RajaRani temple is one of the most famous and renowned temple which is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. This temple was built between the 10th and 11th century from the wonderful red and gold sandstone, which is locally known as Rajarani and this is what gives the temple its name of ‘Raja Rani’. This temple is also known as the ‘love temple’ due to the carvings of women and couples in the temple. The temple is an embodiment of architectural stylishness and beauty. The sculptural imagery of the temple is stylish and dynamic. Various postures in the temple portray fascinating images of mundane life like a woman carrying child in the arms, and women appreciating their reflection in the mirrors.

The Raja Rani temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden and is located on open paddy field area. The accentuating miniature replicas of itself decorate the spire, reminiscent of the temples of Khajuraho. It has a square sanctuary and its interior and exterior surfaces are so recessed that it appears circular. The initial duel temples were without the jagamohana as seen in some of the older temples in Bhubaneswar while the later temples had two additional structures namely nata-mandapa which is the festival hall and bhoga-mandapa which is the hall of the offerings.

RajaRani Temple History

• Bhubaneswar is also known as ‘Temple City’ (as many temples are present in this city). Rajarani Temple was very old temple present since 11th-century. It is also contended that the temple was initially known as Indreswara Temple devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva.
• Fergusson believed that construction of the temple was begun by around 1105. George Michell believed that the temple was built during the same time as Lingaraja Temple.Rajarani Temple roughly belongs to the same period as the Jagannath Temple at Puri.
• The architecture of Rajarani Temple is very impressive, it was built on a raised platform with two structures, both structures are equally important. A central shrine called the vimana with a bada over its roof rising to a height of 18 m, and a viewing hall called jagamohana with a pyramidal roof present in this temple.
• The Raja Rani temple has sculptures of ‘Guardians of the Eight Directions’ which project from the base of the temple to eight different directions. Beginning from the left of the entrance to the ‘Deul’ and proceeding in a clockwise direction, they are:

1. Indra – East, chief of the 33 Vedic nature deities
2. Agni – Southeast, Vedic God of fire
3. Yama – South, God of death
4. Nirriti – Southwest, deity related to suffering
5. Varuna – West, a Vedic deity of the ocean
6. Vayu – Northwest, wind God
7. Kubera – North, lord of wealth, shown here with a wish-fulfilling tree
8. Ishana – Northeast, a form of Shiva.

Significance of the RajaRani Temple

• It is adorned from all sides by spires and fine clusters of turrets. The sculpture of the temple is beyond compare and is quite energetic and alive. The colossal spires are of the most innovative ones and incorporated in building this temple. Its spire is decorated with clusters of turrets emerging form the rib of the spire and attracts the attention of the visitors. Porch of the temple is known as Jagamohana. The porch is constructed in the pyramidal structure and it is very plain.
• There are certain features of the temple which indicates a Saivite origin such as the presence of Saiva doorkeepers: Prachanda and Chanda, Dvarapla with jatamukha, and a garland of skulls reaching up to and a snake. There are three panels on the facade of the main temple showing images of Shiva dancing with his consort Parvathi in the company of attendants playing musical instruments.
• The temple no longer has an image of the deity in the sanctuary but its strong Saiva associations are testified from the figures of Shiva and his consort Parvati on the platform and Saiva doorkeepers.

RajaRani Temple Timings

This temple remains open all days of the week from 6 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit the temple is October and March. There is also an entry fee for this temple, Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for Foreigners.

Festivals celebrated at the RajaRani Temple 

RajaRani Music Festival: The Rajarani Music Festival held in the beautiful courtyard of the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is one such occasion to celebrate the richness and originality of Indian classical music. Evening concerts by great maestros of Indian Classical music fill the air with enchanting chimes. The city has a large assemblage of celebrated temples of which the Rajarani Temple is one of the most conspicuous. It’s remarkable for the absence any presiding deity in it. To showcase the glorious tradition of Indian classical music, the Rajarani Music Festival was conceived to be organized by the Department of Tourism in association with organizations like Orissa Sangeet Natak. Musicians from different parts of the country perform during the three-day festival. This festival is held during the month of January. Devotees from different places visit the temple during this period.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: Biju Patnaik Airport around 6 km from the temple. There are different flights moving to Hyderabad, Nagpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi.

By Train: The nearest railhead is Bhubaneswar railway station 6 Km from the temple. The Rajdhani express departs from Delhi one day a week on Friday to Bhubaneswar. The Puri-New Delhi Express is a good train to Delhi. The Coromandel Express is also a good train that is going to Chennai. There are also direct trains to Delhi, Agra, Remuna and Varanasi. The city of Bhubaneswar is on the main Kolkata to Chennai line so all the important train stop here.

By Road:  Bermunda Bus stand in Bhubaneswar is the nearest bus stand. One can also travel from Puri buses to Pipli and then get another bus to Konark.

Hotels in Bhubaneswar: Where to stay

• Hotel Grand Central: Old Station Road , Bhubaneshwar
• Hotel Arvind Inn: Plot No-9, Janpath, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar – 751009
• Ginger Bhubaneswar: Opp Nalco Headquarters, Jaidev Vihar Nayapalli, Bhubaneshwar
• Hotel Sandys Tower: Plot No. : P-1 & P-1/A, Jaydev Vihar, Bhubaneswar – 751013
• The Crown: A-1 IRC Village, Nayapalli, Bhubaneshwar
• Hotel Sishmo: 86/A-1, Gautam Nagar, Bhubaneswar – 751014
• The New Marrion: 6, Janpath, Bhubaneshwar
• Hotel Seetal: NH-5, Vani Vihar Square, Bhubaneswar – 751022
• Hotel Park Resort: 2271 Cuttack Road, Cuttack Puri Road, Bhubaneswar – 751006
• Pal Heights: Plot No J/7, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar

Where to eat

Tourists should try the authentic Oriya cuisine. There are varieties of food present for vegetarians as well as non vegetarians.The local specialties that one must relish are Machha Jholo (a fish curry), Gupchup, Cuttack Chaat, Aloo Dum, Dahi Pakhal, Badi Choora, Dalma, Santula and more. The sweets that are offered are Pithas, Kora-Khhaii, Rasabali, Chenna Gaja, Chenna Poda and Rasagola. Abadha or the vegetarian food served in temples is also delicious.

• Zaika: Ratna Plaza, Lewis Road, Opposite Allahabad Bank, Bhubaneswar
• Janak Restaurant: Hotel Janapatha, 29 Janpath, Bapujinagar
• Nandan: Hotel Sishmo, 86/A 1 Gautam Nagar
• Marrion Hotel: Janpath, Bhubaneswar
• Chill Ummm: 516/1763/4177 KIIT Road, Patia
• Sangam: Hotel Sishmo, 86/A 1 Gautam Nagar
• Golden Bird: Near Federal Bank, 68, Hotel Pushpak, Kalpana Square
• Hare Krishna Restaurant: Lalchand Market Complex, Janpath, Kharabela Nagar, Bhubaneshwar
• Vkss Restaurant: VITS Hotel Bhubaneswar, A/19, Cuttack-Puri Road, Near Jatri Niwas
• Tangerine 9: Master Canteen Area, Kharabela Nagar, Bhubaneswar

Nearby Temples

Bhubaneswar is also known as the city of temples where there are many famous temples around. Bhubaneswar holds the history of 2000 years.

Lingaraj Temple: The Lingaraja temple is said to have been built first by the ruler Yayati Kesari in the 7th century who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. Its spire is around 180 feet tall. There are more than 64 smaller shrines in the sprawling temple complex as well. They are magnificently decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses, kings and queens, dancing girls, hunters, and musicians. Legend has it that Shiva revealed to Parvati that Bhubaneshwar or Ekamra thirtha was a resort favoured by him over Benares. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple complex.  A total of 22 worship services are offered each day. Once a year, an image of Lingaraja is taken to the Jalamandir in the center of the Bindu Sagar lake.

Mukteshwar Temple: Mukteshwar Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term ‘Mukteswara’ suggests “Lord who gives freedom through Yoga” and this is a fact. The splendid Torana of the temple, an ornamental arched gateway, is very much reminiscent of the influence of Buddhism in Orissa. Established in the year 950 AD. You will  find ascetics in various mediation poses on the temple, along with figures from Hindu mythology, folk tales from the Panchatantra (five books of animal fables), as well as Jain munis (monks/nuns). The temple stands within an octagonal compound wall that is based on the lines of structures built in the bygone times.

Brahmeshwar Temple: This temple was Constructed in the 9th century, the temple boasts intricate inside both in the interiors as well as exteriors of the temple. The temple was built by King Udyotakesari’s mother Kolavati Devi during the Somavamsi king’s 18th ruling year. The Brahmeswara Temple is highly applauded for its artistic sculptures that can be seen on the temple’s tower and porch. There are quite a number of tantric related images on the western facade. Shiva and other deities are also pictured in their frightening aspects.

Yogini Temple: Hindu mythology says there are 64 yoginis. A  yogini is an attendant of the Great Goddess. The cult is more or less linked to Tamtrik practises. There is a temple in Orissa dedicated to the 64 yoginis. It is made of black chlorite stone, Yogini Temple also known as Chausati Yogini temple (Chausati – 64) or Mahamaya Temple, is one among the four Yogini temples of India and second of its kind in Orissa. Large number of devotees gathered here to worship the Goddesses on a belief of attaining supernatural powers.

Kedar Gouri Temple: Kedargauri Mandir alias Kedar Gauri Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva (Kedareswar) and Goddess Gouri (Kedar Gouri) is one of the ancient temples at Bhubaneswar. Kedargauri Mandir alias Kedar Gauri Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva (Kedareswar) and Goddess Gouri (Kedar Gouri) is one of the ancient temples at Bhubaneswar. Every year during Shital Sasthi festival, Lord Lingaraj (Shiva) is taken from Lingaraj temple in a grand procession to Kedar Gouri temple, where he marries Devi Parvati.

Vaital Deul Temple: Vaital Deul Temple, built during the 8th century, is a Tantric shrine, located near Bindu Sarovara.  The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Chamunda, who is also known as the Tantric form of Goddess Durga. Chamunda Devi is depicted with a dazzling red tongue protruding out and wearing a garland of skulls. Image of Arjuna driving his chariot is also located at the temple. The best time to visit Vaital Deul Temple is during winters from October till March.

Rameshwar Deula: The Rameshwar temple is an ancient temple dating back to the 12th century A.D. Legend goes as when Rama was returning from Lanka after victory over Ravana,Goddess Sita asked to worship Shiva here.So Ramachandra built a Linga for that purpose. Historically the temple dates back to 9th century. There is also an image of the Durga that is worshipped within the sanctum. The vimana or the top portion of the temple is facing east while the detached jagamohana faces west.

Yameshwar Temple: This is a small temple built of soft sandstone. Yameshwar or Jameshwar Temple is a very old temple dedicated to Shiva being worshiped by Yama.It is situated in Bhubaneswar near Bharati Math,in Jameshwar Patna. There is a spacious courtyard with an imposing compound wall surrounding the temple premises. The recessed niches were once built to house the lingas.Different deities guide all the different part of the dhama. In the eight directions eight forms of Durga are installed: Maricika (east), Vimala (west), Ardhasini (north), Kalaratri (south), Bata mangala (southeast), Lambha (northeast), Candarupa (southwest), Sarva mangala (northwest).

Lingaraj Temple is a dedication in the form of a temple to Lord Shiva. It is located in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. The term ‘Lingaraja’ translates to the ‘king of Lingas’, i.e. Lord Shiva. Our guide explains the significance of Lingaraj temple, timings, history, poojas, dress code, official website and how to reach Lingaraj temple.

The temple was the captial of the Kalinga Empire in ancient times. Lingaraj Temple is the largest temple in Bhubneshwar till date. King Jajati Kedhari built this temple in the 11th century.

Moreover, it is believed to be the oldest temple in Bhubaneswar. Shiva’s Trishul and Vishnu’s Chakra are present at the entrance of the temple. However, there is ‘Simhadwara’ or ‘Lions Gate’ on the eastern side of the shrine. The temple follows Deula style of architecture. And there are 50 other shrines enclosed in a walled enclosure.

Facts about Lingaraj Temple

What are the timings of Lingaraj Temple?

Devotees can visit the temple during the following timings-

What are the sevas and poojas of Lingaraj Temple?

Some of the sevas and pujas of Lingaraj temple are:

What is the significance of the Lingaraj Temple?

The significance of the Lingaraj Temple is that it is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar. In this temple, devotees worship Shiva as Harihara, which is a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. It represents the Kalinga or Deula style of architecture and has four parts- Garbh Griha, Yajna Shala, Bhoga Mandap and Natya Shala.

The granite statue is 54.8 meters high, 8 feet in diameter and is present on a platform that is 8 inches above the ground. Also, the priests worship the deity daily with water, milk and bhang (marijuana). On an average around 6000 devotees visit the auspicious shrine on a daily basis.

Aside from Garbh Griha, the ‘Natya Mandir’ hints towards its connection with the devadasi connection. Other than the Lingam, the parsva devta reveres the site, where Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikay and Goddess Parvati are put in various paths.

Each of the pictures is gigantic and showcased incredible workmanship. The devotees decorate the idols with rich draperies and jewellery.

What is the history of Lingaraj Temple?

‘Lingaraj’ translates to the King of Lingam, that is none other than Lord Shiva. In the beginning, Shiva was worshipped as Kirtivasa and then later he became popular as Harihara which is the form people worship him in now.

Moreover, he later gained popularity as Tribhuvaneshwara. Also called Bhubneshwar, the monarch of the three worlds namely earth, heaven and netherworld. His companion Goddess Parvati then came to be known as Bhuvneshwari.

Historians predict that the present form of Lingaraj temple was built in the last decade of the eleventh century. Evidence in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts concludes that the construction of some parts of the temple took place in the sixth century CE.

According to Fergusson the initiation for the temple was done by Lalat Indu Keshari who ruled in 615-657 CE. The construction of Assembly Hall (Jagamohana), sanctum and temple tower dates back to 11th century. However, the construction of the offering hall (Bhoga-Mandapa) took place in the twelfth century.

The credits for the construction of Nata Mandira is given to the wife of Salini between 1099 and 1104 CE. The timing of the completion of the Lingaraj temple coincided with the growth of the Jagannath sect. Hence, historians believe that Harihara form that is the combination of Shiva and Vishnu co-exist in the temple.

Later, the rulers of the Ganga Dynasty who were followers of Vaishnavism built the Jagannath temple at Puri in the twelfth century.

Legends of the Lingaraj Temple

One of the legends dictates the time when Shiva preferred Bhubneshwar or Ekamra Titha over Benaras. Therefore, Goddess Parvati disguised herself as a women shepherd to look around the place.

And as she was doing so, she came across two demons namely, Kriti and Vasa who had desires to marry her. Then Parvati requested them to try and carry her on their shoulders. Nevertheless, the goddess crushed them both under her.

As a result, Lord Shiva did the creation of Bindu Sagar Lake to quench Parvati’s thirst. Since then he took the decision to dwell here as Kritivasa or Lingaraj.

What are the festivals celebrated at Lingaraj Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Lingaraj Temple are:

• Shivaratri: This important festival calls for a huge celebration every year in the temple premises. Devotees flock to the temple in huge amounts and pray all night. Moreover, here this day marks the killing of a demon by Lord Shiva.
• Sunian day: This is another occasion that devotees observe since ages. This day falls in the Bhadra month of the Hindu calendar. All the temple servants, farmers and other owners of temple lands offer devotion and tribute to Lingaraja on this auspicious day.
• Candan Yatra: This is a 22-day celebration in the temple. During this time devotees smear the deities and servants of the temple with sandalwood paste. For further enjoyment, they go to the special Bindusagar tank.
• Ratha Yatra: This chariot festival takes place every year on Ashokaashtami. Devotees place the idols of Lingaraja and his sister Rukmani in a chariot. Hereafter, the devotees pull them to the Rameshwar Deula temple.

Rules to follow inside the Lingaraj temple

• Only Hindus are allowed to enter the shrine of the main deity. Foreigners are restricted and can view the temple from an outer platform.
• Devotees must wear a traditional Hindu attire while visiting the temple. One can wear clothes like saree, suit, lehenga, kurta-pajama etc.
• Temple authorities prohibit the devotees from carrying leather bags inside the temple. Also outside food, adhesives and camera strictly prohibited.

How to Reach the Lingaraj Temple?

Here’s how to reach the temple:

• Air– The Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearest airport to the temple. It is 3.5 km away from the temple.
• Train– Bhubaneswar Railway Station is well connected with every major city in India. It is 4.7 km away from the temple.
• Road– Baramunda bus stand is nearest to the temple. It is 9 km away from Lingaraj temple. Bhubaneswar is situated on the NH5.

Where to stay near Lingaraj Temple?

Although the temple authorities do not provide staying facility to its visitors, there are a number of good hotels around Lingaraj. Check out these-

• Fortune Park Sishmo– This hotel is a humble retreat for the travellers. It is packed with all the luxuries and offers top-notch hospitality. However, it is just 2.4 km away from the temple.
• Hotel Sairegent– This place is another stay which is as close as 0.7 km from Lingaraj temple. This place offers a variety of modern facilities and is quite budget-friendly too.
• Mango Hotels Prangam– This another divine stay in the city of Bhubneshwar. It is 3.1 km away from Lingaraj temple. In addition to this, the place offers the best of comfort to its guests.

What are some temples near Lingaraj Temple?

Some of the temples near Lingaraj Temple are:

• Puri Temple – It is one of the most sacred destinations in Eastern India. Being one of the four Dham’s, it is the abode of Lord Jagannath. It is 65 km from Bhubaneswar which draws plenty of people during the Rath Yatra festival.
• Konark Temple – This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nevertheless, t is 45 km away from Bhubaneswar. This temple is a dedication to the Sun God and has remarkable architecture.
• Biraja Temple – This temple has a total of 51 Shakti peeths, out of which 18 are Maha Shakti peeths. This place is where Goddess’s navel fell. It is present at a distance of 115 km from the city of Bhubaneswar.
• Rajarani Temple – Dedicated to Lord Brahma, this temple contains an exceptional form of limestone which makes it unique and mesmerizing. It is just 5 km away from the capital city of Odisha.

Panchalingeshwar Temple: Temple with 5 Lingas

Panchalingeshwar Temple is in Balasore district of Orissa. Panchalingeshwar Temple is situated on the hilltop of the Eastern Ghats in Panchalingeswar, Nilagiri, Balasore district of Orissa. The Shivalingas are said to have been enshrined by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile. Pachalingeswar temple is  situated in Western ghat of odisha near Nilagiri hill. A beautiful flowing stream, which is the real attraction of the area, regularly flows over the Shivalingas. On reaching the top one has to bend down, and search for the Linga’s inside a pool created by the waterfall. It is said that there are 5 linga’s – hence the name Panchalingeshwar. Tourists are  attracted by the village of Panchalingeswar to visit the Panchalingeswar temple, the shrine of Lord Shiva.To touch the lingas one has to lie flat on a rock and get a feel of the lingas. The temple one can also savor the spectacular sight of small tribal villages and hamlets as you trek through the forests of the Nilagiri.

One has to climb 263 stairs in order to reach the Panchalingeshwar Temple. The stream and waterfall grow in size during the monsoons and the Pancha Lingas becomes difficult to locate by hand. The approach to the temple is scenic as it is surrounded by a forest. Visitors can also go to  Sajanagarh, near to Panchalingeshwar, to see the Budarachandi temple.  As the name implies Panchalingeshwar is famous for its unique ‘panchalinga’ or the five lingas of Lord Shiva enshrined in the temple. If you love trekking, then one can trek at the Nilagiri Hills. Enjoy your trips in the nearby sightseeing places.

Panchalingeshwar History

• The Shivalingas of Panchalingeshwar are said to have been enshrined by Sita during their period of exile. King Banasura worshiped the Swayambhu Lingas at this place given its beauty. A perennial stream, which is the main attraction of the area, regularly washes the Shivalingas as it flows over them. To reach to the temple one has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingas inside the water stream.

• In 1811 A.D Gobinda Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan, the son of King Mandhata Ramachandra was enthroned as the next king who ruled from 1811 A.D. to 1848 A.D. Krishna Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan was enthroned in 1849 A.D after the death of his father.

• Arnapurnna Devi who was his queen had a dream in which Lord Shiva ordered her to worship his five Phallus symbols engraved in a grove in a pit of flowing stream of water in east of Ahuti valley.

• As said by the queen,  the king and his courtiers, counselors, and minister went to Ahuti forest and searched for the 5 Shiva lingams. When they relocated the lingas everyone uttered the slogan ‘Jay Baba Panchalingeswara’. From that day onward the name of that place is Panchalingeswara.

• Late Bihari Kar of Basudevpur was appointed as the first priest for worship in the temple. King worshiped the emblems and made all sorts of arrangements to worship Baba Panchalingeswara.

• It is believed that Lord Shri Ram Chandra, Sita and Laxman spent 5 days in this valley during their period of exile in the Ahuti Valley. The legendary Pandavas used to reside in this valley and concealed themselves from kauravas.

Significance of the Panchalingeshwar Temple

The name Panchalingeswar means five Siva Lingas. ‘Pancha’ menace five and ‘lingeswar’ menace lord Shiva. The important things in panchalingeswar temple are the five Siva Lingas, a small stream is coming through the hill Nilagiri and gathering at the five Siva Lingas. The Lings are present inside the stream and worshipped.

The small waterfall becomes bigger during the monsoons and the 5 rock piece kind of formation called the Pancha Lingas becomes difficult to locate. To reach to the sanctuary one needs to lie level on the stone parallel to the stream to touch and love the Lingas inside the water stream.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Nearest airports are at Bhubaneshwar 294 km and at Kolkata, 206 Km.Land at Bhubaneswar airport and travel to Balasore via Bus.

By Rail:  Balasore is the nearest railway station. One can reach to the Baleswar Railway Station and then easily reach to the temple area.

• Trains from Kolkata(Howrah): FALAKNUMA EXPRESS., EAST COAST EXP, COROMANDAL EXP, SRIJAGANNATH EXP, HWH YPR EXP, HWH PURI EXPRESS
• From New Delhi: PURSHOTTAM EXP, PURI EXP, NEELACHAL EXP, ORISSA SAMPARK KRNTI
• From Chennai Central (Egmore): COROMANDEL EXP, HOWRAH MAIL

By Road: Buses for Panchalingeswar are available from Balasore, Baripada, Chandipur, etc. Taxi, car transport is also available from these towns. It will take 30 minutes /45 minutes through hired taxi.

Where to stay

One can stay at Govt. accommodations in Panchalingeswar, which is operated by the Orissa Tourism Department Corporation. There are also a few standard hotels and private resorts at the location. Good hotels are available in Balasore town. The Panthanivas at Panchalingeswar also provides accommodation for visitors. For Reservations, contact: Tourist Officer, Balasore, Near Police Line.  

Where to eat

There are varieties food are available here, which is very delight & tasty. All the restaurants typically provide with Bengali , Oriya,Western ,Chinese & South Indian Dishes.There are many restaurants located close to and around the Chandipur Beach that offer the best of dishes and other Indian cuisines. Some other popular eating joints around Chandipur Beach are Fantasy Restaurant and Rainbow Restaurant.

Nearby Temples

Chandaneswar: Another 6 km towards west from Digha, there is Chandaneswar, which is famous for a Shiva Temple. In the month of Chaitra which is in the last month of Bengali calendar year, an annual fair is organised around this temple. Pilgrims from all over the country, especially from Orissa, Bengal, Bihar come to this fair. There are bus/rickshaw services from Digha to Chandaneswar. Apart from this, Calcutta-Chandaneswar, Howrah-Balasore, Digha-Baripada buses ply via Chandaneswar.Chandaneswar is located 88 Km from Balasore and famous for Chandaneswar temple. Chandaneswar temple is a holy place. About 4 km from Chandaneswar and 4 km from Digha in West Bengal is the tranquil beach at Talasari, surrounded by casuarina groves.

Langaleswar: The location of the temple by the side of river parvati too creates a scenic beauty and makes another attraction of the place. It is the location where Lord Shiva used to plough the paddy field. In memory of the same plough is there and  hundreds of pilgrims use to gather there to worship the Lord Langaleswar who has been named after that plough. Langaleswar is famous for  Saivasim.

Khirachora Gopinath: The Khirachora Gopinatha temple is situated in Remuna. .It is supposed that Sri Rama carved ‘Gopinath’ with His arrow and that sita worshiped this deity in Chitrakuta. King Langula Narashingha Dev,the king of odisha,brought this Deity to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakut. It is supposed that Sri Rama carved ‘Gopinath’ with His arrow and that sita worshiped this deity in Chitrakuta. King Langula Narashingha Dev,the king of odisha,brought this Deity to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakut. .It is supposed that Sri Rama carved ‘Gopinath’ with his arrow and that sita worshiped this deity in Chitrakuta. King Langula Narashingha Dev, the king of odisha, brought this Deity to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakut.

Bhudharchandi temple: The ancient Bhudhar Chandi Mandir (a temple of Goddess Chandi) that attracts a large number of tourists. The Bhudhar Chandi Mandir is situated in a small village known as Sajanagarh close to the town of Nilgiri and about 15.7 km from the town of Balasore. It is about 13 km from the Sergarh junction on NH-5. Historical evidence gathered from this place shows that the temple was built and established by the Nilgiri king Shri Vasanta Virata Bhujanga Mandhata who ruled during the years 1421 B.C. and 1464 B.C.

Baleswar Temple: The principle Baleshwar sanctuary is devoted to Lord Shiva (who is otherwise called Baleshwar). There are two different sanctuaries in the compound of Baleshwar, one committed to Ratneshwar and other to Champawati Durga. The sanctuary is based on South Indian Architecture with wonderful Stone Carving works. Near to the Baleshwar Temple is a “Naula” (Fresh water asset) which has now become scarce. Upon the arrival of MahaShivRatri, an exceptionally packed reasonable is held in the Baleshwar Temple compound.

Akhandalamani Temple: The Holy Shrine Siva Lingam Baba Akhandalamani is situated in the river bank of Baitarani at Aradi Village of Bhadrak District. It is one of the ancient Shaiva Pitha of Odisha and famous as Mani Baba both in Odisha and outside. There are many fairs and festivals observed at the temple of Baba Akhandalamani. But Maha Shivaratri is the best among them. This festival is locally known as Jagara Mela. On this day pilgrims and devotees from all places of Odisha are assembled here to worship Akhandalamani at Aradi.

Biranchi Narayana Temple: It is located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Bhadrak, on the way from Bhadrak to Chandabali.  The existing temple is dedicated to Biranchi-narayan, who is enshrined as a roughly four-faced image of the Sun. A square stone slightly tapering towards the top contains four carved images of the Sun god in relief.  This is the one only one temple of Lord Brahma who is the creator of the World.

Nearby Places

Chandipur Beach: Chandipur Beach is situated under the district of Balasore in the state of Orissa. It is located on Bay of Bengal coastline, the beach attracts travellers from India and different parts of the world. One of the unique features of Chandipur Beach that sets it apart from other beaches of the state is the variance of water level owing to the tides. The place is an ideal weekend retreat for the crowd in the nearby cities who want to get away from the stress of city life.

Devikund Waterfalls: The name suggests Devkund (where god takes bath) water falls into a Kund or pool which is believed to be a sacred pool. In all, there are 5 waterfalls which fall into Kund and thus the place also named as Pancha Kunda. These 5 waterfalls are Amrit Kund, Ghrita Kund, Haladi Kund, Devkund and Devi Kund. At 100 steps above the waterfall near the river source sacred temple of Devi Ambika is located. It is a part of the Udala division of Similipal Forest via Nilagiri/Udala from Panchlingeswar. It is 75 km from Panchalingeswar, 69 km from Kuldiha and 87 km from Balasore.

Kuldhia: This sanctuary is located in the district of Balasore and is blessed with a charming forest and a variety of wildlife such as tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, giant squirrel, a number of bird species like leaf-bird, hill myna, peafowl, hornbills and various reptiles. Some cycus plants and surprisingly very few mangrove trees also could be seen at Gudikhola area. The Kuldiha Forest itself is the best attraction to watch out for. The forest is also the home to Tenda Elephant Sanctuary and a Lion Sanctuary.