subject: Famous Temples Of Orissa [print this page] India, a country with rich heritage and culture has citizens whose vacation travel is directed by visits to religious places. Tourists visiting Orissa ensure to visit at the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar, Jagannath temple at Puri, if not both. Bhubaneswar, the capital city can be reached by air and rail. A travel by rail and road is available for Puri.
The Jagannath temple at Puri attracts tourists from all over the world. The architectural splendor built approximately in the 12th Century AD by the Eastern Ganga dynasty ruler King Chodaganga is a pleasure to watch. This is the largest temple in the state of Orissa built on nearly 11 acres of land. Nila Chakra (Blue Wheel), made of an alloy of eight metals (astha dhatu) is located at the top of the Jagannath temple. The temple is dedicated to Jagannath (Lord of the Universe). The annual festival of Rath Yatra or chariot festival is a huge crowd puller from across the world. Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu, Narayan, or Krishna. The Lord has been regarded as the Vairava with Vimala as installed in the premises of the temple. The principal deities of this temple are Krishna, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar founded in the eleventh century is dedicated to Lord Lingaraja (Lord Shiva). A huge statue of the Lord made of granite is available at the temple. The eight feet high idol is bathed regularly with bhang, milk, and water every day. The Pandas who usually charge high rates from the visitors, guide the visitors around the temple. The Lions' Gate, which lies on the Eastern Side, is the only entry route of this temple. There exist 150 smaller shrines in the premises of the Lingaraj Temple. There are four parts of this temple, namely the main temple, the 'Yajna Shala', the 'Bhoga Mandap' and the 'Natya Shala'. Visit to both temples are a must for all tour and travel operators.
