Religious places in Bhubaneswar, Odisha [Updated-2025]

Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The Temple City of India

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is a fascinating blend of ancient temples, modern infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the “Temple City of India,” it boasts over 700 temples, showcasing exquisite Kalinga architecture. The city seamlessly combines spirituality with urban development, making it a must-visit destination.

Religious & Spiritual Attractions

1. Lingaraj Temple (11th Century)

• Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Harihara – a fusion of Shiva & Vishnu).

• Architecture: Classic Kalinga-style with a 55-meter-high spire.

• Special Feature: Non-Hindus can view the temple from a platform outside.

• Festival: Shivaratri celebrated grandly.

2. Mukteshwar Temple (10th Century)

• Known As: “Gem of Odisha Temple Architecture.”

• Unique Feature: Intricate torana (arched gateway) and sculpted figures.

• Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.

3. Rajarani Temple (11th Century)

• Famous For: Erotic sculptures (similar to Khajuraho).

• Deity: No presiding deity; named after red-gold sandstone (Rajarani).

• Festival: Rajarani Music Festival (January).

4. Ananta Vasudeva Temple (13th Century)

• Dedicated to: Lord Krishna (as Vasudeva).

• Unique Aspect: Only major temple in Bhubaneswar for Vaishnavism.

5. Brahmeswara Temple (11th Century)

• Architecture: Intricate carvings of dancing figures & mythical creatures.

• Legend: Built by Queen Kolavati Devi.

6. ISKCON Temple (Modern)

• Dedicated to: Lord Jagannath, Baladeva & Subhadra.

• Highlights: Peaceful ambiance & spiritual discourses.

7. Dhauli Giri Shanti Stupa

• Buddhist Site: Marks the spot where King Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War.

• Feature: White peace pagoda & rock edicts.

8. Kedareswar Temple

• Location: Near Bindusagar Lake (sacred water body).

• Ritual: Devotees take a dip before worship.

Modern & Cultural Attractions

• Nandankanan Zoological Park (White tiger safari).

• Odisha State Museum (Ancient artifacts & palm-leaf manuscripts).

• Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves (Jain heritage sites).

• Ekamra Haat (Handicrafts & souvenirs).

How to Reach?

 By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (well-connected).

• By Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (major East Coast hub).

• By Road: Connected via NH16 (Kolkata-Chennai highway).

Best Time to Visit

• October – March (Pleasant weather).

• January (Rajarani Music Festival).

• July (Rath Yatra in nearby Puri).

Local Delicacies to Try

• Chhena Poda (Caramelized cheesecake).

• Dalma (Lentil & vegetable stew).

• Pakhala Bhata (Fermented rice with curd).

Religious places in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Religious Places in Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The Temple City of India

Bhubaneswar, known as the “Temple City of India,” boasts over 700 ancient and modern temples, showcasing Odisha’s rich spiritual heritage and Kalinga architecture. Here’s a detailed guide to its most sacred sites:

Ancient & Historic Temples

1. Lingaraj Temple (11th Century)

• Deity: Lord Shiva as Harihara (fusion of Shiva & Vishnu).

• Highlights:

  • 55-meter-high spire (Vimana) with intricate carvings.

  • Bindusagar Lake (holy tank for ritual baths).

• Note: Non-Hindus can view from an observation platform.

2. Mukteshwar Temple (10th Century)

• Called: “Gem of Odisha Architecture.”

• Unique Feature:

  • Ornate torana (arched gateway) with nymph carvings.

  • Marichi Kund (holy well for rituals).

3. Rajarani Temple (11th Century)

• Famous For:

  • Erotic sculptures (like Khajuraho).

  • Built from red-gold sandstone (Rajarani).

• Festival: Rajarani Music Festival (Jan).

4. Brahmeswara Temple (11th Century)

• Built by: Queen Kolavati Devi.

• Architecture:

  • Deula-style spire with carvings of dancers & mythical beasts.

5. Ananta Vasudeva Temple (13th Century)

• Dedicated to: Lord Krishna (as Vasudeva).

• Unique: Only major Vaishnavite temple in Bhubaneswar.

6. Parasurameswara Temple (7th Century)

• Oldest Surviving Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Features:

  • Nata Mandapa (dancing hall) with carvings.

Modern & Other Religious Sites

7. ISKCON Temple

• Deities: Lord Jagannath, Baladeva & Subhadra.

• Highlights:

  • Spiritual discourses & Govinda’s Restaurant (pure veg).

8. Dhauli Giri Shanti Stupa

• Buddhist Site:

  • Built where Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after Kalinga War.

• Features:

  • White peace pagoda & rock edicts.

9. Kedareswar Temple

• Location: Banks of Bindusagar Lake.

• Ritual: Devotees bathe in the lake before worship.

10. Chintamaniswar Temple

• Belief: Fulfills wishes (Chinta = worries, Maniswar = Shiva).

11. Siddheshwar Temple

• Known For: Healing powers (Siddhi = fulfillment).

12. Ram Mandir (Unit-IV)

• Landmark: Giant idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman & Hanuman.

Nearby Sacred Sites

13. Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves (2nd Century BCE)

• Jain Heritage:

  • Caves with inscriptions & carvings of Tirthankaras.

14. Nandankanan Zoological Park

• Spiritual Link: Adjacent to Kanaka Durga Temple.

Festivals & Best Time to Visit

• Shivaratri (Feb-Mar) – Grand celebrations at Lingaraj Temple.

• Rath Yatra (July) – Mini processions in ISKCON & local temples.

• Best Time: Oct-Mar (cool weather).

How to Reach?

• Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (5 km).

• Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (major hub).

• Road: Well-connected via NH16 (Kolkata-Chennai).

Local Eats Near Temples

• Mahaprasad (at Ananta Vasudeva Temple).

• Chhena Poda (at ISKCON’s Govinda’s).