Temples in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar's temples fall into two groups: living shrines where worship and entry rules apply, and protected monuments you can walk around with a ticket. Knowing which is which decides how your morning goes.
Lingaraj: the living centre
Lingaraj is the largest temple in the city, dedicated to Shiva as Lingaraja, and the tower rises to about 55 metres. It is a working temple run by priests, not a monument, and entry is for Hindus only. Phones, cameras and leather items must be left outside; the deposit counters are near the gate. Non-Hindus can see the complex from a raised viewing platform built against the outer wall on the north side. It is free and open in daylight. The temple is busiest on Mondays, Shiva's day, and on Maha Shivaratri, when a lamp called the Mahadeepa is lifted to the top of the tower at night.
Mukteshwar: small and free
Mukteshwar is a 10th-century Shiva temple with an arched stone gateway in front of it. Entry is free and open to all. It sits in a small complex with the Siddheswar temple beside it and the Kedar Gouri temple a short walk away. Shoes come off at the courtyard edge. In mid-January the grounds host the Mukteswar Dance Festival of Odissi.
Rajarani: a monument without a deity
Rajarani has no image in its sanctum and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument. That means a ticket, fixed daylight hours, and no worship rules beyond basic respect. Its name is usually traced to the red-gold sandstone it is built from. The carved female figures and guardian deities on the tower are the reason to come.
Before you go
- Dress modestly for all three, even the monuments.
- Carry small notes for shoe stands and donations.
- Priests at Lingaraj may offer a guided darshan for a fee; agree the amount before you start.
- Temple rules change without notice. Confirm timings at the gate.
The Old Town has many smaller temples too, including Parashurameswar, Vaital Deul and Brahmeswar, most of them free and quiet. See photo spots for when each looks best.
Questions
Bhubaneswar — FAQ
Where exactly is the Lingaraj viewing platform?
Facing the main gate, walk right and follow the outer wall round to the north side. The platform is a set of steps against the wall, and you can keep your phone and shoes there.
Is Rajarani a working temple?
No. There is no deity in the sanctum, so there is no darshan or puja. It is visited as a protected monument with an ASI ticket.
Which Bhubaneswar temples can non-Hindus enter?
Mukteshwar, Rajarani and most of the smaller Old Town temples welcome everyone. Lingaraj is the main exception.
What happens at Lingaraj on Shivaratri?
The temple fills from early morning and devotees fast until the Mahadeepa, a large lamp, is raised to the top of the tower late at night. Expect very long queues and road closures around the Old Town.