11 Must-Visit Temples in Bhubaneswar: The Temple City of India

 

The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is often called the Temple City of India. With its timeless shrines, intricate carvings, and spiritual aura, the city offers a unique blend of devotion and architecture. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a heritage enthusiast, these temples are unmissable.

Konark Sun Temple

An architectural marvel built in the 13th century, the Konark Sun Temple is designed as a colossal chariot of the Sun God, complete with 24 wheels that function as sundials. The complex also houses the Vaishnava and Mayadevi shrines.

• Timings: 6 am – 8 pm
• Entry Fee: ₹30 (Light & Sound Show ₹50)

Jagannath Temple

One of India’s most revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Goddess Subhadra. Spread across 10 acres, it features the world’s largest community kitchen serving prasad to thousands daily.

• Timings: 5 am – 10 pm
• Highlight: Rath Yatra in July

Lingaraja Temple

The largest temple in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a towering 148-foot sanctum. Its four sections—sanctum, prayer hall, assembly hall, and festival hall—showcase classic Kalinga architecture.

Rajarani Temple

Dating back to the 11th century, this temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati is famed for sculptures depicting divine marriage scenes and everyday life.

• Timings: 7 am – 5 pm
• Entry Fee: ₹5

Parashurameshvara Temple

Among the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, it was the first to feature an assembly hall alongside the sanctum. Its latticework carvings are exquisite.

• Timings: 5 am – 6 pm
• Festival: Parashuramatami (June–July)

Mukteshwar Temple

Built in the 10th century, this temple blends Hindu and Buddhist influences, with its ornate torana (arched gateway) being a highlight.

• Timings: 6:20 am – 7:30 pm

ISKCON Temple

A serene white temple offering prayers, meditation, Gita classes, and soulful aartis.

• Timings: 4 am – 8:30 pm

Brahmeshwar Temple

A panchayatana-style shrine with four subsidiary temples, adorned with carvings of divine figures. Don’t miss the sculpture of Shiva as Nataraja.

• Timings: 6 am – 8 pm

Baitala Deula

Dating back to the 8th century, this temple worships Goddess Chamunda. Its three spires resemble South Indian Dravidian style.

• Timings: 8 am – 7 pm

Bhaskareshwar Temple

A standalone shrine with a towering nine-foot Shiva Lingam, originally a Buddhist site later converted into a Hindu temple.

• Timings: 6 am – 6 pm

Ananta Vasudeva Temple

Unique in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra. Its black granite idols and spiritually charged atmosphere make it distinct among Shaivite temples.