Bubaneshwar is situated in Odessa state and is renowned for temples. This city is considered as Temple city and is also known as Mandirmalini, Ekarma Kshetra and Kalinga Nagari. Bubaneshwar literally means God’s world. The city is equipped with 2000 temples presenting an overview of Hindu religious architecture. This city is considered as Hindu pilgrimage center consisting 500 temples and is the highest temple city in the world.
Lingaraja temple(Lord Shiva) is the oldest temple in Bubaneswar, 1000 years old. Bubanewshwar is the cleanest city in Orissa and is one of the fastest developing states in India with largest emerging IT hub. This city is surrounded with dense forests, parks and gardens. Lots of tourists has been arriving to Bubaneshwar and has become a part of tourist destination. There are innumerable temples in Bubaneshwar but here I enlist some of the few which think are the best temples in Bubaneshwar city:
1. Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj temple is the largest temple in Bubaneshwar located in Orissa and was built by King Jajati Keshari. Lingaraja temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the term Lingaraj means King of Lingas and Linga is considered as Lord Shiva. Lingaraj temple is built in with Kalinga style architecture. This temple attracts thousands of devotees from various places.
Lingaraj temple is divided into three parts namely one half represents Lord Shiva & other half is represented to Lord Vishnu. Almost 1540 shrines are present inside this temple. Lord Ganesha’s image is situated to South and on the back Parvathi, Lord Kartikeya to the north. The temple is worth more spiritual and you should love to visit once more.
Fast facts about Lingaraj temple:
State: Orissa
District: Bubaneshwar
Pilgrim of: Lord Shiva
Languages spoken: Odessi, Hindi, English
How to reach?
By air: Biju Patnaik airport
By bus: Bermunda bus stand
By train: Bubaneswar railway station
2. Parsurameswar temple
Parsursmeshwar temple is a small temple and typifies Saiva Pasupata Sect representing Lakulisa which was sculpted in Buddha along with his four disciples on his feet and on the West above there is Lord Natraja looking like meditating Buddha. Inside the pilgrim there are lots of shrines equipped with Lingams of lord Shiva.
There is a well in this temple located at eastern part of this temple and is believed that a holy dip in this well cures the problem of infertility. The outer walls of shrine is depicting repertoire of Shiva, Ganesha on sinhasna, Kartikeyan in the southern part with a peacock in his left hand, above the niche lintel shows marraige of lord Shiva and Parvati.
Fast facts about Parsurameswar temple:
State: Orissa
District: Bubaneshwar
Significance: Self originated Lingam
How to reach?
By air: Biju Patnaik airport
By Bus: Bermunda bus stand
By train: Bubaneshwar railway station
3. Mukteswara Temple
Mukteswara temple is considered as the best temple in Orissa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the almighty. Makuteswara literally means Lord who gives freedom through Yoga. Inside this temple there are number of shrines consisting large number of Lingams.
This temple is also believed that whoever baths in the well situated in the eastern part will be cured with the problem of infertility. Mukteshwara dance festival is the most attractive festival in this temple which includes Odissi dance, music, duet.
Mukteswara temple’s Fast facts:
State: Bubaneshwar
Signifies to: Lord Shiva Self- originated Lingam
How to reach?
By air: Biju Patnaik AirPort
By bus: Bermunda Bus stand
By train: Bhubaneswar railway station
4. Vital Duel temple
Vital Duel temple is dedicated to shrines of Lord Shiva & Parvathi in her hunting processions. The main deity of this temple is Chamunda Devi depicted with bright red tongue wearing necklaces of skulls.
This temple is worshiped in both sects of religion such as Buddhism & Hinduism. On the entrance of the door there is a four faced Linga and an image of Surya God with his sisters Usha & Pratyusha. Many devotees visit to these temple for worshiping and for receiving the blessings of almighty.
Vital Duel temple At a Glance:
State: Bhubaneshwar, Near Bindu Sarovar
Signifies: Lord Shiva’s self originated Lingam
How to reach?
By Air:
Biju Patnaik AirPort
By Bus:
Bermunda Bus stand
By train:
Bhubaneswar railway stationa
5. Raja Rani temple
Raja Rani temple is popularly known as Indreswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built with red & golden sandstones. The temple does’nt offers poojas. Raja Rani temple is famous for it’s architecture, paintings, sculptures.
Raja Rani temple is equipped with the sculptures of Lord Shiva, Yama, Agni, Nirriti & Varuna. Raja Rani temple is carved with beauty and sculptures.
Raja Rani temple at a Glance:
State: Bubaneshwar
Famous Diety: Lord Shiva
How to reach?
By air:
Biju Patnaik AirPort
By bus:
Bermunda Bus stand
By train:
Bhubaneswar railway station
Lingaraj temple is super temple I like