Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple in Puri is on of the most revered pilgrimage destination in India as it is one of the dhams (abodes) of the divine in India present in the four cardinal directions. The temple architecture has been restored to its full glory so that you can appreciate the influence that the 241 m high spire of the temple has on the state of Odisha. Inside is housed the deity of Lord Jagannath flanked by his sister Subhadra and brother Balrama. Shopping for souvenirs from the markets surrounding the walled temple complex; eating the blessed food in the temple courtyard and visiting the beaches is a must on your tour of Jagannath Temple, especially during Rath Yatra.Konark Temple
Conceived in the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the form of a chariot with huge sculpted wheels that have become an integral part of ethnic jewelry, art and crafts of Odisha. This chariot of Surya, the Sun God, driven by seven horses is a striking example of Aryan influences on Odisha's architecture and lifestyle. Built over 12 years on golden sand beach, the sea is removed from this once shore temple by 2 km. You must also visit the surviving temples and the dancing hall in the temple complex that was known as the 'black pagoda' on your tour of temples in India.Lingaraj Temple
Dedicated to Lord Lingaraj (Tribhuwaneswar), the Lingaraj Temple is one of the active temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha that is frequented by Hindu devotees in large numbers. Built in the 11th century, it is believed that this 11th century structure was built over a 7th century structure. You can get a view of the complete temple landscape from the viewing platform. Like the Konark temple, Lingaraj temple too has tall pagoda shaped towers, porch, and halls for dance and for prayers that you ought to see on your tour of the temples in Odisha. The other temples within the complex are worth a visit too.Mukteswar Temple
Mukteswar, which means 'Lord who offers salvation through Yoga' marks the shift in the old school of Kalinga architecture to the new school that emphasized colossal duels, richly inscribed and sculpted stepped pyramid like porch and gateways, dance halls and towers. Mukteswar, though a compact temple site, offers great insight into the evolution of temple architecture in Odisha.Rajarani Temple
The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was built between the 10th an 11th century from reddish gold sandstone known as Rajarani in the local parlance. It is also contended that the temple was initially known as Indreswara Temple devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva though the temple oddly lacks in a presiding deity.Another temple that you can visit on your tour of temples in Odisha is the Rajarani Temple. Carved out of red and gold sandstone and set in the swaying paddy fields of Odisha, the Rajarani Temple was once called the Indreswara temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.