Odisha is one of the best places in India for temple visits. Known for their traditional Kalinga-style architecture and centuries-old traditions, the most famous temples in Odisha draw thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
So if you’re planning a spiritual or cultural trip, here’s a list of some of the most famous temples to visit in Odisha.
1. Jagannath Temple, Puri
Jagannath Temple is one of the most popular temples in Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, the temple is known for its wooden idols and grand Rath Yatra festival, when the deities are taken out in massive chariots through the streets of Puri.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (June-July if you want to experience the Rath Yatra)
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: 5:00 AM and 5:30 PM
- How to Reach: Connected by roads and public transport
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (2.8 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Puri Bus Stand (1.7 km)
2. Konark Sun Temple, Konark
The Konark Sun Temple is considered one of the finest examples of Odisha temple architecture. The temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I and dedicated to the Sun God. It was designed like a giant stone chariot with 24 beautifully carved wheels and horses pulling it forward.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- How to Reach: Well-connected to Puri via the Puri-Konark Marine Drive
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (35 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Konark Bus Stand (14.6 km)
3. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is built in the traditional Kalinga style and is known for its detailed carvings and more than 150 smaller shrines inside the complex. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the temple to pray during Maha Shivratri celebrations.
-
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Aarti Timings:
-
- 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM: Mangala Aarti
- 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Abakasha
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Sakala Dhupa
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Madhyana Dhupa
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Sandhya Dhupa
- 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Badasinghara
- How to Reach: Accessible by local buses and cabs within Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (4.5 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Baramunda Bus Stand (8.4 km)
4. Mukteswara Temple, Bhubaneswar
This Odisha temple is known for its religious significance and splendid architecture. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mukteswara, meaning the Lord of Spiritual Freedom. The temple is especially famous for its carved Torana gateway, intricately carved ceilings, and pillars.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by local buses and cabs
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (4.2 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Master Canteen Bus Stand (5 km)
5. Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
If you love architecture, you cannot miss the Rajajrani Temple in Odisha. Made with red and yellow sandstone (colours that are locally called Raja Rani), the temple is believed to be originally dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- How to Reach: Reachable by road from different parts of Bhubaneswar
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Baramunda Bus Stand (7.5 km)
6. Harishankar Temple, Balangir
Harishankar Temple is a famous temple in Odisha located on the slopes of the Gandhamardan Hills. The temple is unique because both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worshipped here as Harishankar.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Balangir town and Sambalpur
- Nearby Railway Station: Harishankar Road Railway Station (32 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Nandupala Bus Stand (1.9 km)
7. Maa Tara Tarini Temple, Ganjam
This famous temple in Odisha holds deep spiritual importance for devotees as one of the four Adi Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is located in the Kumari Hills near the Rushikulya River and worships two goddesses: Maa Tara and Maa Tarini.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible via NH16 to the foothills and then by the ropeway, steps, or bus
- Nearby Railway Station: Berhampur Railway Station (35 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Berhampur Bus Stand (30 km)
8. Parasurameswara Temple, Bhubaneswar
Considered to be the oldest temple in Odisha, the Parsurameswara Temple was built around the 7th century. Thousands of devotees visit this temple to pray to Lord Shiva. The temple is also famous for its Nagara-style architecture and detailed carvings of gods and goddesses.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible from Bhubaneswar by autos, cabs, and local buses
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (4.1 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Baramunda Bus Stand (7.5 km)
9. Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
Located about 20 km away from Bhubaneswar, the Chausath Yogini Temple is one of the oldest circular Yogini temples in India. This famous temple in Odisha is dedicated to 64 Yoginis and is one of the only 4 surviving Yogini Cult temples in India.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- How to Reach: Reaching by cab is the best option from Bhubaneswar or Puri
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (9.1 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Baramunda Bus Stand (14.4 km)
10. Shree Maa Baliharachandi Temple, Puri
Shree Maa Baliharachandi Temple is a famous temple in Odisha located near the Chilika Lake and the Bay of Bengal. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Harachandi, and both local fishermen and tourists visit it to ward off evil and seek the goddess’s blessings.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3 PM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Central Puri and Satapada
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (21.7 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Puri Bus Stand (20.5 km)
11. Maa Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur
This is one of the most famous temples to visit in Odisha if you’re in the western part of the state. It is dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari, who is believed to protect Sambalpur from evil. The temple is made in Odisha’s temple architecture (Kalinga) style and gets especially crowded during Nuakhai and Navratri.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible by local buses to Sambalpur
- Nearby Railway Station: Sambalpur Junction Railway Station (1.4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Sambalpur Bus Stand (5.4 km)
12. Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple, Cuttack
Goddess Chandi (a form of Goddess Durga) is worshipped at this famous temple in Odisha. The temple is located near the banks of the Mahanadi River. It attracts large crowds during Durga Puja and Kali Puja celebrations, with many devotees visiting the temple to seek blessings for protection and prosperity.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Local buses and autos connect the temple to places within or close to the Cuttack city
- Nearby Railway Station: Cuttack Railway Station (5.4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Cuttack Bus Stand (4.5 km)
13. Alarnath Temple, Brahmagiri
Alarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and becomes especially important during the Anasara period, when the Jagannath Temple remains closed before the Rath Yatra. Devotees visit this famous temple in Odisha during this period because Lord Jagannath is believed to appear here as Lord Alarnath.
- Best Time to Visit: June and July
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by taxi, local buses, or shared shuttles from Puri
- Nearby Railway Station: Puri Railway Station (22.9 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Brahmagiri Bus Stand (750 m)
14. Nilamadhaba Temple, Nayagarh
Nilamadhaba Temple in Nayagarh is an important Vishnu temple in Odisha. According to legend, Lord Jagannath was first worshipped here as Nilamadhaba by the tribal chief Biswabasu.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Connected by road from Nagagarh Town
- Nearby Railway Station: Nayagarh Town Railway Station (32 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Nayagarh Bus Stand (31 km)
15. ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar
ISKCON Temple in Bhubaneswar is dedicated to Lord Krishna and attracts both devotees and tourists. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere, bhajans, and Janmashtami celebrations.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Temple Timings: 4:15 AM to 8:30 PM
- Aarti Timings:
-
- 4:15 AM – 5:00 AM: Mangal Arati
- 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM: Sringar Arati
- 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Balya Bhoga Arati
- 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Raj Bhoga Arati
- 4:15 PM – 6:00 PM: Baikalika Arati
- 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Tulasi Arati
- 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM: Sandhya Arati
- 8:15 PM – 8:30 PM: Shayan Arati
- How to Reach: Reachable by auto, local bus, and taxis within Bhubaneshwar
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (10 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Baramunda Bus Stand (3.3 km)
Things to Know When Visiting Temples in Odisha
If you’re planning a pilgrimage to Odisha’s famous temples, please keep the following tips in mind:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Wear modest clothes to the temple. Stick to light cotton clothes if you’re visiting during the summer months. | Don’t wear shorts or sleeveless clothes in temples. |
| Try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. | Don’t take photos inside the temple if it’s not allowed. |
| Remain silent inside the temple premises and follow the queue system. | Do not litter around the temple. |
| Remove footwear before entering the temple. | Check if entry is allowed for all inside the sanctum santum |
FAQs
- Which is the oldest temple in Odisha?
The Parshurameswara Temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Odisha, dating back to the 7th century.
2. Which is the most famous temple in Odisha?
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is widely known as the most famous temple in Odisha.
3. Can non-Hindus visit the famous temples in Odisha?
There are many temples in Odisha where foreigners and non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctum santorum. Even for the famous temples in Odisha, like the Jagannath Temple in Puri, only practising Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs are allowed.
4. What is unique about Odisha’s temple architecture?
Odisha’s temple architecture is the Kalinga style, which is unique in that temples are built with a Deula (main sanctum) and a Jagamohana (prayer hall). These temples are famous for their detailed stone carvings, curved towers, sculptures, and beautifully designed entrances.
5. Is online booking available for the Jagannath Temple in Odisha?
Currently, there is no online booking facility for the famous Jagannath Temple in Odisha. However, the Odisha government is working towards making this facility available soon.
