Orissa: A place where the earth meets the sky, where gods
and mortals have lived for centuries together. The documented
history of Orissa dates back to 2000 BC, the temple structures
are equally old but are there for all to see and appreciate
without prejudice, but with pride.
Tourism of Central India offers specialized packages to the
temples in Orissa that will give you a holistic understanding
of the temple architectural genesis and evolution in Orissa,
India.
Temples in Orissa that you ought to visit on your tour:
Jagannath Temple
Konark Temple
Lingaraj Temple
Mukteswar Temple
Rajarani Temple
Jagannath Temple in Orissa
Covered in plaster till 1975, Jagannath Temple in Puri is
on of the most revered pilgrimage destination in India as
it is one of the dhams (abodes) of the divine in India present
in the four cardinal directions. The temple architecture has
been restored to its full glory so that you can appreciate
the influence that the 241 m high spire of the temple has
on the state of Orissa. Inside is housed the deity of Lord
Jagannath flanked by his sister Subbhadra and brother Balrama.
Shopping for souvenirs from the markets surrounding the walled
temple complex; eating the blessed food in the temple courtyard
and visiting the beaches is a must on your tour of Jagannath
Temple, especially during Rath Yatra.
Konark Temple in Orissa
Conceived in the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva,
the temple is designed in the form of a chariot with huge
sculpted wheels that have become an integral part of ethnic
jewelry, art and crafts of Orissa. This chariot of Surya,
the Sun God, driven by seven horses is a striking example
of Aryan influences on Orissa's architecture and lifestyle.
Built over 12 years on golden sand beach, the sea is removed
from this once shore temple by 2 km. You must also visit the
surviving temples and the dancing hall in the temple complex
that was known as the 'black pagoda' on your tour of temples
in India.
Lingaraj Temple in Orissa
Dedicated to Lord Lingaraj (Tribhuwaneswar), the Lingaraj
Temple is one of the active temples in Bhubaneswar, Orissa
that is frequented by Hindu devotees in large numbers. Built
in the 11th century, it is believed that this 11th century
structure was built over a 7th century structure. You can
get a view of the complete temple landscape from the viewing
platform. Like the Konark temple, Lingaraj temple too has
tall pagoda shaped towers, porch, and halls for dance and
for prayers that you ought to see on your tour of the temples
in Orissa. The other temples within the complex are worth
a visit too.
Mukteswar Temple in Orissa
Mukteswar, which means 'Lord who offers salvation through
Yoga' marks the shift in the old school of Kalinga architecture
to the new school that emphasized colossal duels, richly inscribed
and sculpted stepped pyramid like porch and gateways, dance
halls and towers. Mukteswar, though a compact temple site,
offers great insight into the evolution of temple architecture
in Orissa.
Rajarani Temple in Orissa
Another temple that you can visit on your tour of temples
in Orissa is the Rajarani Temple. Carved out of red and gold
sandstone and set in the swaying paddy fields of Orissa, the
Rajarani Temple was once called the Indreswara temple and
is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Tourism of Central India can also customize your tour to the
temples in Orissa to include other temples from hundreds in
Orissa such as the Parasurameswar Temple, Ananta Vasudeva,
Vaital Duel, Rameswar Temple Taleswar Temple, Vishnu Temple;
Buddhist monasteries such as the ones at Ratnagiri, Udaygiri
and Dhauli; and Jain monuments at Khandagiri and Udaygiri.
Tourism of Central India offers specialized tour booking,
and travel packages for temples in Orissa. To book your tour,
or for more information, please fill the form below.
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