India being an ancient land holds enough historical stories from ‘Puranas’ and to support these facts, enough number of temples are there as well. Talking about Bhubaneswar, a city that is in a full developing mode is popular amongst the students because of the presence of some of the best colleges. This city is also known for its historical or ancient side. Presently the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar is home to innumerable monuments of cultural and historical significance. Museums, temples, palaces, caves, ponds, and parks are among the tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar. People come to explore the temples of Bhubaneswar and some of the most famous 15 temples in Bhubaneswar are as follows.

Lingaraja Temple : This temple dates back to the 11th century. The shrine of this temple is the largest one in Bhubaneswar. The four main sections of the temple are Vimana (sanctum), Jagamohana (hall of assembly), Natamandira (hall of events) and Bhoga Mandapa (hall of offerings). There are sculptures on all the walls of the temple.

Brahmeshwara Temple : Kolavati Devi was the one who has built this temple and it is built according to the Panchatanaya plan. As per this plan, inside the temple there are four smaller shrines flanking the primary temple on each cardinal direction. It was one of those shrines whose construction was done with iron beams and it was one of a kind at that time.

Mukhteshwar Temple : This temple was built in the 10th century. This temple is a little different than the other temples because its entrance has a torana.  A torana is a Buddhist architectural element so this shows that this temple has Buddhist influence as well in the architecture. Even the sculptures of deities on its top are reminiscent of Buddhist influence.

Parashurameshwar Temple : The primitive carvings on the temple shows that this one is quite old and has aged very gracefully over the years. It is the first shrine in the region to have an additional structure (assembly hall) other than the Vimana-topped sanctum. There are latticed windows in the assembly hall through which the light enters the temple.

Rajarani Temple : One of the most magnificent temples of the city is Rajarani temple which dates back to the 11th century. The temple is made as per the Kalinga architectural style. There are two structures in this temple which makes it quite unique in comparison to other temples. he sculptures here depict the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Ananta Vasudev Temple : This temple of the city is associated with the Vaishnava Sect unlike most other temples which are associated with the Shiva sect. This temple was constructed a little later in the 13th century. This temple shrine has 3 structures, again which is quite unique, as other temples have 4 structures.

Baitala Deula Temple : This is one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswar city as it was built around the 8th century. The architecture of this temple is also quite different from others because temple tower is slightly pyramidal and not cylindrical in shape. This and the three spires on its top take it closer to being a South Indian Dravidian temple like those in Tamil Nadu.

Chausathi Jogini Temple : One of the most beautiful temples of the city is this one which is located right outside the city. The entire architecture of this temple is very different from the aesthetics of a Hindu temple. It is in a circular style with no roof, is associated with the Tantric cult, and is almost like the Druid temples.

Bhaskareshwar Temple : This is not a temple complex but just one structure on a raised plinth and it is because of this that it looks a little unfinished because of this. It was actually a Buddhist site previously which was later converted into a temple. Its main attraction is its Shiva Linga, which is almost 9 feet high.

Megheshwar Temple : Ganges Dynasty was the one to build this temple in the 12th century AD. The temple complex houses a Vimana, Jagamohana, and Sapta Ratha with the idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and and Lord Kartikey. The shrines and the engravings inside the temple shows when it was constructed.

Yameshwar Temple : This temple was also built around in the 13th century. The temple consists of a mandapam, a big hall and a Parakara and is built with marbles and sandstones. Jiuntia or Puajiutia festival are the main festivals celebrated in this temple. It’s famous because of its architecture again and also the peaceful vibes.

Ram Mandir : As the name of the temple is enough to say that the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama,Goddess Sita and his brother, Lord Lakshmana. The spires on the temple shikharas can be spotted from various locations in the city. It is a beautiful temple which is always flooded by devotees on all days.

Nageshwara Temple : This temple is an abandoned one. The temple does not have a prime deity within the complex. But, as per the wall inscriptions, it is believed to be Lord Shiva’s temple. The entire structure is built with sandstone in the Kalinga style architecture and once was famous for its beauty. Kesharis are believed to have made this temple.

ISKCON Temple : Like most other Indian cities, Bhubaneswar also has an ISKCON temple. It was built in 1991. This temple is the best alternative to the Lord Jagannath temple of Puri as that temple is restricted to Indians. It is believed to be Lord Jagannath’s actual abode.

Kedar Gauri Temple : This temple is one of the eight Asthasambhu Temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is held here every year and that is the best attraction of this temple. This process starts from Lingaraja and goes on all the way till Kedar Gauri Temple.

Conclusion : These were the most famous 15 temples of Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is developing city where modernization is happening by the day but the old charm of the city is also here to stay. The temples of the city make for one of the best tourist spots ever for the ones who come to explore Bhubaneswar. These temples are the best sight-seeing spots. Bhubaneswar tour packages are very popular. Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark form a triangular circuit and are mostly visited by the tourists in a single vacation package.