Famous Places In Odisha

Odisha is well-known for its historical landmarks and breathtaking scenery. Odisha is the eighth-largest state in East India by area and the eleventh largest in terms of population. Odisha has a 485-kilometre (301-mile) coastline around the Bay of Bengal. Utkala is another name for the area. Odisha’s official language is called Odia and is among India’s many Ancient languages. Odisha has a wide range of tourist attractions for visitors worldwide, from coastlines to religious sites. In addition, the Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri Beach Festival, and the sun temple at Konark bring a large number of people to Odisha every year. 

Sun Temple in Konark

The sun temple at Konark is devoted to the Hindu sun deity Surya, who is portrayed in a chariot that seven magnificent horses pull; that is situated on Odisha’s coast, around 35 kilometres northeast of Puri. In 1984 CE, UNESCO designated the temple as a World Heritage Site in its current condition. It is envisioned as a 12-wheeled gigantic stone chariot. Konarak temple is a perfect example of temple construction in Hindu Culture, having a massive architecture comprising artwork and sculptures depicting various subjects. King Narasimhadeva, the first hailing from the Eastern Ganga empire, constructed it around 1250 CE. Even though several parts of the main temple are in shambles now, the temple continues to attract visitors and Hindu devotees.

The architecture of The Temple

The sun temple at Konark was built in the Odisha or Kalinga architectural style, a subtype of the Nagara architecture style of construction of Hindu temples characterised by the symbolic image of the floor plan and the elevation. The Konark temple was erected in an angular shape. The nagara is one of three temple building types in Hindu culture and was most popular in north India. The Odisha style is thought to represent this Nagara style and in its purest form, nonetheless. A square floor plan with an assembly hall and sanctuary characterises the nagara style. There is a massive curvilinear tower leaning inwards, and in the case of the elevation, it is capping. Despite its location in the east, Odisha embraced the nagara style. This might be because Monarch Anantavarman’s territories spanned numerous sites in north India. The popular style had a significant effect on the architectural designs for the temples the king would construct in Odisha. His heirs followed the custom following his adoption, and numerous additions were added. 

Other Renowned Places of Odisha

Puri’s Jagannath Temple

Besides the sun temple at Konark, The Jagannath Temple is a significant Hindu temple in Puri, Odisha, dedicated to Jagannath. The Ratha Yatra, a chariot festival, is held every year at the Puri temple, wherein the three principal deities are hauled by gigantic, ornately painted temple vehicles. The figure of Jagannath is made from wood. It, therefore, is ritualistically substituted every twelve years by an identical copy, unlike the metal and stone icons seen in other Hindu temples.

Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the making. It is a saltwater lagoon that stretches over 1,100 kilometres over the Khurda, Ganjam and Puri districts of Odisha, located on the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent. It is near the opening of the Daya River, which streams in the Bay of Bengal. Several endangered flora and fauna may be located in the lake. It is one of the most delicate beauties Odisha has to offer after the sun temple at Konark, The Jagannath Temple, etc.

Bhubaneshwar’s Mukteshwar Temple

 Mukteshwara Temple is a Hindu temple devoted solely to Shiva in Bhubaneswar, India. It was built in the tenth century. The temple was built between 950 and 975 CE & is a significant artefact in the history of Hindu temple building in Odisha. As evidenced in temples like the Rajarani Temple & Lingaraj Temple, both in Bhubaneswar, the aesthetic creation of the Mukteswara symbolises the completion of all previous advancements. It commences a period of experimentation that lasts for a whole century. It is among the city’s most popular tourist destinations. This temple has the same building style as the sun temple at Konark.

Udaygiri Caves

The Caves of Udayagiri, formerly known as the Kattaka Caves and Cuttack Caves, are archaeologically, historically, and religiously significant caves located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The caverns are located on two nearby hills, Udayagiri & Khandagiri, both referenced in the Hathigumpha inscription as Kumara Parvatha. They feature a variety of nicely carved caves dating from the first century BCE. It is thought that the majority of all these caves were hollowed out as housing for Jain monks around King Kharavela’s reign. Udayagiri, which translates to “Sunrise Hill,” features 18 caverns, whereas Khandagiri has 15. 

Lingaraja Temple

Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple devoted exclusively to Shiva in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the city’s longest surviving temples. The temple’s central tower stands at 180 feet (55 metres). The temple epitomises Kalinga architecture, bringing the mediaeval periods of the architectural look to a close in Bhubaneswar. The temple is thought to have been constructed by kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, following later expansions by Ganga emperors. The vimana (the building containing the sanctuary), Jaganmohan (gathering hall), Nata Mandira (celebration hall), and bhoga-mandapa (room of offering) are all constructed in the Deula style, with each part rising in height from its predecessor. There are 50 additional shrines on the temple premises.

Conclusion

Suppose anyone is seeking a vacation with plenty of activities or a chance to learn about a new culture. In that case, Odisha is an excellent area in India in which you can learn about a different culture than our modern world and where you can find peace. Odisha is a state in India rich in mesmerising archaeological work, vivid tribal heritage, and natural beauty, and the sun temple at Konark is a firm example. It is situated on the eastern side of the Indian Subcontinent. This is a destination to add to your bucket list if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, and it is ideal for people who like to travel down less-travelled paths.