14 Notable Architectures to Explore in Odisha

Checkout places to visit in Odisha

Odisha

The ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 261 BCE resulting in the Kalinga War, coincides with the borders of modern-day Odisha.

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Notable Architectures to Explore in Odisha

 Bhubaneswar Temple

Bhubaneswar the temple city of India is the capital of Orissa. It is believed that there were about 7000 temples in Ekamra Vana of Bhubaneswar . Reminiscence of the days of yore dating back to the 6th century.Satrughaneswar and laxamaneswar temple to the gigantic Lingaraj temple of the 11th century are available in the old township .Centuries of temple building activity continued well in to the 12th and 13th century in the shape of Anant Basudev temple on the southeast of the Bindu Sarovar Tank

Anantashayana Vishnu

Anantashayana Vishnu is a symbolic representation of the cosmic balance of finity within infinity. There are many rock and other material sculptures and paintings of this cosmic visualization. The image was carved during the first quarter of the 9th century CE when the Bhauma kara that ruled in the cental part of Orissa.

Astashambhu Temple

This is a collection of eight Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legend says that Ashta Sambhu cured once the ancient king from a fatal disease. As per the legend, the Shivalingams here are ones that were captured when the kings defeated opposing kingdoms. The temple was constructed in the 10th century AD. Dhenekal, the town in which the temple is situated currently, had the capital of Kualo or Karmula in the earlier days.

Chausathi Jogini Temple

Chausathi Jogini Temple is situated in a hamlet called Hirapur. The temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during the 9th century. It's built in a circular fashion, completely put together with blocks of Sandstone. The inside of the circular wall has cavities, each housing the statue of a Goddess. There are around 56 such idols, made of black granite, inscribed within the wall cavities, centring on the main idol which is the Goddess Kali.

Dhauli

Dhauli Giri is the site, on whose plains Kalinga War was fought. Adorned with a rock edict erected by the great emperor Ashoka of Maurya Dynasty, the hills are located on the banks of the Daya River. Seeing the Daya River that had turned to red by the Kalingan martyrs, Ashoka renounced war and embraced Buddhism. The bloodshed led Ashoka to change his mind, after which he laid down the weapons of violence and accepted a life of Ahimsa in the form of Buddhism.

GONASIKA TEMPLE

Gonasika Temple is surrounded by picturesque green valleys and up rolling hills of varying colour is famous for pilgrimage centre. The famous temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev is established by the side of river Baitarni by Creator Brahma himself . Perennial river Baitarni is originated here through two nostrils of a cow. As a strange to tourists, the river soon goes underground and re-emerges to be collected inside Brahma Kunda for which it is known as Guptaganga.

Jagannath Temple Balasore

Jagannath Temple at Balgopalpur in Balasore, district of Odisha, India by Emami Paper Mills. Lord Jagannath is above caste, creed and religion.The temple is seventy-eight feet high scintillating shrine and it has been constructed on a three acres of land on the premises of Balasore town Balgopalpur-based Emami Paper Mill.The temple claimed to be a replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple also bears the world-renowned Black Pagoda Konark Sun Temple's tinge with sixteen Konark Wheels .

Jeypore Palace

It was established by King Veer Vikrama Dev in 1648-49CE. It served as the capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Jeypore ruled by the kings of Sankara dynasty.

Konark Sun Temple

Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, what remains of the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone. Once over 200 feet (61 m) high, much of the temple is now in ruins. The structures and elements that have survived are famed for their intricate artwork, iconography, and themes, including erotic kama and mithuna scenes.

Leaning Temple of Huma, Bimaleswar Temple, Huma, Sambalpur

Leaning Temple of Huma is one of only two leaning temples in the world. It is not known if this structure is leaning by design or for another reason. Although the edifice leans. The pinnacle of the temple is perpendicular to the ground.

Nilamadhab Temple

Standing elegantly on the banks of the river Mahanadi, Kantilo is famous for the temple of Lord Nilamadhaba, on top of the twin hills with surrounding green forests. Lord Nilamadhaba occupies a prominent position in the cult of Lord Jagannath. This temple is a miniature form of the Sri Jagannath Temple at Puri and observes similar rites rituals. One can also find amazing brass and bell metal crafts here, which are lovingly carried by many visitors as souvenirs.

Panchalingeswar Temple

Perched atop of a hillock in Nilagari Hill in the Balasore district, Odisha, Panchalingeswar Temple is a Lord Shiva’s temple which is named after the five lingas of Shiva that are installed inside this shrine. On reaching the top of the hillock, one has to bend down in order to look for the lingas inside a pool created by the waterfall. These lingas are continuously washed by the water of a perennial stream that flows over them.

Rameswar Temple

This is a very old temple in Bhubaneswar, Khordha. It is located from 2 km distance from Lingaraj shrine. The architecture of this temple is a wonder of the ancient age.

Rameswar Temple, Boudh

A group of three temples of Siva at Boudh town called the Ramswara or Ramanatha Temples, dating back to the 8th Century AD are reputed for their special feature. Archeological Survey of India has preserved this temple.

Map of Notable Architectures to explore in Odisha