Rajarani Temple

This temple composed of temples is a variety in itself. The slender waisted life-size figures, languorously poised, reflect the wealth of feminine charm - a sumptuous feast for the visitor's eyes. Built in the 11th century the speciality of this temple is that it has no presiding deity.

Mukteswar Temple

The famous historian James Fergusson quoted this temple as a "gem of Orissan culture". An important landmark in the architectural development of Bhubaneswar, the Mukteswar evolved a full fledged plan which from then on appeared in all the later temples. The magnificent arched Toran (gate way) adorning the entrance is a piece of stone work unparalleled in history.

Dhauligiri

Eight kilometers south of Bhubaneswar, Dhauligiri is located on the bank of River Daya. It is here the ancient Kalinga War was fought in 261 B. C., where Ashoka The great unsheathed his sword and fought the most bloody battle and it is here after the battle he was transformed to Ashoka - The Compassionate who Championed the cause of Buddhism. On the foot of the hill there are the Rock Edicts of Ashoka near the Elephant structure. The Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha have recently built the Shanti Stupa atop the hill which is visible miles around. There is also a Sive Temple recently constructed on the top of the hill.

Iskcon Temple

Among the contemporary temples the Sri Ram Temple at Janpath, Kharvel Nagar and Sri Krishna Balaram Temple promoted by International Society for Krishna Consciousness on N.H-5, Nayapalli are the exhibitions of the same ancient spirit in a modern form. The Krishna Balaram temple is beautifully designed and painted in sober colours with all in-built facilities available for devotees.

Lingaraj Temple

The temple is named after the "Linga" or phallic symbol enshirines in it. Built in 617-657 A.D.. it soars up to a hieght of about 54 meters, dominates the skyline for kilometers around. The temple consists of curvilinear walls, a pillared hall, a dancing hall and a hall for serving the offerings. It can be rather called a temple complex as more than a hundred temples of different sizes are situated within its premises. This is one of the famous Saiva Pitha in India. Its majestic stand and some of the finest sculptures embodied in it make it a product of consumate skill and rare artistic genius. It represents the peak of Kalinga style of architecture spanning over 25 centuries of progressive history.

Temple Metropolis of India

Bhubaneswar, The modern capital of Orissa, and the "Temple Metropolis of India" can still boast of 500 temples. Of these about a dozen are architecturally very interesting. There was a time when Bhubaneswar had over 7,000 such shrines.

These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of the Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to two thousand years from 3rd century B. C. to 16th Century A. D. These magnificent monuments dominating the city skyline, are within a reasonable walking distance from one another. The 46 metre high Lingaraj Temple marks the culmination of temple tradition of Bhubaneswar.