. The temple is situated in a small compound and can be accessed through a tall gateway. The porch of the temple is decorated with murals and sculptures.
The main deity of the temple, Dhabaleswar, is depicted as a four-faced Shiva lingam. The temple also has several idols of other deities such as Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi.
Dhabaleswar Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in Odisha. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year from all over India.
Balasore
Emami Jaganath Temple
The Emami Jagannath Temple, located in Balasore, Odisha, is a modern temple complex dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple was built by the Emami Group of Industries in 2015 and is modeled after the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The temple is built in white marble and has a golden dome. The main temple consists of three chambers, one each for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra. The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.
The temple is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is an entrance fee of ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children.
The Emami Jagannath Temple is a popular tourist destination in Odisha. The temple is well-maintained and is a beautiful example of modern Hindu architecture.
Here are some of the highlights of the Emami Jagannath Temple:
- The temple is built in white marble and has a golden dome.
- The main temple consists of three chambers, one each for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra.
- The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.
- The temple is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- There is an entrance fee of ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children.
The temple is a great place to visit if you are interested in Hindu architecture or if you are looking for a peaceful place to worship.
Khirachora Gopinath Temple
Khirachora Gopinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in Remuna, Balasore district, Odisha, India. It is one of the most popular temples in Odisha and is known for its beautiful architecture and delicious kheer prasad.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 13th century by King Langula Narasingha Dev. The name “Khirachora” means “stealer of milk” and is a reference to Lord Krishna’s childhood pastime of stealing butter and milk from his mother Yashoda and the gopis.
The temple is a beautiful example of Odia architecture. It is made of red sandstone and has intricate carvings on its walls and pillars. The main shrine houses the idol of Lord Krishna as Khirachora. The idol is made of black stone and is said to be self-manifested.
The temple is also known for its delicious kheer prasad. The kheer is made with milk, rice, sugar, and nuts. It is offered to Lord Krishna every day and then distributed to the devotees.
The Khirachora Gopinath Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India. It is also a popular tourist destination. The temple is open to visitors all year round.
Panchalingeswar Temple
Panchalingeswar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Balasore district of Odisha, India. The name of the temple literally means “five lingas of Lord Shiva”, as it is home to five natural shivalingas that are constantly bathed by a perennial stream. The temple is situated on a hillock near the Nilagiri hills, and its natural beauty attracts nature lovers and visitors from all over.
The shivalingas at Panchalingeswar Temple are said to be self-manifested (swayambhu), and there are several legends associated with their origin. One legend says that the lingas were enshrined by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, during their exile. Another legend holds that King Banasura, a devotee of Lord Shiva, worshiped the lingas at this place.
The Panchalingeswar Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it is especially crowded during the Maha Shivratri festival. Devotees come to the temple to offer their prayers and to bathe in the holy water that flows over the shivalingas.
To reach the temple, visitors have to climb a flight of steps from the base of the hill. At the top of the steps, there is a small open temple where the shivalingas are enshrined. The lingas are partially submerged in water, and devotees can touch them by lying down on the slippery rock.
In addition to its religious significance, the Panchalingeswar Temple is also a popular tourist destination. The temple is surrounded by forests and hills, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy trekking in the Nilagiri hills, which are located nearby.
Here are some tips for visiting the Panchalingeswar Temple:
- The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months (October-March), when the weather is pleasant.
- The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- There is a small entry fee to visit the temple.
- Devotees are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as they will have to climb a flight of steps to reach the temple.
- Devotees are also advised to carry a towel and change of clothes, as they may get wet while bathing in the holy water.
The Panchalingeswar Temple is a beautiful and serene place, and it is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Balasore district of Odisha.
Chandaneswar Temple
Chandaneswar Temple is a famous Shiva temple located in Chandaneswar, Baleswar district of Odisha, India. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in Odisha and is known for its annual Chadak Mela fair, which is held in the month of Chaitra (March-April).
The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is built in the Kalinga architectural style. The main shrine of the temple houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva lingam. The lingam is said to be growing in size and is now about 12 feet tall.
The Chandak Mela is a major religious and cultural event in Odisha. It is a 13-day fair that attracts lakhs of pilgrims from all over India. The fair is known for its unique Chadak Yatra, in which devotees carry a 100-foot-tall chariot of Lord Shiva around the temple complex.
In addition to the Chadak Mela, the Chandaneswar Temple is also a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the year. Devotees come from all over India to seek the blessings of Lord Chandaneswar.
The temple is open to all devotees from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. The best time to visit the temple is during the Chadak Mela fair, but it is also a beautiful and peaceful place to visit at any time of year.
bhudhara chandi temple
Bhudhara Chandi temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Chandi, located in Sajanagarh, Balasore district, Odisha, India. It is one of the most prominent temples in Balasore and is a popular pilgrimage destination.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 15th century by the Nilagiri king Shri Vasanta Virata Bhujanga Mandhata. The temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture and is made of sandstone. The temple has a square base and a three-tiered tower. The main deity of the temple is a black stone idol of Chandi. The temple also has idols of other Hindu deities, including Vishnu, Shiva, and Lakshmi.
The temple is celebrated during the Durga Puja festival. During the festival, the idol of Chandi is taken out in a procession through the streets of Sajanagarh. The temple is also visited by devotees during other festivals, such as Navratri and Saraswati Puja.
The temple is a popular tourist destination and is a must-visit for anyone intereste