While the entire state is dotted with some amazing temples, the capital city Bhubaneswar is itself dotted with some magnificent places of worship, and that too around 600 temples. Anyone who visits here can easily relate to the architectural heritage which the state offers. While Lingaraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most famous religious landmarks here, there are plenty of other temples also which are worth a visit and also reflect the rich glory of the state. Some more temples in Bhubaneswar which definitely should form a part of your bucket list has to be Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Ram Mandir, Iskcon Temple and many others.

The Ananta Vasudeva Temple dates back to the 13th century, and is considered to be one of several religious shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Mukteswar Temple also forms a lot of significance here, and is a must-visit site for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Summing up, Bhubaneswar, The Temple City is home to a large number of significant religious places which are of prime importance and also give a reason for tourists to visit again.

Besides Bhubaneswar, visitors also like to witness the grandeur and architectural beauty of The Sun Temple in Konark, which is a 3rd Century CE Sun Temple, and is dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984, the Konark Sun Temple remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

The pilgrimage tour of Odisha is considered to be incomplete without visiting the Jagannath Temple, Puri, which is one of the most important holy sites in the country, and forms a part of the Chaar Dhaam Yatra of Hindus. The temple attracts a lot of devotees from around the world, and the world-famous festival Rath Yatra celebrated here is a one-of-its-kind spectacle.

Also, the Buddhist significance in the state of Odisha has been well talked about, and people from every nook and corner of the world visit to sight the Buddhist destinations. Of all the places, one must not miss out on visiting the Dhauligiri, Khandagiri & Udayagiri caves, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and other similar places. For experiencing a real Buddhist culture found in this state, one can also head towards the Jirang Monastery, which is super scenic and gives a great feeling to anyone who visits here.

It is really impossible to list down all the religious places found in the state in one piece, because every part and district of Odisha speaks of something grand in terms of its heritage and architecture. This is definitely the state to visit if someone is looking for a divine pilgrimage tour. In fact, a pilgrimage tour to see the most popular temples in Odisha should be on everyone’s travel itinerary when visiting India. That’s how amazing the religious tour of Odisha is, and should be visited by people of all age-groups, not just the adults or senior citizens.

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But the thing that’s common amongst all is the connection it holds with its people and tourists, as well as the calmness it provides on being blessed. Not necessarily you need to have a spiritual or religious inclination to tour the temples of Odisha. Only a strong liking for something special in terms of heritage, architecture, grandeur and history will also be enough to be enticed by Odisha’s temple culture.

Although it’s almost impossible to list down all the major temples of Odisha, herein we have tried to showcase the must-visit ones.

Jagannath Temple, Puri
This is the most renowned among all the temples in Odisha, for being the holy center of Lord Jagannath and for hosting the revered annual Rath Yatra festival. Your temple visit to Odisha will be incomplete if you miss out on the Jagannath Temple of Puri. Also, the Chaar Dhaam Yatra of Hindus can’t be completed without visiting here. That’s how significant and spectacular this holy place is.

Konark Sun Temple, Konark
Another place of high importance to the state is the Konark Sun Temple, which is a 13th century Sun Temple, and is shaped like giant chariot, which is exquisitely craved with stones, wheels, walls and pillars. The temple gets its name as “Black Pakoda” owing to the reason that it is constructed using black granite.

Maa Tara Tarini Temple, Berhampur
Apart from being one of the oldest pilgrimage centers, this temple is also considered to be one of the four major Shakti Peethas in India, and there are still several mysteries revolving around the temple site. Be here to witness the majestic temple located scenically on the Kumari Hills, and be blessed by Goddess Maa Tara Tarini

Dhabaleswar Temple, Cuttack
Situated nicely on the Dhabaleswar Island, on the banks of Mahanadi River, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and comprises of stone carvings which date back to early 10th and 11th centuries. It’s also one of the oldest temples in Odisha, and is located at around 37 kms away from Cuttack.

Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
Built in Kalingan architectural style, this is one of the oldest temples of Odisha, and is dedicated to Lord Harihara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. But what’s interesting about this temple is that the lingam here is believed to have been originated by its own. Hence the temple is also known as Swayambhu, wherein the deities of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped.

As we have already mentioned that Bhubaneswar has plenty of temples to keep people fascinated. Apart from being at the Lingaraja Temple, you can also visit the Ram Mandir, Mukteswar Temple, Rajarani Temple, Chausathi Yogini Temple, Iskcon Temple, Ananta Vasudev Temple, Parashurameshvara Temple and many others.

This is just a consolidated list of all the major temples in Odisha. You’ll be surprised by all the rich grandeur and heritage in temples which the state provides. Visit any city or district here, and have the best spiritual tour of Odisha.

The post Some Of The Must-Visit Temples In Your Next Odisha Tour first appeared on Best Choice Holiday.