Bhubaneswar Temple List: 15 Ancient Temples of the Temple City of India

The Essentials

• Most temples are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM; entry is free at all listed temples.

• Bhubaneswar once had over 700–1,000 temples built in the Kalinga style — many still stand in the old town Ekamra Kshetra around Bindusagar Lake.

• A helpful tip: visit the old town cluster (Lingaraj, Ananta Vasudeva, Mukteswara, Parasurameswara) on a single morning walk — they are within close walking distance of each other.

Quick Info

Bhubaneswar earns its title "Temple City of India" without any argument. Historical records estimate the city once held between 700 and 1,000 temples within its precincts, all documenting the full arc of Kalinga architecture. Today, the surviving temples cluster in the Old Town area known as Ekamra Kshetra, a sacred zone of roughly 10 miles (Panchakrosa) in circumference, with the Lingaraj Temple at its centre and the calm waters of Bindusagar Lake as its anchor. For anyone interested in stone sculpture, temple architecture, or living religious traditions, this cluster is one of the most rewarding destinations in eastern India.

Bhubaneswar Temple List at a Glance

The 15 Temples — Detailed Guide

1. Lingaraj Temple

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Lingaraj Temple is the largest and most sacred temple in Bhubaneswar. It sits in the old part of the city and is dedicated to Lord Harihara — a combined form of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). The temple dates to the 7th century and was developed further through the 11th century. Its 180-foot Linga-shaped spire is the city's defining silhouette. The compound wall encloses 22,720 sq. m. of space and contains 150 additional smaller shrines. The Swayambhu Shivalinga inside is believed to have appeared naturally — it measures approximately 8 feet in diameter and rises 8 inches above the floor. Entry is restricted to Hindu devotees. The surrounding Ekamra Kshetra, with its network of tirthas, water bodies, and procession routes, is ritualistically connected to this temple as its centre.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Entry: Free | Key Festivals: Mahashivaratri, Ashokashtami, Chandan Yatra

2. Parasurameswara Temple

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Parasurameswara Temple is the oldest fully preserved temple in Bhubaneswar and is considered one of the most ancient in all of Odisha. It was built around 650 AD by Madhavaraja II of the Shailodbhava dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features the Nagara/Kalinga style with a Shikara and Jagamohana. Its walls carry dense sculpture — images of Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha — with barely an inch of bare stone visible. A particularly rare feature is the Shashra Linga inside — a monolithic linga embedded with over 1,000 smaller Shivalingas. The temple is a live worship site. ASI maintains the property. The annual Parashurashtami festival, celebrated between June and July, draws substantial crowds.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Entry: Free

3. Mukteswara Temple

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Mukteswara Temple is often called the "Gem of Odisha" for the quality of its Kalinga architecture. Established in the 9th to 10th century by the Somavanshi dynasty, it is built entirely from red sandstone and stands 35 feet tall. The most striking feature is its Torana — an ornately carved arched gateway that dominates the entire complex. The outer periphery carries sculptures of holy men and women, Panchatantra story motifs, and standard Kalinga decorative motifs. Behind the temple lies the Marichi water tank, considered auspicious for bathing, particularly for women. A well-maintained landscaped garden with benches surrounds the complex.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM | Entry: Free

4. Siddheshwara Temple

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Siddheshwara Temple stands within the same compound as Mukteswara. It was built in the 10th to 15th century and follows the Pancharatna style of the classical Kalinga school. Its Shikara is noticeably taller than that of Mukteswara but carries fewer carvings, giving it a subtler presence. Four sides of the tower each feature a lion perched at the top. A distinctive standing Ganesha idol — coated in red vermillion — stands at the eastern base of the pinnacle. Inside the sanctum, a Shivalinga is the sole object of worship. The temple is easy to miss because Mukteswara draws most of the attention first.

Timings: Same as Mukteswara complex | Entry: Free

5. Ananta Vasudeva Temple

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Ananta Vasudeva Temple is the second-largest temple in Bhubaneswar and the city's most significant Vaishnava temple. Built in the 13th century by Queen Chandrika of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, it is dedicated to Lord Krishna and houses statues of Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra. The temple displays a complete Kalinga plan — Vimana, Jagamohana, Bhogamandapa, and Natyamandapa — arranged symmetrically. It sits adjacent to the Bindusagar tank. A standout practical detail: the temple houses the largest kitchen in Bhubaneswar. Food is cooked daily for devotees in earthen pots following traditional Hindu rituals. Tomatoes, potatoes, onion, and garlic are excluded from the cooking. The original temple inscription was removed by the British and is currently on display at the Royal Asiatic Society in London.

Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM | Entry: Free | Prasad: Daily; available for devotees

6. Rajarani Temple

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Rajarani Temple, originally named Indresvara, dates to the 11th century and was built by the Somavanshi dynasty rulers. It is locally known as the "love temple" because of its sensuous carvings of embracing couples and figures of women along the outer walls. The temple is built from locally sourced Rajarani sandstone — a distinctive dull red and yellow stone that gives the temple its current popular name. There is no deity installed in the sanctum, so the temple is not tied to any particular Hindu sect and remains open to all visitors. ASI manages the site, and well-manicured gardens with benches make it a comfortable place to sit and study the sculptures at leisure. Every January, the Rajarani Music Festival is held here — a three-day classical music and dance festival drawing artists from across the country.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Entry: Free | Nearest Road: Tankapani Road

7. Brahmeshwara Temple

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Brahmeshwara Temple stands in Siba Nagar and was established in the 11th century by the Somvanshi rulers. It rises 60 feet and follows the classic Kalinga plan: a principal Shiva shrine surrounded by four smaller corner shrines, one at each end. The outer walls carry detailed carvings from the Shiva Purana, celestial damsels, animals, and beasts. A Devi shrine inside includes a vivid sculpted Durga Maa on the wall of the main temple. The Shivalinga inside the inner sanctum is decorated with flower arrangements and lit with earthen lamps — a particularly atmospheric sight during the evening. Mahashivaratri is the primary festival, though Kartik Purnima and Diwali are also celebrated here.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Entry: Free

8. Baitala Deula (Vaital Deul)

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Baitala Deula, also called Tini Mundia Mandira ("Three-Headed Temple"), is an 8th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda — the fierce aspect of Shakti. It is built in the Khakara style, distinct from the more common Rekha Deula seen elsewhere in the city. The three spires on the top of the shrine are the defining architectural feature. The inner sanctum carries eerie tantric carvings. The eight-armed deity Kapalini is depicted seated on a corpse, wearing a skull garland, and carrying a snake, thunderbolt, and arrow. The outer walls display stone sculptures of Hindu deities, primarily Shiva and Parvati. Located on Barhadanda Road, Baitala Deula is considered a significant stop on any serious temple circuit of Bhubaneswar.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Entry: Free

9. Megheswara Temple

Megheswara Temple sits along the busy Tankapani Road and was built in the 11th to 12th century by the Ganga dynasty. It is a living Shiva temple with active idol worship. The temple complex includes a Vimana, Jagamohana, and Sapta Ratha configuration — one of the earliest Sapta-Ratha plan temples in Odisha. Idols of Ganesha, Parvati, and Kartikeya are also present inside the complex. The exterior walls carry delicate sculptures, including scenes from the Shiva Purana, dancing female figures, lions, elephants, birds, and scroll work. The entrance to the inner sanctum is flanked by two life-size serpent/naga sculptures. Nandi is positioned just outside the sanctum, facing the Shivalinga. A landscaped garden with benches surrounds the temple on three sides. Shivaratri is the main festival.

Entry: Free | Location: Tankapani Road, Bhubaneswar

10. Yameswara Temple

Yameswara Temple is situated in Bharati Matha, Bhubaneswar, amid a quiet residential neighbourhood. It is believed to have been constructed as far back as the 7th century. The temple holds a singular distinction: the Lingaraj idol travels here once a year to pay respects, which speaks to its spiritual importance within Ekamra Kshetra. The temple features a standalone Shiva Linga under the open sky — a Shashra Linga. The structure includes a Jagamohana and a detached Natya Mandapa. Sculptures of Navagraha and Ganesha are particularly eye-catching. The main festivals are Jiuntia (Puajiutia) in the month of Ashwin, Shivaratri, and Kartik Purnima.

Timings: Morning 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM; Evening 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Entry: Free | Distance: 5 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 4 km from the airport

11. Chitrakarini Temple

Chitrakarini Temple stands directly next to the Lingaraj Temple compound wall. It was built in the 13th century by King Narasingh Deva of the Ganga dynasty — the same ruler who commissioned the Konark Sun Temple. The presiding deity is Goddess Chitrakarini, a form of Goddess Saraswati representing knowledge and creative expression. The complex includes the main shrine and four smaller shrines, each placed separately. ASI supervises the site. The sculptures are visible up close given the compact scale of the complex. Green, manicured lawns within the compound allow visitors to sit and rest.

Entry: Free

12. Bhaskareswara Temple

Bhaskareswara Temple is a 7th-century Shiva temple with a nine-foot-tall Shivalinga that occupies almost the entire inner sanctum. The temple's most unusual architectural feature is its resemblance to a Buddhist stupa — the structure stands on a raised platform reached by a flight of stairs, which is uncommon in Kalinga temple design. The outer walls are largely devoid of the dense sculptural coverage seen at Parasurameswara or Brahmeshwara, though images of Ganesha, Parvati, and Kartikeya are present. The temple is mentioned in the sacred texts of Vrihalingam. It is a live worship site. Large leafy trees and garden benches in the surrounding area make it comfortable to visit even in the afternoon.

Entry: Free | Location: Tankapani Road area

13. Kedar Gauri Temple

Kedar Gauri Temple is one of the eight Asthasambhu Temples in Bhubaneswar. The complex contains two separate temples: Kedar Temple (housing a Shivalinga named Kedareshwara) and Gauri Temple (dedicated to Goddess Parvati). The complex also includes three smaller shrines and two ponds — Khira Kund and Marichi Kund — whose waters are traditionally believed to have sacred and medicinal properties. The temple sits directly opposite the Mukteswara Temple on the road leading south. The most significant annual event is the Sitalashashthi procession: the festival image of Lingaraja (Chandrashekhara) is taken in a grand procession from the Lingaraj Temple to Kedar Gauri Temple, where a symbolic marriage of Shiva and Parvati is enacted. Photography is not permitted inside the temple.

Entry: Free | Location: Behind Mukteswara Temple, Old Town

14. Chausath Yogini Temple

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Chausath Yogini Temple is a 10th-century temple built during the Kalachuri Kingdom. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and follows the Yogini cult tradition in India, with approximately 70 Yoginis residing within the temple. The architectural style draws comparisons with the Khajuraho temples. It is one of the less crowded temples on the Bhubaneswar circuit and worth a visit for those interested in tantric temple traditions and Shakta worship.

Entry: Free

15. Ram Mandir

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Ram Mandir in Khadagiri is a more recent temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana. The temple is ochre-painted, and its shikharas are visible from various points across the city. In addition to the principal deities, the temple houses idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and others. It attracts both devotees and visitors drawn by the architectural visual.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM | Entry: Free

Comparison Table: Three Key Temples at a Glance

Getting There

If You Have Time — Combine With These

Dhauli Shanti Stupa sits on the banks of the Daya River, about 8 km from the city. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are Jain rock-cut caves from the 1st century BC, located on the western edge of the city. Nandankanan Zoological Park, about 20 km from the city, is worth pairing with a temple visit for families or those staying multiple days.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

For the Lingaraj and the old town cluster, arriving before 7:00 AM gives you the calmest darshan experience. The area around Bindusagar fills up quickly during festival periods, particularly Mahashivaratri and Kartik Purnima. Wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove and carry, as you will be removing shoes at every temple entrance. Modest clothing — no shorts or sleeveless tops — is expected at all sites. Do not assume photography is permitted inside any sanctum; always ask the attending priest or ASI representative first.

Regarding parking: Lingaraj Temple has a dedicated parking lot nearby. For the Tankapani Road temples (Rajarani, Bhaskareswara, Megheswara), roadside parking is available but can be tight on weekends and festival days. For the Mukteswara–Parasurameswara cluster, park near Mukteswara and walk.

Key Traditions to Keep in Mind

Remove footwear before entering the temple boundary, not just the sanctum. At Ananta Vasudeva, the kitchen operates on strict traditional rules — no tomatoes, potatoes, onion, or garlic are used. At Lingaraj, entry is restricted to Hindu devotees. Non-Hindus can view the temple from a designated viewing platform adjacent to the compound. During the Lingaraj–Kedar Gauri procession, the streets of Old Town are extremely crowded — plan for extra time.

Festivals That Light Up Bhubaneswar

Mahashivaratri is the largest festival across the Shiva temples. Ashokashtami and Chandan Yatra at the Lingaraj Temple are major annual events. The Rajarani Music Festival in January is a three-day classical music and dance event held within the Rajarani Temple complex. Jiuntia (Puajiutia) is the main festival at Yameswara Temple, falling in the month of Ashwin. Parashurashtami at Parasurameswara Temple is held between June and July.

Common Questions

Q: Are all Bhubaneswar temples open to visitors of all religions? A: Most temples are open to all visitors. The significant exception is Lingaraj Temple, where entry into the compound is restricted to Hindu devotees. Non-Hindus can observe from a nearby elevated viewing platform. Rajarani Temple is an ASI-managed archaeological monument with no installed deity, and it is open to all.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Bhubaneswar temples? A: October to March is the most comfortable period weather-wise. For the festival experience, Mahashivaratri (February–March) and Kartik Purnima (October–November) are the most vibrant times. The Rajarani Music Festival in January is a bonus for classical arts enthusiasts.

Q: Is Abadha or temple lunch available? A: Yes, at Ananta Vasudeva Temple. The temple runs the largest kitchen in Bhubaneswar, cooking daily prasad for devotees in earthen pots following traditional rituals. The cooking excludes tomatoes, potatoes, onion, and garlic.

Q: What is the Ekamra Kshetra? A: Ekamra Kshetra is the historic sacred zone of approximately 10 miles in circumference in old Bhubaneswar, centred on the Lingaraj Temple. It is one of the five great religious centres of Odisha.

Q: Which is the oldest temple in Bhubaneswar? A: Parasurameswara Temple, built around 650 AD during the Shailodbhava dynasty, is the oldest fully preserved temple in Bhubaneswar and in Odisha.

Q: Can I do the major temple circuit in one day? A: Yes, for the old town cluster — Lingaraj, Ananta Vasudeva, Chitrakarini, Parasurameswara, Mukteswara, Siddheshwara, Baitala Deula, and Brahmeshwara — a full day starting at 5:30 AM is sufficient. For Rajarani, Bhaskareswara, and Megheswara (on Tankapani Road), plan a separate half-day.

Q: Are there guides available at the temples? A: ASI posts informational signboards at each protected monument with concise historical notes. Tourist guides are available in Bhubaneswar through the Odisha Tourism network and local travel agents.

Find more Odisha temples and local listings on misiki.in.