Konark Sun Temple Of Odisha

Konark Temple is one of the famous Sun temple of Odisha. Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Odisha. It was constructed from oxidized and weathered ferruginous sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is an example of Orissan architecture of Ganga dynasty . The temple is one of the most renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the Seven Wonders of India (as per the poll collected by NDTV). Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna. It is said that Samba was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father’s curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built the magnificent Konark Sun Temple.

Sun Temple Konark showcases how the Sun god roams about on his royal chariot. This temple I India is meant to be worshipped by the people from all the sects and from all walks of life, as the Sun God is indispensible in everyone’s life.
Designed and constructed in the form of a pyramid and stretching above like a tower, Konark Sun Temple resembles the structural formation of the temples that can be found in Kalinga. As you take an elaborate view of the Sun Temple at Konark, you get to notice the Audience Hall and some parts of the Dancing as well as the Dining hall. And what you notice while entering the temple is that the face of the temple is in the East-West direction. Adding more to the information about the temple, the area of the Sun Temple of Konark is 857 ft by 540 ft.
Outside the Konark Sun Temple, you come across trees including rosewood, mahogany as well as eel. However, most of the part of the Konark temple came to ruins as a result of Kalaphad’s invasive attack on Odisha (Orissa). This general who had worked under the Sultan of Bengal named Sulaiman Khan Karrani, was a major cause of spoiling the numerous temples built in Odisha (Orissa). Eventually, even today, you come across distorted images as well as uprooted stones from the walls of the temple.
Multifarious images drawn over the walls of the Sun Temple at Konark pose animals such as snakes, giraffe, elephants etc. Mythological figures also cover the walls of the temple. Yes, you just can’t miss out the images of God Vishni, Lord Shiva as well as Goddess Shakti intricately crafted. You also come across women showcasing their beauty in the most seductive manner. Close to the Sun Temple of Konark, the remnants of Vaishnava Temple as well as Mahagayitri temple can also be spotted.

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Cuttack Chandi Temple, Cuttack

Cuttack Chandi Temple is located near the south Barabati Area of Cuttack which is about 5 kms from the Cuttack main city. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Chandi. It is believed that the image of the deity is older than the temple. This temple is also known as Maa Cuttack Chandi Temple.

Myth about Cuttack Chandi Temple

The present piece of land, where the holy temple is located, was lying fallow before. Late Sri Hansa Panda, who happens to be the Purohit of the then King of Kanika, used to graze cattle’s and sheep’s in the land. One day Sri Panda was feeling tired and took rest on a heap of dry mud present there. While taking rest,he experienced a strange unusual feeling within himself. Surprisingly on the same night, The Goddess “Chandi” appeared in his dream and requested him to take her out of the land.
There after he went to the King and told everything about the strange experience he had that night. With the help of the king, Late Hansa Panda dug up the same piece of land. It is being said that around forty numbers bullock carts of Red Sindoor came out while digging and then emerged The Deity of Maa Katak Chandi. Then the temple was built on the same land. Here in Cuttack, people strongly believe Maa Katak Chandi as The Living Goddess.

History about Cuttack Chandi Temple

Chandi Mandir Bhog

Late Sri Hansa Panda started worshiping the Deity with utmost Niti, Nistha, and Sradha. As per the scriptures, Goddess Chandi has four hands, known as Pasa, Ankusha, Abhaya, Bara. She is worshipped as Bhubaneswari while chanting Bhubaneswari Mantra. After Late Sri Hansa Panda, his only son Late Sri Lakhana Panda started worshipping The Goddess in the same process and procedure. He was blessed with four daughters, named Champa, Tulasi, Mali and Malati. Those daughters were also helping their father Late Sri Lakhana Panda, in the rituals (Seva Puja) of the Deity. After praying so many days, Late Lakhana panda always prayed Maa Chandi to have a son and then he was blessed with a son, named Sri Dayanidhi Panda, who also followed the footprint of his predecessors. The temple came to lime light during Sri Dayanidhi Panda. Number of devotees increased during his period. He has six sons, who are presently performing rituals (seva puja) of deity. They are namely Sri Narayan Panda, Sri Narahari Panda, Sri Somnath Panda, Sri Chakradhar Panda, Sri Loknath Panda and Sri Ratnakar Panda.
The above heritary sevaks along with their fourteen sons are presently performing the Seva Puja (Rituals) in the Temple. The fourteen sons are Jagabandhu, Dinabandhu, Bikram, Gopal, Sarat Kumar, Sukhadeva, Bhagadeba, Manoj, Trilochan, Susant, Biswaranjan, Ramachandra, Pramod, Ranjit.

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Loknath Temple Of Puri

  
Loknath Temple is one of the best Shiva Temple situated very near to the famous Lord Jagannath Temple of Puri. It is also one of the famous Hindu temple of Odisha. This temple is built in 11th century. There are many interesting things are there in this famous temple of Puri. Read the full article to know all about this and increase your knowledge about the Loknath Temple of Odisha and also you can know how to reach this temple.

History Of Loknath Temple

The temple of Shri Lokanatha is situated at a distance of about 2½ kms to the west of Lord Jagannatha temple of Puri. This temple is one of the most important Shaiva shrines of Orissa. As per local people this temple was established by Lord Ramacandra. From the architectural point of view the temple is not so important but from the religious point of view, it occupies an important position in the cultural history of Orissa. The legend says that Lord Rama on his way to Sri Lanka for searching Sita reached Puri and sat with a vow to see Siva here. At that time there was a village (koown as Sabarapalli in local language) nearby. Sabaras (native of that village) presented him a Lau or Lauka (Pumpkin, one type of vegetable) looking like a Siva Linga, Lord Rama installed that as the replica of Siva Linga at that place and prayed Siva to fulfill his desire. From that day this Siva Linga was called ‘Laukanatha’. It is believed that the word Lokanatha is a later innovation from the original word ‘Laukanatha’.

The innermost chamber of the main temple preserves a Shiva linga which is the presiding deity of the temple. This linga is visible to the devotees once in every year. The sanctum including the linga is filled with water throughout the year by a natural fountain. In the night of Pankoddhar Ekadashi (3 days before the famous Shivaratri festival) all the water is bailed out and the Shiva Linga becomes visible and thousands of devotees enable to worship the Lord. According to a local tradition, people who suffer from incurable diseases come here for prayer. The flowers, sandal paste, milk, Curd (yoghurt), honey, beetle leaves, Coconut water, bilva leaves, etc. offered to the God throughout the year remain decomposed in the water creating a special smell and taste being medicated as a whole. people take it as Prasad, in order to be cured from the disese that they suffered for.

The Lokanatha temple has four parts such as Vimana (Main Temple), Jagamohana (Entrance Hall), Natamandapa (Dancing Hall) and Bhogamndapa (Offering Hall). This temple is built in sand stones. The main temple is about 30 feet from the ground level. Most portions of the main temple have been covered with marbles, so the detail architectural features of the main temple are not visible. The outer walls of the main temple housed images of different Deities. The image of Shiva-Parbati is carved on the northern side wall. There is image of Lord Kartikeya on the eastern side wall. The image of four handed Lord Ganesha is carved on the southern side wall. All these side wall images are housed inside small temples. Many small temples are there inside the premises of Lokanatha temple. There is a small temple to the left of the inner courtyard which preserves images of Surya-Narayana and Candra-Narayana. The Satya-Narayan temple within the premises preserves images of Vishnu, Laksmi and several brass idols. On the right side of the entrance to the inner courtyard you will find a figure of Lord Hanuman. The compound of the Lokanatha temple is about 10 feet below the road level. When you enter the lokanatha temple compound by climbing down the stairs from the main road, you will find a big pond (known as Parvati Sagara in local language) at your right side. Devotees wash their hands and feets in this pond before entering into the temple. This pond houses a lot of fishes. Devotees enjoying a lot by offering foods to these fishes.

Lord Lokanatha’s representative image is in the Sri Jagannatha temple, known as Bhandara Lokanatha. He is the guardian deity of the Ratnabhandara (treasure house) of Sri Jagannatha temple. Lokanatha is associated with Lord Jagannath in several festivals like Sivaratri, Candan Yatra and Sital Sasthi. The festival of Shivaratri is observed in the temple of Lokanatha with great devotion. A meeting of Hari and Hara (Siva and Vishnu) takes place on the day. On the Mahashivaratri lot of devotees arrive near the temple to offer their prayer to Lord Lokanatha with great devotion.

Interesting Myth of the Loknath Temple

Like most of the other temples in India which are associated with myths and legends, so is this temple, associated with a legend. According to this, the lingam of this temple was established by Lord Ram. Initially, it was made of a pumpkin, better known as lauka in India.

How To Reach Lokanath Temple

As Puri is one of the developed city in Odisha, So there are lots of transport facility available to reach Loknath Temple of Odisha and you can get numbers of Hotels (From Economy Class to Five Star) are there. So this place will  be one of the best place in Odisha.

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Ramachandi Temple Of Puri

Ramachandi is one of the famous temple as well as one of the best picnic spot in Puri which is situated about 7kms from the Sun temple Konark and it is located on the marine drive road from Puri to Konark. Ramachandi is popularly beleived the presiding deity of Konark, and the most benevolent Chandi known. It is certainly more ancient than the Sun temple at Konark. From the architectural point of view, the temple of Ramachandi is not important but from the religious point of view, it is one of the famous Sakti pithas of Puri.

History Of Ramachadi Temple

Goddess Chandi, seated on a lotus in a small temple half hidden by sand mounds, on the river mouth of ‘Kushabhadra’ and the endless Bay of Bengal stretched to eternity, and a thick growth of Casuarina plantation around is the scenic maginificence of the place. Before construction of the Marine drive road, the place was not accessable to out side visitors. However it attracted large number of local devotees to offer sacrifices ‘Bali’ in the month of Ashwna Picnicking at Ramachandi was then a youthful feat. The romantic sight has always fascinated young lovers, students and picnicking troups from far wide besides a handful of professional fisherman who exploit inhabitants. However after the construction of the Marine dive road, the place has become very easily accessable. We see regular crowd of pleasure seekers both from the neighbour hood and distant places every day.
A legend regarding the deity is ever fresh and popular among the locals. “Kalapahada” the rebel Hindu Brahmin Youth turned islam, vowed to destroy all the temples of Hindu worship during 17th Contury. After destroying the Sun temple, Kalapahad approached to Ramachandi temple to destroy it. Then Goddess Ramachandi dressed as a Maluni (maid servant) asked Kalapahad to wait at the door till she bring water

from the river for the Goddess. Kalapahad anxiously waited for a long time to get some cold water. When it was too late and the Maluni did not return he exhausted and entered inside the temple and found the throne empty. Then he thought the Maluni took away the deity with her and with anger he followed the Maluni. When he reached the bank of the Kushabhadra river he found the goddess Ramachandi floating in the middle of the river. At that time the river was outpouring, so he came back without able to reach the middle of the river. Then Goddess Ramachandi came in dream of a panda (priest) and told him to built a temple on the bank of the Kushabhadra river. This place is now known as Ramachandi. Through out the year many visitors come here to get the blessing of Goddess Ramachandi and to enjoy the scenic beauty of river Kushabhadra and Bay of Bengal.

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Kalijai Temple Of Chillika

Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. Every year in January, a huge gala fair is held during the festival of Makar Sankranti.

 History Of Kalijai Temple

A girl was newly married and was going to her husband in a boat.As her in-law’s house was inside an island in Chilika Lake it took a lot of time to reach.Orissa coast is much prone to Cyclones and suddenly such a cyclone came and the boat drowned inside the lake.All the Boatmen with her father were alive except that Girl Jaai undiscovered.After the accidental death of that newly wed girl whose name was Jaai she became goddess of people residing nearby area.And till now she is worshiped as an Amsa of Kali,hence the name of the place.

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Kapilash Temple Of Dhenkanal

Kapilash temple is situated in the north east corner of Dhenkanal town at a distance of 26 Km from the district head quarters. The temples is situated in about 2239 feet from the sea level. The temple is 60 feet in height .There are two approaches for the temple. One is through climbing 1352 steps and the other is ‘Barabanki’ or the travel twisting way.

History Of Kapilash Temple 

Narasinghdeva-I constructed the temple for Sri Chandrasekhar in 1246AD indicated in the Kapilash temples inscription .In the left side ‘Payamruta kunda’ and in the right side ‘Marichi kunda’ exists. The temple has a wooden Jagamohana. Sri Ganesh, Kartikeya, Gangadevi etc are found in the temple. Patita pavana Jagannath also remain in the temple as ‘Parsva deva’. Lord Biswanath temple is also situated in Kapilash. According to some scholars this temple is older than the Chandrasekahr jew temple, hence it is known as ‘Budha linga’ .There are many legends about Kapilash pitha and its significance. History says it was the ashram of Kapila muni, to some scholars it is the second Kailash of Lord Siva. Sridhar Swami who wrote commentary on Srimad Bhagavatham stayed there .There are some monasteries in the premises. Lord chandra sekhara worshipped by the chintapatis in 36 Niyogas. Maha Sivaratri is the greatest festival at Kapilash. The Temple of Narayan, Biswanath, Bhubaneswari & many maths can be worth visiting. Besides that Deer Park, Science Park also add to the attraction to the place.

How To Reach Kapilash Temple

By Bus

Dhenkanal disctrict of Odisha : 21km

Angul Disctrict of Odisha : 74km

Talcher to Kapilash Temple : 71km

Debagarh to Kapilash Temple : 144km

Bonaigarh to Kapilash Temple : 154km

By Rail

Dhenkanl to Kapilash Temple : 26km

By Air ways

Bhubaneswar airport to Dhenkanal Bus stand is just 100 km, so you can visit Kapilash from Dhenkanal to any bus, taxi etc.

Other Popular Place Near Kapilash Temple, Dhenkanal

1. Dear park to Kapilash Temple : 1.6km
2. Sri Dattatreya sai Ashram to Kapilash Temple : 4km 
3. Joranda Mahima Gadi : 12km
4. Dhenkanal Raja Palace: 26km

Near Private Hotels in Kapilash Temple

1. Hotel Sakuntala                             
2. Hotel Surya
3. Shrikrishna Lodging
4. Hotel Debakanya

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Dhabaleswar Temple Of Cuttack District

Dhabaleswar Temple is a famous temple in Cuttack district which is situated on the shore of River Mahanadi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and mainly this place is famous for the hanging bridge or in odia this is known as Jhula Polo. This temple is situated at a distance of 37 kilometers from the city of Cuttack and 55 km from Bhubaneswar. The temple, located on the banks of the by the River Mahanadi, is embellished with stone carvings that date back to the early 10th and 11th century. The serene ambiance, in which the temple is situated, inspires a spiritual feeling among one and all.

 The hanging bridge connects the mainland (Mancheswar) with the island of Dhabaleswar. This bridge is constructed before same year. Before this the devotees used to cross this river ‘Mahanadi’ by boats. You can see a few there in the water. The tourists may travel to the Dhabaleshwar Temple from Cuttack city in hiring cars and buses that ply regularly along this route.

While Dhabaleswar attracts pilgrims round the year, thousands of people throng the place on special occasions like Shivaratri. Dhabaleswar Mela in January-Feruary & Bada Osha in November are held here. Located far from the madding crowd, and surrounded by the Mahanadi, Dhabaleswar provides a magnificent ambience for visitors.

How To Reach Dhabaleswar Temple :

By Air- Bhubaneswar 52 Kms
By Rail/Road- Cuttack-27 kms., Bhubaneswar 52 Kms. and also can be approached via Gadagadia Ghat from Cuttack by boat.

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Most Famous Temples In Odisha

There are so many temples in Odisha. Here you can get the list of the most famous and Popular Temples in Odisha. See below to get the list of famous temples in Odisha. Odisha, well known world over for its architectural wonders, Odisha (Orissa) houses some of the best temples in the country. The temples in Odisha (Orissa) are said to have given supreme expression to architecture. Taking the Kalinga pattern of architecture to its zenith, these Odisha temples are unique in both plan elevation and decoration details.


List Of Most Popular Temples In Odisha :

1. Lord Jaganath Temple, Puri
2. Sun Temple, Konark
3. Cuttack Chandi Temple, Cuttack
4. Raghunatha Temple, Cuttack
5. Dhabaleswar Temple, Cuttack
6. Dakhinakali Temple, Cuttack
7. Sri Gopalajiu Temple,Cuttack
8. Bhattarika Temple, Athagarh
9. Goddess Hingula, Angul
10. Binikei Pitha, Angul
11. Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
12. Biraja Temple, Jajpur Town
13. Olasuni Temple, Jajpur
14. Trilochaneswar Temple, Jajpur
15. Chausathi Jogini Temple, Jajpur
16. Chhatia Bata Temple, Jajpur
17. Chandi Temple, Chandikhol, Jajpur
18. Mahavinayak Temple, Chandikhol, Jajpur
19. Nilamadhab Temple, Kantilo
20. Harachandi Temple, Harachandi, Puri
21. Lokanath Temple , Puri
22. Sakhigopal Temple, Puri
23. Alaranath Temple, Puri
24. Ramachandi Temple ,Chandrabhaga
25. Nabagraha Temple, Bolangir
26. Harishankar Temple, Bolangir
27. Sri Nrisinghanath Temple, Bargarh
28. Kalijai Temple, Chillika
29. Amareswar Temple, Athagarh
30. Bhadrakali Temple, Bhadrak
31. Biranchi Narayan Temple, Bhadrak
32. Akhandala Mani Temple, Aradi, Bhadrak
33. Dhakhinakali Temple, Dhenkanal
34. Kamakhyadevi Temple, Kamakhyanagar, Dhenkanal
35. Mahimagadi Temple, Joranda, Dhenkanal
36. Kapilas Temple, Dhenkanal
37. Balaram Temple, Dhenkanal
38. Saptasajya Temple, Dhenkanal
39. Mangala Maa Temple, Kakatapur
40. Panch Barah Temple, Kenderapada
41. Gojabayani Temple, Kendarapada
42. Sri Baladev Jew Temple, Kenderapada
43. Gupteswar Temple, Koraput
44. Narayani Temple, Ganjam
45. Sidhha Bhairabi Temple, Ganjam
46. Taratarini Temple, Ganjam
47. Leaning Shiva Temple, Huma, Sambalpur
48. Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur
49. Sarala Temple, Jagatsinghpur
50. Antasayi Bisnu Temple, Bhimakund
51. Chamunda Ugratara Temple, Khordha
52. Maa Anlai Temple, Khordha
53. Pataneswari Temple, Balangir
54. Jal Mahadev Temple, Balangir
55. Ladoo Baba Shiva Temple, Nayagarh
56. Khirochora Gopinath Temple, Remuna
57. Tarini Temple, Keonjhar
58. Maninag Durga Temple, Nayagarh
59. Maa Ghanteswari Temple, Chiplima
60. Nrusinganatha Temple, Subarnapur
61. Rameswar Temple of Subarnapur

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Mahavinayak Temple

Mahavinayak Temple is one of the oldest temple in Odisha which is situated vary near to Chandikhole of Jajpur District of Odisha.  It is a place of worship for Ganapati.
Since Ganapati or Vianyak is revered here so its name is ‘Mahavianyak’. The speciality of Mahavinayak temple is that the Pancha Devata or the Five Gods ‘Shiva‘,’Vishnu‘,’Durga‘,’Sun‘ and ‘Ganapati‘ are worshipped as a single deity in a single sanctum sanctorum. In no other Hindu temples such tradition of worship is present.

History of Mahavinayak Temple

It is a place of both mythological and historical importance. This sculpture (i.e. the Mahavinayak temple) has been constructed by the kings of Keshari Dynasty of Odisha during 12th Century and later it became the center of worship of Darpan King. Rati Devi, the wife of Kamadev worshipped here for the release of her husband from the curse of Lord Shiva for which while she was offering her prayer to Lord Ganesh simultaneously five hands were stretched out towards her to receive her offer and she,being in dilemma, when prayed to Bramha, Bramha clarified that five Gods named Ganesh,Sun,Vishnu,Shiva and Durga had been over pleased with her prayer and at a time they had stretched their hand to receive her offer. So Kamadev was released thereafter and from the very day five Gods unitedly in one granite stone with huge size had emerged from the earth there.
This place is also related to Mahabharat legends. The Baruna hill area (i.e. The Barunabanta) was the capital of Yudhistir. From this place he left for the heaven by making royal charges of his empire to a teli (an oilman whom he saw first before dawn) who later became the king and his palace was named as Teligarh and the remaining of his palace is still seen just at the opposite side of the hill and the temple. The rehearsal place of Bhima is still known as “Bhima khala”. During the Mahabharat battle, mother Kunti also offered one lakh swarna Champa flowers (Golden Champa Flowers) to Lord Shiva from this place for the victory of her sons to fulfill her wish.
As per another legend the detached head of Lord Ganesha fell at this place and so the place is named as Vinayak Kshetra. Moreover, the importance of the place came to light and became popular when a cowherd boy discovered some strange sight of secretion and flowing of milk from the nipples of a calf less cow to offer feeding to the undiscovered deity. Then it became famous gradually and it claimed to be one of the best holy places not only of Odisha but also in the pilgrimage map of India as Five Gods congregated as one stonic form is unique.

How To Reach Mahavinayak Temple

Reaching Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur by road Way
Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole is 4 k.m from Chandikhole Chhak and Chandikhole is 40 k.m far from the old city Cuttack and 61 k.m from the capital city Bhubaneswar. The road is from Cuttack towards Bhadrak on NH-5(A).
Distance of Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole from Cuttack is thus 40 Km and the Distance of Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole from Bhubaneshwar is 61 Km.
How to reach Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole by Rail
Nearest main Railway station from Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole, Jajpur is Cuttack. Mahavinayak Temple of Chandikhole is 44 k.m away from Cuttack Railway station and 6 k.m away from two small stations Railway station Haridaspur and Dhanamandal.

Picnic Facility at Mahavinayak Temple

Mahavinayak Temple is a good picnic spot in Jajpur.There are so many spots for picnic where you can make veg and non veg. The veg spots are near to the temple and the non veg spots are little far from the temple but you will get all types of facilities, such as land for picnic and water facility with free of charge. All the accessories are provided by the temple trust in affordable prices.

Other Tourist Spots Near Mahavinayak Temple

The other tourist spots near Mahavinayak Temple of Odisha are :-

• Chandi Mandir
• Chhatia Bata Jagannath Temple
• Olasuni Temple
• Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udayagiri
• Gokarneswar Temple
• Langudi Hill
• Biraja Temple

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