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Tucked along India’s eastern coast in the heart of Odisha, Bhubaneswar is a city that rewards the curious traveller. Known as Ekamra Kshetra (the region of the sacred mango tree) in ancient scriptures, it once had over 700 temples. More than 500 still stand today — each a chapter in a living storybook of Kalinga architecture, devotion, and dynasty.
Unlike the crowded circuits of Varanasi or Tirupati, Bhubaneswar’s temples are peaceful, accessible, and deeply atmospheric. And when you stay at Livotel Premium Hotel — centrally located with easy access to all major temples, ISKCON, Nandankanan Zoo, and the road to Puri — every sacred site in the city is within a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride away.
No visit to Bhubaneswar is complete without witnessing the Lingaraj Temple, the city’s most iconic and sacred landmark. Built in the 11th century by King Jajati Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty, this magnificent structure soars to 55 metres (180 feet) and is considered one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple architecture in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Harihara — a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu — and houses a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivalinga. With 150 smaller shrines within its complex and an average of 6,000 visitors daily, the energy here is electric. Non-Hindu visitors are welcome to view the temple from a designated elevated platform outside the walls.
Best time to visit: During Mahashivaratri, when over 200,000 devotees gather for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🏨 Travelling for Mahashivaratri? Book early at Livotel Premium Hotel — rooms fill up fast during festival season. Complimentary breakfast included, so you can head to temple first thing in the morning without worrying about food.
Dating from around 950–975 CE, the Mukteswara Temple is often called the Jewel of Odisha architecture. Built by King Yayati I of the Somavamsi dynasty, this 35-foot red sandstone marvel is celebrated for its ornately decorated arched gateway — the Torana — bearing the unique influence of Buddhist design. Its sculpted female figures, serpent carvings, and intricate bas-reliefs make it a paradise for photography and architecture lovers. Each January, the Mukteswara Dance Festival fills its grounds with Odissi performances — a cultural highlight you won’t find anywhere else.
🏨 Attending the Mukteswara Dance Festival? Livotel is your ideal base — clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a team that can arrange auto-rickshaws to Old Town for you.
Built in the 11th century, the Rajarani Temple gets its name from the golden-yellow Rajarani stone used in its construction. Unlike most temples in the city, it has no presiding deity — making it secular in spirit and stunning in beauty. Its walls are richly carved with sensuous couples, celestial nymphs (apsaras), and scenes from the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. Every January, the open-air Rajarani Music Festival celebrates Odisha’s classical music and dance traditions against this breathtaking backdrop.
Built in 1058 CE by Queen Mother Kolavati Devi during the reign of King Udyotakesari, the Brahmeswara Temple is a panchatanaya masterpiece — a central shrine flanked by four smaller temples on each side. It was here that iron beams were used in temple construction for the very first time in history. The temple’s exterior walls are adorned with musicians, dancers, tantric imagery, and the fierce Goddess Chamunda — making it one of Bhubaneswar’s most visually rich and historically significant shrines.
If you want to step back to the very origins of Bhubaneswar’s temple tradition, the Parasurameswara Temple is your destination. Built in the 7th century CE, it is the oldest surviving temple in the city. It was also the first temple in the region to feature a Jagamohana (entrance hall) attached to the main sanctum — an architectural innovation that all later temples followed. A thousand Shivalingas line its northwest corner, and its carved latticed windows remain extraordinary after 1,300 years.
🏨 Pro tip: Visit Parasurameswara early morning before the heat sets in, then return to Livotel Premium Hotel for a hearty complimentary breakfast. The hotel’s 24/7 service means you’re never waiting around.
The Bhaskareswara Temple houses one of the tallest Shivalingas in Odisha — a remarkable 9-foot Shiv Lingam rising within the sanctum. Quieter than the major circuits, this is a wonderful spot for genuine spiritual experience away from the crowds, and a favourite among local devotees.
Standing out among the city’s predominantly Shaiva temples, the Ananta Vasudeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Krishna. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the few temples in the city where Vaishnava traditions are actively practised. The temple is also famous for having one of the largest temple kitchens in Odisha, where prasad is prepared and distributed to thousands of devotees every day.
Dedicated to both Lord Shiva (Kedara) and Goddess Parvati (Gauri), this temple beautifully represents the concept of divine partnership. It is especially beloved by newlywed couples and families seeking blessings for love and harmony — making it a meaningful stop on any Bhubaneswar temple tour.
The Megheswara Temple, dating from the 12th–13th century, is celebrated for its magnificently sculpted arch gateway. Though smaller than the grand temples of Old Town, it rewards attentive visitors with exceptional stonework and a serenely uncrowded atmosphere — perfect for quiet meditation.
The Chitrakarini Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati — the divine patron of knowledge, art, and music. Students, artists, and scholars visit before exams and creative endeavours to seek her blessings. The temple’s imagery of Saraswati as Chitrakarini (the one who paints the universe) is uniquely fascinating and unlike any other Saraswati shrine in Odisha.
One of Bhubaneswar’s most architecturally unusual temples, the Vaital Temple has a distinctive oblong roof showing clear influence from Buddhist chaitya halls. Inside, the fierce ten-armed Goddess Chamunda holds a severed head and skull cup — powerful imagery from the tantric tradition. Despite its intense iconography, the temple carries a raw spiritual energy unlike anywhere else in the city.
One of the most visited temples in contemporary Bhubaneswar, the Shree Rama Temple draws enormous numbers of devotees year-round. With over 20,000 Google reviews, it speaks to how deeply Ram devotion is woven into the city’s spiritual fabric.
🏨 Visiting multiple temples in one day? Guests at Livotel Premium Hotel can request a full-day temple tour arrangement through the front desk — covering Lingaraj, Mukteswara, Shree Rama Temple, and more in a single trip.
The ISKCON Temple brings the global Hare Krishna movement to Bhubaneswar’s sacred landscape. Beautifully designed with pristine marble and vibrant bhajans, it offers a welcoming experience for visitors of all faiths. With over 10,000 Google reviews, it is one of the most appreciated temples in the city — and it’s listed right on Livotel’s tourist spots page as a key attraction near the hotel.
The Mausima Temple is a beloved neighbourhood temple with deep local significance. Ranked among the top-visited temples in Bhubaneswar, it offers an authentic window into daily Odia religious life — the kind of experience that no tourist brochure can replicate.
The Rameswara Temple holds a special place in Bhubaneswar’s festival calendar — it is the destination to which Lord Lingaraj’s adorned chariot travels during the Ashokashtami festival. Witnessing this procession is one of the most memorable experiences in all of Odisha pilgrimage tourism.
The Kedareswara Temple is a peaceful, lesser-known Shiva temple that rewards those willing to step off the beaten path. Its calm atmosphere and classic Kalinga stonework make it a wonderful contrast to the busier, more famous temples nearby.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Jaleswara (Lord of Water), this temple holds special importance for devotees who visit on auspicious Mondays. The cool, shaded sanctum is a welcome retreat on warm afternoons.
Another of Bhubaneswar’s spiritually layered temples, the Shree Baitala Temple draws a devoted local following. Like many of the city’s neighbourhood shrines, visiting here means stepping into a living tradition — priests, flowers, incense, and centuries of unbroken devotion.
Ranked #13 on local temple listings, Bhubaneswar’s beloved Siva Temple draws a consistent stream of worshippers seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings in a more intimate, community-centred setting than the grand ancient monuments.
Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list, the Khanduali Temple is ranked #5 on Bhubaneswar’s most-visited temple listings — a testament to the passionate devotion of its local community. If you want to experience temple culture as Bhubaneswar residents actually live it, this is your destination.
Best time to visit Bhubaneswar: October to March, when Odisha’s weather is pleasantly cool. Key festival dates to plan around:
How to get around: Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient way to hop between temples. Most major sites are clustered within a 5–7 km radius of the city centre. A hired taxi for a full-day temple circuit typically costs ₹800–₹1,200.
Dress code: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required. Footwear must be removed at most temple entrances.
Photography: Allowed at Parasurameswara and Brahmeswara. Strictly prohibited inside Lingaraj Temple. Always follow temple signage.
🏨 Need a comfortable base for your temple trail? Livotel Premium Hotel offers fully air-conditioned rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 service — everything you need before and after a long day of exploration. View our rooms here.
After a full day visiting Bhubaneswar’s sacred sites, you deserve a stay that is comfortable, clean, and genuinely welcoming. Livotel Premium Hotel checks every box.
Located at Plot No. LP-862, Prasanti Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, near KIIT University and KIIT Stadium, Livotel provides the perfect balance of location and value. Whether you’re a family on a pilgrimage, a solo spiritual traveller, or a couple exploring Odisha’s heritage, the hotel offers:
Guests who’ve stayed at Livotel consistently praise its cleanliness, homely atmosphere, and courteous team. Whether you’re arriving late or heading out before dawn for morning aarti, Livotel’s team is ready to support your journey.
Bhubaneswar has more to offer than temples alone. From your base at Livotel Premium Hotel, you can easily visit:
Bhubaneswar is a city that will stay with you long after you leave — in the echo of temple bells, the scent of incense, and the quiet awe of standing before stones that have been worshipped for over a thousand years.
Make the most of every moment by choosing a hotel that feels like a true home base. Livotel Premium Hotel offers the comfort, location, and hospitality you need to explore the Temple City without stress.
📞 Call us: +91 91146 07080 📧 Email: livotelpremiumhotel@gmail.com 📍 Address: Plot No. LP-862, near KIIT Stadium, Prasanti Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024
👉 Book Your Room Now at Livotel Premium Hotel
Whether you’re visiting for Mahashivaratri, the Rajarani Music Festival, or simply to experience the spiritual magic of Bhubaneswar on your own timeline — Livotel is where your perfect temple journey begins.
Plot No.LP-862, near Kiit Stadium, Prasanti Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024
Tel: +91 9114607080
livotelpremiumhotel@gmail.com
