Five must visit temples of Odisha

The coastal state of Odisha (formerly Orissa/historical name Kalinga and Utkala) is known for its stunning natural beauty comprising beaches, rivers, waterfalls and jungles as well as ancient Hindu temples which are architectural marvels mostly belonging to the Kalinga School of Architecture.

Capital city Bhubaneswar houses hundreds of temples, such as the Brahmeswara, the Mukteshvara and the Lingaraj Temple, the famous Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage site while the Jagannath Temple at coastal town Puri attracts millions of devotees from across the world.

Utkala Dibasa or Odisha Day is observed on April 1 every year to commemorate the formation of the state in 1936, carved out from the Bengal province. On Odisha Day, here is a look into some of the most popular and beautiful temples which are a must visit in the state!

Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri

The temple which makes Odisha a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of devotees from across the globe especially during the Ratha Yatra festival is the Shri Jagannath Temple located in the scenic coastal town of Puri. Odisha is known as the land of Lord Jagannath (literally meaning Jagat Nath or the Lord of the Universe). The 12th century gigantic temple, which witnessed new additions to its structure till about the 16th century, is an architectural marvel.

The carvings on the temple are predominantly of gods and goddesses. The temple complex is enclosed within two concentric walls, the Kuruma Bheda (Inner wall) and the Meghnad Pachira (Wall). The main entrance to the temple is through Singhadwara located on the Eastern front of the temple with three other entrances along the four cardinal directions.

The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the structure falls on the ground at any time of the day. The Nilachakra or blue wheel on top of the temple is made of eight precious metals.

The temple’s dhwaja (flag) named ‘Patitapabana’ flows in the opposite direction of the wind and is changed every day at sunset by members of a family appointed by the King, who have been performing this ritual for over 800 years, climbing 165 meters, bare feet without any support.

Lord Jagannath the main deity of this temple is worshipped alongside his siblings Lord Balabhadra or Balaram and Goddess Subhadra. The idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood. Ratha Yatra is a major festival with the chariot of the three siblings originating from the Jagannath temple of Puri, which experiences footfall in millions.

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar

One of the major tourist attractions of state capital Bhubaneswar which boasts of elegant craftsmanship, the 180 ft tall Lingaraj Temple was during the 11th century. The awe-inspiring structure, which belongs to the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture has been described as “One of the finest examples of purely Hindu Temple in India” by 19^th century critic and historian James Fergusson.

The temple complex has one hundred and fifty subsidiary shrines. The main temple is divided into four main halls known as Garba Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum), Yajana Mandapa (the hall for prayers), Natya Mandapa (dance and music hall) and Bhoga Mandapa (where devotees can have the Prasad). The exquisite carvings on the Lingaraj temple depict chores of daily life.

Lingaraj or Shiva is the deity of this magnificent temple, who is also referred to as ‘Swayambhu” – (self-originated Shivling). The Lingaraj temple signifies the blending of Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects in Odisha and hence the Shivling is known as Hari Hara.

This temple is a must visit during Shiva Ratri festival which mostly falls in March-April.

Konark Sun Temple, Konark

You have not visited Odisha unless you have paid a visit to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name of Konark temple is an amalgamation of two words–Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning the Sun.

Located at a distance of 35 kilometres from Puri and 65 kms from Bhubaneswar, this 13^th century architectural marvel was built by King Narasimhadeva. The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying Suryadev or Sun God.

However, the presiding deity Sun God has not been worshipped ever in this temple. According to a popular local legend, the temple became ‘unholy’ after Dharmpada, the son of the chief architect sacrificed himself by jumping into the Chandrabhaga river to save the lives of 1200 workers, who were being given death penalty by King Narasimhadeva for not being able to finish the construction of the temple on time.

Legend says that after killing the demon Gyasur, Lord Vishnu placed his belongings at several places to commemorate the victory. With His conch at Puri, Disc in Bhubaneshwar and Mace in Jajapur; He placed the Lotus at Konark.

Maa Tara Tarini Temple, Ganjam

The revered Maa Tara Tarini temple with its origins dating back to the 6-8^th century is the shrine of the twin goddesses located on top of the Purnagiri hills in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The temple is revered as one of the four Adi Shakti Peethas of India and it is believed that whoever goes here does not return empty-handed. Legend says, the breast of Devi Sati fell here, accordingly the idols have been designed.

Since its inception, this temple has been a seat of Tantrism. Amongst the devotees of the temple were the followers of Mahayana sect of Buddhism- who follow the same tantra rituals as the Hindus. Together the twin goddesses Tara (also a popular Goddess in Buddhism) and Tarini represent one Shakti.

The temple was set up by a Brahmin named Basu Praharaj as per popular legend. The temple is located at 708 feet above sea level and is accessible by road, by the ropeway and by climbing nine hundred ninety-nine steps, which were constructed by Citi Ramaya a trader from Brahmapur.

The four fairs held every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra (March-April) sees lakhs of devotees coming to pay their respect to the Goddesses.

Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar

Built during the Somavamsi rule in the 11th century, Odisha’s Rajarani temple examplifies exquisite craftsmanship. Historians speculate that it was called Indresvara Temple and dedicated to Lord Shiva, however, in the present day the temple does not have any presiding deity.

The Rajarani Temple has been named after the red and yellow sandstone called Rajarania that was used to build this. The temple resembles the Kandariya Mahadev Temple of Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho.

A unique feature of this temple is that the tower over the Sanctum Sanctorum rises from the ground like a beehive with smaller miniature towers, one on top of the other merging seamlessly with it, just like a mountain range where the peak is surrounded by smaller mountains.

The Rajarani Music Festival held in February each year organised by the Odisha Tourism Department with the magnificent temple as the backdrop, which attracts music enthusiasts from across the world.