Temples of Orissa

Temples of Orissa are famous all over the world for their rich cultural heritage, art and architecture. These temples have been mostly built in Indo -Aryan Nagara style. Most of the Orissa temples have a rich historical background. Some of the most well-known Orissan temples are Sun temple at Konark, Lingaraja temple at Bhubaneshwar, Jagannath temple at Puri. Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa is the abode of most of the temples.

Most of the Orissan kings in order to show their devotion towards the respective gods and goddesses built innumerable temples. These temples display the rich culture and tradition of the then kings. Some of the temples are exquisitely designed and they portray the lives of the kings and queens who ruled the kingdom of Orissa. Most of the temples built in Orissa follow a typical structure. The temples are mostly divided into two sections. Usually the "bhogmandir" and the "natmandir"can be found in the frontal region of the jaganmohan.

Shree Jagannath temple located centrally at Puri was built in the 12th century. The temple displays to their visitors the excellent Kalinga architectural style. The Black Pagoda or the Sun temple at Konark is an exquisite piece of art in the history of temples. Lingaraj temple is another of its kind that is named after the priapic symbol enclosed in it. There are around 65 temples under the Lingaraj temple. Satrughaneshwar temple built in the 6th century is one of the oldest temples of Orissa. It has been built in the style of a Sikhara temple. The temple is known for its rich architecture and sculptures. Swarnajaleswar temple depicts the image of Lord Shiva's nuptial ceremony.

Orissa Jagannath Temple



Orissa Jagannath Temple is one of the most well-known temples situated centrally in Puri. It is a holy structure built in the 12th century A.D. Orissa Jagannath Temple has been built magnificently. Its architecture reflects the grandeur and opulence of the rulers of Kalinga. The temple of Jagannath has achieved the heights of greatness due to its excellent architecture. This temple has been designed in a very homogeneous and compressed form. It has been built in an Indo-Aryan style. This temple sees hundreds of devotees every year specially during the festive season that goes on in Orissa. Jagannath temple popularly known as the White Pagoda is 200 feet high. It is situated in a huge complex in Puri.

Kapilash Temple Orissa



Kapilash Temple Orissa is popularly known as the Kailash temple. It is one of the most exquisitely designed temples that is situated in Dhenkanal. The Kailash temple is located on top of a hill amidst lush green environs. This region was the capital of the kingdom of Keshari and was known as Chowduar. The temple is almost 26 kms away from the town of Dhenkanal.

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Bharateswar Temple is one of the ancient temples of Orissa. That forms the masterpiece of the Orissan style of architecture. The Bharateswar Temple of Bhubaneswar is one of the most popular tourist sites, where the tourists can get a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Orissa.

Rajarani Temple



Rajarani temple was constructed between the 10th and the 11th century. The Rajarani temple is one of the architectural splendors in Orissa and is made up of reddish gold sandstone, known as 'rajarani'. Legends believe that the temple had been the shrine of Lord Shiva, which was called Indreswara Temple.

Posited amid the paddy fields, the Rajarani Temple at Orissa is constructed on a raised platform. The architecture of the temple features clusters of turrets, a square sanctum and beautiful sculptures. The square sanctum of the temple is reminiscent of the later temple built in Puri. The Rajarani temple, situated in Old Bhubaneswar, is one of the best specimens of Kalinga architecture.





Last Updated on : 10 July 2013

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