Sri Jagannath Temple

    Exotic, Majestic, Awe inspiring-the temple of Sri Jagannath Temple stands on an elevated platform in the heart of the city and was built in the 12th century by the Ganga King Chodagangadeva. The unrivalled structure of the temple has all richness and plasticity of Kalinga style of architecture. The 214 feet high swirling spire of the temple becomes visible even before one enters the city. The temple complex is 650 feet comprising 4 chambers- the Deul, the Jagmohana, Natamandir and Bhogamandir, surrounded by 20 feet high wall. One must visit the smaller temples of Goddess Vimla, Laxmi and Vishnu, which lie within the precincts of the main temple.

Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri Temple , Orrisa

    This is an ancient Buddhist centre for learning. Buddhist sculptures have been excavated here. The Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri hills are located at about 20 km from Cuttack, Orissa

Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temple or The black Pagoda, as was called by the European sailors, was built in 13th century by Raja Narasimhadeva along the shores of Bay of Bengal. But now sea has moved two km away from the temple. This Crowning glory of Orissa is full of multitude of many myths and legends . This world heritage monument is an exquisite specimen of Oriyan craftsmanship and seems like poetry in stone .The Natya Mandir or the dancing hall of Sun temple is the only remaining of a glorious past which this place was a witness. The whole structure in form of collosal chariot of the Sun. The chariot is drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolising time. The main tower of Konark stands 227 feets high superceding both Lingaraja and Jaganath temples. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with thousands of images including deities, the Surasundaris, heavenly damsels and dancers and other scenes from courtly life. The intricate carvings on the walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history. Everyday the Sun God rises from the lap of the blue ocean and casts his first gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during its course of the day, illuminating three magnificent images of the moring sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun. The majestic sun temple silhouettted agianst the setting sun remains indelibly etched in the spectators' memory.

Lingaraja Temple

Encapsuled by high walls on all sides, the Lingaraja temple or the Bhubaneshwar is one of the most wellknown temples in Orissa. It is one of the best and splendoured examples of the architectural exellence which the artists had achieved during the 11th century. The outer walls of the temple exhibit unparalled carvings. The beautifully carved and sculpted images of various God and Goddess are unrivalled. The temple tower can be seen from a long distance. The temple complex has three compartments and each one has a temple each. Towards south of the entrance to main temple is image of Lord Ganesha, at the back is the image of Goddess Parvati and to north is Lord Kartikya. The Lingaraja temple has got various pillars and halls which add to its beauty. At the main gate is the temple of Lord Ganesha followed by Nandi pillar, then comes the 'Bhog Mandap'. The main temple has got a huge granite 'Shivaling'. The 'lingam' here is unique in that it is 'hari hara' lingam- half Shiv and half Vishnu. The temple has also got many other 'Lings' emerging from stones and they are called the 'Budbudlings'.