Temples in Orissa

Shri Jagannatha Mandira, Puri, Odisha 

Jai Jagannath...!!!

The Jagannath Temple in Puri(orissa) (Oriya: ବଡଦେଉଳ, ଶ୍ରୀମନ୍ଦିର) is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of).The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions, particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages that a Hindu is expected to make in one's lifetime .The temple was built in the 11th century atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.




The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (Oriya: ରଥଯାତ୍ରା)(Bengali:রথ যাত্রা ), or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour.The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha mata's temple via aunt's home (Mausi Maa Temple which is near Balagandi Chaka in Puri).Three richly decorated chariots, resembling temple structures, are pulled through the streets of Puri. This commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt' s temple, the Gundicha Temple  which is situated at a distance of 2 km from their temple. This is the only day when devotees who are not allowed in the temple premises such as non-Hindus and foreigners, can get their glimpse of the deities. During the festival, devotees from all over the World go to Puri with an earnest desire to help pull Lords' chariot with the help of other priests pulling the chariots with ropes.

                    Road  Map : Bhubaneswar  To  Puri

                              

Surya Mandira (SUN Temple), Konark, Puri, Odisha

Konark Sun Temple (Oriya: କୋଣାର୍କ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ମନ୍ଦିର) is a 13th century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Orissa. 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.

The entire complex was designed in the form of the God's huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels at its base.The huge wheels carved at the base of the temple are one of the major attractions.The entrance is guarded by two giant lions, which are each shown crushing a war elephant. Each elephant in turn lies on top of a human body. The temple symbolizes the majestic stride of the Sun God. At the entrance of the temple is a Nata Mandir.This is where the temple dancers used to perform dances in homage to the Sun God.The Nobel prize winner poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man."

LingaRaj Temple, Bhubaneswar, Khurdha, Odisha

Lingaraj Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara, another name for Shiva and is one of the oldest temples of Bhubaneswa.Lingaraaj means The king of Lingam, the symbol of Shaivism. Shiva is here worshipped as Tribhuvaneshwara (Master of three worlds, i.e. Heaven, Earth and Netherworld).The temple is traditionally believed, though without historical authentication, to be built by the Somavanshi king Jajati Keshari, in 11th century CE. Jajati Keshari had shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was referred to as Ekamra Kshetra in the Brahma Purana, an ancient scripture.The Lingaraj temple stands majestically as the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. At 55 metres high, it dominates the landscape with 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard and is surrounded by massive walls lavishly decorated with beautiful sculptures.

The temple is more than 1100 years old, dating back in its present form to the last decade of the eleventh century, though there is evidence that parts of the temple have been there since sixth century CE as the temple has been emphasized in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts. This is testimony to its sanctity and importance as a Shiva shrine.By the time the Lingaraj temple was constructed, the Jagannath cult had been growing, which historians believe is evidenced by the co-existence of Vishnu and Shiva worship at the temple.

Nilamadhava Temple, Kantilo, Nayagarh, Odisha

Sri Nilamadhava Temple is very new and famous Vishnu temple which is near to the bank of Mahanadi,in Kantilo. which is present near to the twin hills with a surrounding forests. A permanent flow of holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava. Lord Nilamadhava occupies a central position in the cult of Lord Jagannath.Even now also Lord Nilamadhava shrine is present on the right side of Lakshmi temple in Puri Jagannath Temple.Legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later Oriya works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Neela Madhav by a Savar king ( tribal chief ) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the deity, King Indradyumna  sent a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the deity, who was worshipped secretly in a dense forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu's daughter Lalita . At repeated request of Vidyapti, Viswavasu took his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Lord Neela Madhav was worshipped.

Biraja temple, Jajpur Town, Jajpur, Odisha

Viraja Temple or Viraja Kshetra ,(Devnagari:विरजा क्षेत्र) or 'Oddyana Peetha, (Devnagari:ओड़्याण पीठ, Oriya:ଓଡ୍ଡ୍ୟାଣ ପୀଠ),(Oriya:ବିରଜା ମନ୍ଦିର) is one of the ancient Hindu temples located in the Jajpur district of Orissa, India. This present temple was built in 13th century. It is situated in the Jajpur township which is nearly 125 KM north from Bhubaneswar. The main idol is Devi Durga who is worshiped by the name Viraja.The idol is having two hands(dwibhuja),in one hand she pierces the chest of Mahishasura with a spear and in other hand she pulls the tail of the Mahishasura.The Durga idol is standing on Lion in one leg and other leg is on Mahishasura chest.The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, not as regular human demon.The crown of Devi has symbol of Ganesha, Crescent moon and a Shivalinga.The temple covers a large area, and it has several Shiva linga and other deities. Jajpur is also known as Viraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha.According to Skanda Purana,utkala khanda it washes all rajo guna of pilgrims.So called as Viraja or Biraja kshetra.

The Brahmayamala Tantra has a hymn "Aadya Stotra" dedicated to Goddess Shakti. In that hymn, it is stated that Vimala is the shakti in Purusottama Kshetra and Viraja is the shakti worshipped in Odra Desha, which is latter known as Orissa.

"रामेश्वरी सेतुबन्धे विमला पुरुषोत्तमे

विरजा ओड्रदेशे च कामाक्ष्या नीलपर्वते ॥" "[आद्या स्तोत्र-ब्रह्म यामल तन्त्रम्]"

It is believed that sati's navel also fell here as Tantra Chudamani says that the navel fell in Utkala which is called Viraja kshetra.Adi Shankara in his Ashtadasha shakti peetha stuti describes this peetha as Oddiyana Peetha and the goddess as Girija.Here is the verse from his Ashtadasha Shakti Peetham.

"उज्जनिन्यां महाकाली पीठिकायां पुरुहुतिका

ओड़्याणे गिरिजा देवी माणिक्य दक्ष वाटिके॥"

As per many Tantra books, the Oddiyana Peetha (Devnagari:ओड़्याण पीठ) is located in eastern India near Vaitarani river. The place signifies its name. Oddiyana is an ornament worn by women around navel, as the navel fell down here the area surrounding the peetha is called Oddyana Peetha, and the land is known as Odra Desha.

Harishankar and Nrusinghanath, Odisha

Sri Sri Harishankar Devasthana(165 km from Sambalpur, 81 Km from Balangir), in India, is on the slopes of the beautiful Gandhamardhan hills, Orissa. It is popular for its scenes of nature and presence of two Hindu lords, Vishnu and Shiva. As a holy place, along with a beautiful stream passing on the granite bed, it has given some visitors a feeling of peace. On the opposite of side of the Gandhamardhan hills is the temple of Nrusinghanath. The plateau between the two temples has been found to have ancient Buddhist ruins, which are considered to be remnants of the ancient Parimalgiri University.

The deity of Harishankar was discovered by a Chauhan dynasty king of Western Orissa, during the 14th century. From that time, the deity has been worshipped. A dancing Ganesha  image has been found, which can be traced to the early 12th century. The temple was constructed by the order of then queen Durlabha Devi of Maharaja Vaijjal Dev Chauhan.

Tarini Temple, Keonjhar, Odisha

Tarini Temple is in Keonjhar District of Odisha. It is 36 KM from the main Kedujhar town. This temple is the most religious temple amoung the people of Odisha. The peoples had a strong belief and faith towards theis temple. The main godess that is being worshiped here is "Maa Tarini". People used to believe that she is the Godess of forest. She can save them each and every problem that come in their life. Most of the people who goes beside this temple used to stay for a while and go. Pepole also believe that she is the Godess of whole mankind. Maa Tarini likes the coconut very much so everyday she is worshiped with coconut. Lot of cocunut items are made for the devotees. They have it.

Sri Sri Baladev Jew Temple, Kendrapada, Odisha.
DevKund , Udala, Ambika temple, Devakunda waterfalls, Mayurbhanja, Odisha.
Baliharchandi Mandira, Near Konark - Puri Road, Puri, Odisha.
Panchalingeshwar Temple, Nilagiri, Baleswara, Odisha
RajaRani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Khurdha, Odisha.
Kapilasa Mahadev Temple, Dhenkanal, Odisha.
Maa Tarini Temple, Ghatagaon, Keonjhar, Odisha.
Maa Samaleswari, Sonapur, Sambalpur, Odisha.
Ghanteswari Temple Chipilma, Sambalpur, Odisha.
Charchika Temple - Banki, Odisha.
Biranchi Narayana Brahma Temple, Bhadrak, Odisha.
Gupteswar temple, Gupteswar, Jeypore, Koraput, Odisha.
Khirochora Gopinatha temple/ Remuna, Baleshwara, Odisha.
Alarnath Temple at Brahmagiri, Odisha.
Sarala Temple Jhankada, Jagatsinghpur, Odisha.
Tara Tarini Temple, Ganjam, Odisha.
Akhandalamani Shiva Temple, Aradi, Bhadrak, Odisha
Cuttack Chandi Temple, Cuttack, Odisha.
Kakatpur Mangala Temple, Odisha.
Dhabaleswar, Cuttack, Odisha.