Bhubaneshwar Temple city | Best temples in Bhubaneshwar
Welcome to Bhubaneshwar Temple city and 10 best temples in Bhubaneswar which relates to the rich culture and ancient history of odisha. Bhubaneshwar is also called the temple city of india with its rich past and heritage. So lets start the journey in exploring the temples in Bhubaneshwar city.
1 – Parshurameshwara temple and
2. Mukteshwara temple- Historic Bhubaneshwar Temple city
Both of these famous temples in Bhubaneshwar city are situated adjacent to each other in the heart of Bhubaneshwar old town. Parshurameshwara temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar city in Odisha dating back to 8th century and Mukteshwara temple was built around 11th century. These two temples are best 10 best temples to visit in Bhubaneshwar. As the name suggest Mukteshwara, means freedom, so we can understand Lord Shiva being the main diety, who is being worshipped here. Built by Shailadbhavas, the two temples depict the oldest form of Nagara style of architecture.
The Mukteshwara temple has a group of small temples in side the complex . It also has a pond where the local worshippers maintain some fishes ,perhaps to attract more tourists. The walls of both these temples are decorated with beautiful stone carved images of different deities with the main devotion being given to the different form of goddess Shakti since Parvati is the consortium of Lord Shiva. This was the perfect introduction in exploring the 10 best temple in Bhubaneshwar temple city.
3. Chausat yogini temple or 64 yogini temple- Mystic Bhubaneshwar Temple city among 10 best temples in bhubaneshwar
This famous temple is situated just 7 km from the center of the capital of Odisha, Bhubaneshwar. Older than the lingraj and jagannath temple this archeological site is now a protected area in the village Hirapur.
Therefore Just as we enter the complex we can see a stupa like structure inside which lies the 64 forms of Maa Durga in different black statue form. Goddess Shakti is worshipped as the main god and thus we get the insight of how female form of God is worshipped as the primary form in the early centuries of A.D. Hirapur village signifies much historical significance dating back to 9th century of the Brahma dynasty. However The different forms of goddess Shakti is believed to have spread the tantric culture in those days . Goddess Bhairava is worshipped as the main god here in this temple, and the form of goddess Chandalika. The temple is built in sandstone and still now looks elegant in the form of artistic structure of ancient India. This is the most mystic among the 10 best temples in Bhubnaneshwar and temples in Bhubaneshwar city.
4. Dhauli Shanti stupa- most famous among 10 best temples in Bhubaneshwar and Bhubaneshwar Temple city
This famous Bhubaneshwar temple is situated on the way to the holiest place in Odisha, Puri to Konark.
The Shanti stupa is situated on top of a hill signifying peace against war and that is why the white stupa is painted in pure white form. However The foundation of the stupa was laid down by king Ashoka after he watched the Daya river drenched with blood as he conquered the Kalinga region of Odisha.
Thus after walking into the path of peace king Ashoka built these magnificent white stupa to enforce peace and end the Kalinga war. Now the stupa is a much famous destination in odisha and well maintained by the government of tourism in odisha. Dhauli temple is a must visit place for a traveler. it shows the history and culture of the splendid background of kalinga in odisha. Among the temples in Bhubaneshwar city, Dhauli Shanti Stupa has the most sacrificial historic past.
5. Rajarani temple- Love Bhubaneshwar Temple city
This famous Bhubaneshwar temple which is also known as the love temple is a major attraction in Bhubaneshwar the capital of Odisha.The temple is made from a local dull red brick and sandstone and depicts the earliest form of temple structure in India. In fact this 11th century temple was known to be the first of its kind .
It inspired the other famous temple structural pattern like the Khajuraho. On the walls of the temple there are various images of female forms in different moods and activities. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati is also shown here in various forms. This temple is a must visit to imbibe knowledge of the Hindu culture and the splendid architectural styles of ancient India here in Bhubaneshwar.
6. Brahmeswara temple- a beautiful architecture in 10 best temples in bhubaneshwar
This famous bhubaneshwar temple is situated in the Ekmara area of Bhubaneshwar. For instance It is believed to have been constructed in the 9th century by Kolvati devi. However she was the mother of Somavasi king Udyotakeshari. Like the other ancient 10 best temples to visit in Bhubaneshwar the temple has a Jagamohana the prayer hall and the Vimana, a tall pillar like structure.
The walls of the temple is carved with many dance forms relevant to the Natyashala complex present in the complex. However The temple structure is known as Panchatanaya, where apart from the main shrine there are four other shrines surrounding the temple. In concusion Stop by this splendid architectural temple of ancient odisha. And get to know more about the history of 9th-11th century India.
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7. Kedar Gouri Temple- colourful among 10 best temples to visit in bhubaneshwar
A colorful and beautiful architecture temple, known as Kedar gouri or Kedershwar temple situated in the old town of Bhubaneshwar. These two temples can be considered as one of the many famous 10 best temples to visit in bhuaneshwar. Kedershwar is another name of Lord Shiva so one can understand Lord Shiva is the main diety of this temple.
However It is also known as Kedar gouri after the king of Utkal in ancient 9th century. named the temple after the story of a couple in which the girl Gouri gave her life after her lover Kedar was killed by a tiger. However The temple is situated just beside the Mukteshwara temple complex and is also one of the Astashambhu temples in Bhubaneshwar.
Like the other temples mentioned in Bhubaneshwar it has a jagamohana and vimana which are the primal architectural styles in those times. Lovers come here in numbers for a holy wedlock. However Hindu worshippers consider this temple as one of the most important place for offering prayers for the long life of a couple. Unlike the other sandstone color of the Bhubaneshwar temples, this temple is beautifully colored with red and white . This makes it an ideal place for photography.
8. Bhaskareswara temple- architectural genius among best temples to visit in bhubaneshwar
Bhaskareswara temple is a famous bhubaneshwar temple and was built by the Ganga dynasty rulers in 12th century A.D in the Pancharatha style. Therefore The presiding diety of this temple is Lord Shiva and the unique feature of this temple is the 9-foot tall Shiva lingam. However It was believed that the soldiers used to take blessings of the lingam before going to war. The precincts of Buddhism can also be found in this temple.
Therefore The temple looks majestic in the heart of the city now preserved by the archaeological society of India . It is decorated by a beautiful garden in it’s premises. As we move up the pillar in which the temple has been erected and go around its wall we find different Hindu dieties being worshipped at each corners. In conclusion The unique architecture of the temple marks the features of the artistic creativity of the kalinga land . It signifies Bhubaneshwar as the temple city of India.
9. Ishkon Temple in Bhubaneshwar Temple city
This famous temple in Bhubaneshwar city is situated in the heart of Bhubaneshwar city . It is one of the most visited temple throughout the day. This is due to its significance of devotees of Lord Krishna. Ishcon foundation devotees follow strict discipline of their lifestyle . They follow Vaishnavism which means they worship Lord Vishnu as the supreme power.
At the starting of the 20th century the foundation saw huge growth throughout the world. As devotees from all over the world especially Europe read and spread the teachings of lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita,the holiest book in Hinduism. The headquarter of ISHKON foundation is situated in Mayapur,a village in West Bengal. All the temples of the foundation can be seen in white color which looks majestic at night due to its pure white form. Throughout the day devotees can be seen singing and chanting songs praising lord Krishna as the supreme power to spread love among humanity.
10. Megheswar Temple
This famous temple in Bhubaneshwar city is just 2km from the Raja Rani temple. This 12th century Hindu temple is dedicated to the diety Lord Shiva ,the supreme power of destruction. As we enter the temple we find a circular shaped dome like structure and a pillar like other temples in odisha. Here we find with the animal god Nandi sitting at the centre. Devotees can be seen worshipping Lord Shiva throughout the day. But tourists from outside are less which make the place very less chaotic than other Hindu temples in India. Since the structure and it’s carvings on the stone are a national heritage so it is maintained by the ASI.
I hope this travel blog on 10 best temples in Bhubaneshwar and temples in Bhubaneshwar provides the relevant informations to explore the temple city Bhubaneshwar.
Frequently asked Questions(FAQ):-
Which place is the capital of odisha in India?
Bhubaneshwar is the capital of odisha
Which city has been awarded as the best smart city in India?
Bhubaneshwar is the best smart city in India.
What is Bhubaneshwar famous for?
Bhubaneshwar is famous for its temples. Bhubaneshwar is also known as the temple city of India
Where can we find the best food in Bhubaneshwar?
Near Ram mandir Square we can find the best street food and the most tasty food in Bhubaneshwar.
Which is the most famous temple in Bhubaneshwar?
Lingaraja temple is the most famous temple in Bhubaneshwar.
