Top 10 Famous Temples in Bhubaneswar to Visit

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is one of the top tourist places in India, and it is known for its famous temples. The city's name itself arises from the Sanskrit word for Lord Shiva, Tribhuneshwar. Hence, the city is home to numerous Shiva temples.

The temples are of cultural significance derived from the ancient architectural structures giving pre-historic vibes.

If you plan for a trip to Bhubaneswar, here is the list of the best temples you must visit:

1. Lingaraj Temple | Lingaraj Nagar

The Lingaraj temple is massive, featuring 64 small shrines and a 180-metre Linga-shaped spire. The temple's architecture is breathtaking even from a distance as it is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar.

• Best Time to Visit: January to March.
• Temple Timings: 5 am to 9 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Dhauli Giri Hills, Odisha State Museum, Museum of Tribal Arts.

2. Ananta Vasudeva Temple | Gouri Nagar

The temple was built in the 13th century and dedicated to Lord Krishna. It features the alluring sculptures of Lord Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra. It is one of the finest temples in the city, worshipped by millions of devotees.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 10:30 am to 6 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Udayagiri Caves, Khandagiri Caves.

3. Ram Mandir | Khadagiri

The temple is ochre-painted, enhancing its visual appearance. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman. It also features the majestic idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and others.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 9:30 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Ekamra Haat, Manglajodi, Odisha State Museum.

4. Parashurameshvara Temple | Kedar Gouri Vihar

It is one of the city's most ancient temples, constructed in the early 7th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture here is stunning Nagara style, making it an incredible structure all over the city.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 8 am to 8 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Brahmeshwara Temple, Dhauli Shanti Stupa.

5. ISKCON Tempe | Kedar Gouri Vihar

The temple was built in 1991 by Srila Gour Govinda Swami Maharaj in memory of Lord Krishna and Lord Balram. The exterior walls are carved with white marble, which exudes an authentic touch.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 8 am to 9 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Museum of Tribal Arts, Gallery OIC, Regional Plant Resource Centre.

6. Brahma Temple | Bindu sagar Rd

The temple was built back in the 15th century by Gajapati rulers and dedicated to Lord Brahma. The idol of Lord Brahma, holding the Veda and rosary, is a magnificent structure.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Temple Timings: 5 am to 9 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: BrahmeshwarTtemple, Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri Caves.

7. Brahmeshwar Temple | Siba Nagar

The temple is 60 ft tall, built in the 9th century, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features many sculptures of Lord Shiva, some too frightening for visitors. The exterior and interior walls are stunningly carved.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 7 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Udayagiri Caves, Khandagiri Caves, Nandankanan Zoological Park.

8. Rajarani Temple | Rajarani Colony

The temple is quite intriguing due to its historical significance. It shows the love story of the King and Queen of Odissa in the past; hence it is also renowned as a “symbol of love.”

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 5 am to 9 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Mahanadi Barrage, Hanuman Vatika, Nandankanan Zoological Park.

9. Baitala Deula | Barhadanda Road

The temple was built in the 8th century in typical Kalinga style, dedicated to Chamunda Devi and decorated with a garland of skulls. The outer walls are carved with Hindu deities, mainly Lord Shiva and Parvati.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 7 am to 8 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: State Tribal Museum, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Delta Square.

10. Muktesvara Temple | Kedar Gouri Vihar

The temple was constructed in the 10th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls are covered with structures of holy men and women. It is directed to the west and features structures in meditation poses.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Temple Timings: 6:30 am to 7:30 pm - Everyday.
• Nearby Places to Visit: Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha State Museum.

Bhubaneswar, known as the “City of Temples,” is enriched by our Indian culture. The largest temple, Lingaraj temple or holy temple, Muktesvara temple, serves the city with eternal beauty, captivating oneself in utter devotion and leaving a long-lasting impression for life. The city must be visited once in a lifetime for an unforgettable experience.