Tourism in Odisha | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


CHAPTER22
The historical state of ‘Odisha’ is situated in between beautiful lush
green mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Odisha is blessed with
beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, serpentine rivers, mighty
waterfalls, forest-covered blue hills of Eastern Ghats, etc. which are
home to rich flora and fauna that impress and attract tourists from all
over the world.
Odisha is considered India’s one of the most splendid cultural landscapes with
numerous architecturally beautifully temples, sacred shrines, historical monuments,
etc.
Temples in Odisha
Odisha houses some of the best temples in the country which are known all over the
world for its architectural wonders. The temples in Odisha are examples of supreme
expression of architecture. The Odisha temples are unique in both plan elevation
and decoration details. The temple architecture is based on the Nagara style. It is a
North Indian style. Most of the temples in Odisha are built in Nagara style i.e. a
soaring curvilinear tower, constructed on a square base, Mandapas, Shikhara, etc.
Some of the famous temples in Odisha are as follows:
Ananta Basudeva Temple
This temple was built during13thcenturyAD in Bhubaneswar. It is a beautiful
temple along the bank of Bindu Sagar lake. It follows the layout and structural form
of the Lingaraj temple and have the carvings which represent Vaishnavism. It is the
only temple, in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by
QueenChandrikaDevi the daughter of king Ananga Bhima Deva III in
memorium of her husband who died on the battlefield in modern day West Bengal.
Biraja Temple
This temple was built in11thcenturyADinJajpur. Jajpur, the ancient capital of
Odisha was known as Biraja Kshetra. The temple of Goddess Biraja was the nerve
centre which inspired the Bhaumakara and Somavamsi kings. The temple of
Goddess Biraja is considered to be one of the fifty one ‘Shakti-Pitha’ of the country.
The idol of Goddess Biraja is a two armed Mahisamardini (Slayer of Buffalo
Page 2


CHAPTER22
The historical state of ‘Odisha’ is situated in between beautiful lush
green mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Odisha is blessed with
beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, serpentine rivers, mighty
waterfalls, forest-covered blue hills of Eastern Ghats, etc. which are
home to rich flora and fauna that impress and attract tourists from all
over the world.
Odisha is considered India’s one of the most splendid cultural landscapes with
numerous architecturally beautifully temples, sacred shrines, historical monuments,
etc.
Temples in Odisha
Odisha houses some of the best temples in the country which are known all over the
world for its architectural wonders. The temples in Odisha are examples of supreme
expression of architecture. The Odisha temples are unique in both plan elevation
and decoration details. The temple architecture is based on the Nagara style. It is a
North Indian style. Most of the temples in Odisha are built in Nagara style i.e. a
soaring curvilinear tower, constructed on a square base, Mandapas, Shikhara, etc.
Some of the famous temples in Odisha are as follows:
Ananta Basudeva Temple
This temple was built during13thcenturyAD in Bhubaneswar. It is a beautiful
temple along the bank of Bindu Sagar lake. It follows the layout and structural form
of the Lingaraj temple and have the carvings which represent Vaishnavism. It is the
only temple, in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by
QueenChandrikaDevi the daughter of king Ananga Bhima Deva III in
memorium of her husband who died on the battlefield in modern day West Bengal.
Biraja Temple
This temple was built in11thcenturyADinJajpur. Jajpur, the ancient capital of
Odisha was known as Biraja Kshetra. The temple of Goddess Biraja was the nerve
centre which inspired the Bhaumakara and Somavamsi kings. The temple of
Goddess Biraja is considered to be one of the fifty one ‘Shakti-Pitha’ of the country.
The idol of Goddess Biraja is a two armed Mahisamardini (Slayer of Buffalo
Demon). The iconography is unique in the sense that it’s the only Mahisamardini
idol in the country having two hands. The temple was built by Somavamsi ruler in
11th Century AD. During the Saradiya Durga Puja, a representative of Goddess
Biraja is taken out in Chariot accompanied by a procession on all the nine days of
the festival.
Brahmeshwar Temple
It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar and built in
9th century CE and is richly carved inside and out. The temple is classified as
‘Panchatanaya’. This Hindu temple can be dated with fair accuracy by the use of
inscriptions that were originally on the temple. They are now unfortunately lost, but
records of them preserve the information of around 1058 CE. The temple is built in
the 18th reignal year of theSomavamsis kingUdyotakesari by his mother Kolavati
Devi, which corresponds to 1058 CE.
Chausathi Yogini Temple
It is one of the four surviving temples in India of the Yogini cult which flourished
in the country from the 8th century AD to 13th century AD. The temple is located
15 km from Bhubaneswar at a hamlet calledHirapur.Itwasbuiltinthe9thcentury
AD and has been attributed to Queen Hiradevi, mother of king Subhakar Dev II of
the Bhaumakar dynasty. The Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is held every year between
23rd December to 25th December.
Daiteswar Temple
It is located inBhubaneswar. It has a single shrine of Rekha Deula built with
sandstone. The outer walls of the temple are found plain and without moulding or
designs but the door-jamb has carved designs.
234 Know Your State ODISHA
s BRAHMESHWARTEMPLEBUILTBYKOLAVATIDEVI,
Page 3


CHAPTER22
The historical state of ‘Odisha’ is situated in between beautiful lush
green mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Odisha is blessed with
beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, serpentine rivers, mighty
waterfalls, forest-covered blue hills of Eastern Ghats, etc. which are
home to rich flora and fauna that impress and attract tourists from all
over the world.
Odisha is considered India’s one of the most splendid cultural landscapes with
numerous architecturally beautifully temples, sacred shrines, historical monuments,
etc.
Temples in Odisha
Odisha houses some of the best temples in the country which are known all over the
world for its architectural wonders. The temples in Odisha are examples of supreme
expression of architecture. The Odisha temples are unique in both plan elevation
and decoration details. The temple architecture is based on the Nagara style. It is a
North Indian style. Most of the temples in Odisha are built in Nagara style i.e. a
soaring curvilinear tower, constructed on a square base, Mandapas, Shikhara, etc.
Some of the famous temples in Odisha are as follows:
Ananta Basudeva Temple
This temple was built during13thcenturyAD in Bhubaneswar. It is a beautiful
temple along the bank of Bindu Sagar lake. It follows the layout and structural form
of the Lingaraj temple and have the carvings which represent Vaishnavism. It is the
only temple, in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by
QueenChandrikaDevi the daughter of king Ananga Bhima Deva III in
memorium of her husband who died on the battlefield in modern day West Bengal.
Biraja Temple
This temple was built in11thcenturyADinJajpur. Jajpur, the ancient capital of
Odisha was known as Biraja Kshetra. The temple of Goddess Biraja was the nerve
centre which inspired the Bhaumakara and Somavamsi kings. The temple of
Goddess Biraja is considered to be one of the fifty one ‘Shakti-Pitha’ of the country.
The idol of Goddess Biraja is a two armed Mahisamardini (Slayer of Buffalo
Demon). The iconography is unique in the sense that it’s the only Mahisamardini
idol in the country having two hands. The temple was built by Somavamsi ruler in
11th Century AD. During the Saradiya Durga Puja, a representative of Goddess
Biraja is taken out in Chariot accompanied by a procession on all the nine days of
the festival.
Brahmeshwar Temple
It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar and built in
9th century CE and is richly carved inside and out. The temple is classified as
‘Panchatanaya’. This Hindu temple can be dated with fair accuracy by the use of
inscriptions that were originally on the temple. They are now unfortunately lost, but
records of them preserve the information of around 1058 CE. The temple is built in
the 18th reignal year of theSomavamsis kingUdyotakesari by his mother Kolavati
Devi, which corresponds to 1058 CE.
Chausathi Yogini Temple
It is one of the four surviving temples in India of the Yogini cult which flourished
in the country from the 8th century AD to 13th century AD. The temple is located
15 km from Bhubaneswar at a hamlet calledHirapur.Itwasbuiltinthe9thcentury
AD and has been attributed to Queen Hiradevi, mother of king Subhakar Dev II of
the Bhaumakar dynasty. The Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is held every year between
23rd December to 25th December.
Daiteswar Temple
It is located inBhubaneswar. It has a single shrine of Rekha Deula built with
sandstone. The outer walls of the temple are found plain and without moulding or
designs but the door-jamb has carved designs.
234 Know Your State ODISHA
s BRAHMESHWARTEMPLEBUILTBYKOLAVATIDEVI,
Architectural features suggest that the temple was built in 10th-11th century AD.
The temple was in a collapsing stage and recently structural conservation and part
renovation work was done from funds awarded by 11th finance commission.
Huma Temple
It is the abode of Lord Shiva worshipped as Vimaleswara. It is located on the banks
ofRiverMahanadi,23kmfromSambalpur. The main characteristic of the temple is
its leaning structure. The main Sanctum Sanctorum and all the other shrines within
the temple premises including the boundary wall are in a leaning position. The
temple is dated somewhere around the middle of the 16thcenturyAD.
Jagannath Temple
It is the most important religious site in Odisha and also holds a special place in
India’s cultural heritage.
It belongs to12thcentury. It is regarded one of theCharDhams. The pilgrimage
that every Hindu intend to visit; Jagannath temple is the honour of Puri and Odisha.
It is located atPuri, a town of Odisha in the Eastern coast of India. It was built in
the 12th century during the era ofAnantavarmanChodagangaDeva. The holy
sight ofLordJagannath, accompanied bySubhadra andBalabhadra (Baladev), filled
joy among the devotees who visited them. The spire of the temple is 214 feet (65
metres high). The temple compound is surrounded by 6 m high wall. The Europeans
called itWhitePagoda as it was covered with white plaster by the eighteenth
century rulers in Puri. In 1975, this plaster was removed to unravel the rich
architecture of the temple. The temple kitchen feeds 20,000 devotees daily. There
are four temple gates. This temple is the starting place of the Rath Yatra festival
which is the most important festival of Odisha.
235 Tourism in Odisha
s ONEOFTHECHARDHAMSOFINDIA: JAGANNATHTEMPLE
Page 4


CHAPTER22
The historical state of ‘Odisha’ is situated in between beautiful lush
green mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Odisha is blessed with
beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, serpentine rivers, mighty
waterfalls, forest-covered blue hills of Eastern Ghats, etc. which are
home to rich flora and fauna that impress and attract tourists from all
over the world.
Odisha is considered India’s one of the most splendid cultural landscapes with
numerous architecturally beautifully temples, sacred shrines, historical monuments,
etc.
Temples in Odisha
Odisha houses some of the best temples in the country which are known all over the
world for its architectural wonders. The temples in Odisha are examples of supreme
expression of architecture. The Odisha temples are unique in both plan elevation
and decoration details. The temple architecture is based on the Nagara style. It is a
North Indian style. Most of the temples in Odisha are built in Nagara style i.e. a
soaring curvilinear tower, constructed on a square base, Mandapas, Shikhara, etc.
Some of the famous temples in Odisha are as follows:
Ananta Basudeva Temple
This temple was built during13thcenturyAD in Bhubaneswar. It is a beautiful
temple along the bank of Bindu Sagar lake. It follows the layout and structural form
of the Lingaraj temple and have the carvings which represent Vaishnavism. It is the
only temple, in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by
QueenChandrikaDevi the daughter of king Ananga Bhima Deva III in
memorium of her husband who died on the battlefield in modern day West Bengal.
Biraja Temple
This temple was built in11thcenturyADinJajpur. Jajpur, the ancient capital of
Odisha was known as Biraja Kshetra. The temple of Goddess Biraja was the nerve
centre which inspired the Bhaumakara and Somavamsi kings. The temple of
Goddess Biraja is considered to be one of the fifty one ‘Shakti-Pitha’ of the country.
The idol of Goddess Biraja is a two armed Mahisamardini (Slayer of Buffalo
Demon). The iconography is unique in the sense that it’s the only Mahisamardini
idol in the country having two hands. The temple was built by Somavamsi ruler in
11th Century AD. During the Saradiya Durga Puja, a representative of Goddess
Biraja is taken out in Chariot accompanied by a procession on all the nine days of
the festival.
Brahmeshwar Temple
It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar and built in
9th century CE and is richly carved inside and out. The temple is classified as
‘Panchatanaya’. This Hindu temple can be dated with fair accuracy by the use of
inscriptions that were originally on the temple. They are now unfortunately lost, but
records of them preserve the information of around 1058 CE. The temple is built in
the 18th reignal year of theSomavamsis kingUdyotakesari by his mother Kolavati
Devi, which corresponds to 1058 CE.
Chausathi Yogini Temple
It is one of the four surviving temples in India of the Yogini cult which flourished
in the country from the 8th century AD to 13th century AD. The temple is located
15 km from Bhubaneswar at a hamlet calledHirapur.Itwasbuiltinthe9thcentury
AD and has been attributed to Queen Hiradevi, mother of king Subhakar Dev II of
the Bhaumakar dynasty. The Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is held every year between
23rd December to 25th December.
Daiteswar Temple
It is located inBhubaneswar. It has a single shrine of Rekha Deula built with
sandstone. The outer walls of the temple are found plain and without moulding or
designs but the door-jamb has carved designs.
234 Know Your State ODISHA
s BRAHMESHWARTEMPLEBUILTBYKOLAVATIDEVI,
Architectural features suggest that the temple was built in 10th-11th century AD.
The temple was in a collapsing stage and recently structural conservation and part
renovation work was done from funds awarded by 11th finance commission.
Huma Temple
It is the abode of Lord Shiva worshipped as Vimaleswara. It is located on the banks
ofRiverMahanadi,23kmfromSambalpur. The main characteristic of the temple is
its leaning structure. The main Sanctum Sanctorum and all the other shrines within
the temple premises including the boundary wall are in a leaning position. The
temple is dated somewhere around the middle of the 16thcenturyAD.
Jagannath Temple
It is the most important religious site in Odisha and also holds a special place in
India’s cultural heritage.
It belongs to12thcentury. It is regarded one of theCharDhams. The pilgrimage
that every Hindu intend to visit; Jagannath temple is the honour of Puri and Odisha.
It is located atPuri, a town of Odisha in the Eastern coast of India. It was built in
the 12th century during the era ofAnantavarmanChodagangaDeva. The holy
sight ofLordJagannath, accompanied bySubhadra andBalabhadra (Baladev), filled
joy among the devotees who visited them. The spire of the temple is 214 feet (65
metres high). The temple compound is surrounded by 6 m high wall. The Europeans
called itWhitePagoda as it was covered with white plaster by the eighteenth
century rulers in Puri. In 1975, this plaster was removed to unravel the rich
architecture of the temple. The temple kitchen feeds 20,000 devotees daily. There
are four temple gates. This temple is the starting place of the Rath Yatra festival
which is the most important festival of Odisha.
235 Tourism in Odisha
s ONEOFTHECHARDHAMSOFINDIA: JAGANNATHTEMPLE
Kichakeswari Temple
This temple dates back to the7thor8thcentury. It was reconstructed from the ruins
of an earlier temple in the early 20th century. It is located in Khiching village,
Mayurbhanj district. This temple was rebuilt using the similar building technology
as prevalent in ancient times.
Kedareswar Temple
It is located inBhubaneswar. This is the main shrine of theKedarGouri Complex.
The architectural features as well as the sculptural style noticed on the sculptures of
this temple would place it during the Somavansi rule in Odisha (formerly Orissa)
datable to the11thcenturyAD.
Lingaraj Temple
The great Lingaraj was built in11thcentury AD and dominates the landscape of
Bhubaneswar and is visible from as far as 15 kms away. This temple represents
Orissantemple (Nagara style)architecture in its most mature and fully developed
stage. The deul (tower) of the Lingaraj reaches a height of just over 180 feet (55
meters). This temple is also described as a perfect example of Orissan architecture.
It is completely curvilinear and the extraordinary soaring tower can be seen to
incorporate miniature turrets (small towers) inserted on the ribs of the spire. In
addition to the deul and the Jagmohana (porch), the Lingaraj adds two new
structures-the Natamandira (hall of dance) and the Bhoga-Mandapa (hall of
offerings). The former was undoubtedly associated with the rising prominence of the
devadasi system.
236 Know Your State ODISHA
s AVIEWOFLINGARAJTEMPLE
Page 5


CHAPTER22
The historical state of ‘Odisha’ is situated in between beautiful lush
green mountains of the Eastern Ghats. Odisha is blessed with
beautiful beaches, shimmering lakes, serpentine rivers, mighty
waterfalls, forest-covered blue hills of Eastern Ghats, etc. which are
home to rich flora and fauna that impress and attract tourists from all
over the world.
Odisha is considered India’s one of the most splendid cultural landscapes with
numerous architecturally beautifully temples, sacred shrines, historical monuments,
etc.
Temples in Odisha
Odisha houses some of the best temples in the country which are known all over the
world for its architectural wonders. The temples in Odisha are examples of supreme
expression of architecture. The Odisha temples are unique in both plan elevation
and decoration details. The temple architecture is based on the Nagara style. It is a
North Indian style. Most of the temples in Odisha are built in Nagara style i.e. a
soaring curvilinear tower, constructed on a square base, Mandapas, Shikhara, etc.
Some of the famous temples in Odisha are as follows:
Ananta Basudeva Temple
This temple was built during13thcenturyAD in Bhubaneswar. It is a beautiful
temple along the bank of Bindu Sagar lake. It follows the layout and structural form
of the Lingaraj temple and have the carvings which represent Vaishnavism. It is the
only temple, in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by
QueenChandrikaDevi the daughter of king Ananga Bhima Deva III in
memorium of her husband who died on the battlefield in modern day West Bengal.
Biraja Temple
This temple was built in11thcenturyADinJajpur. Jajpur, the ancient capital of
Odisha was known as Biraja Kshetra. The temple of Goddess Biraja was the nerve
centre which inspired the Bhaumakara and Somavamsi kings. The temple of
Goddess Biraja is considered to be one of the fifty one ‘Shakti-Pitha’ of the country.
The idol of Goddess Biraja is a two armed Mahisamardini (Slayer of Buffalo
Demon). The iconography is unique in the sense that it’s the only Mahisamardini
idol in the country having two hands. The temple was built by Somavamsi ruler in
11th Century AD. During the Saradiya Durga Puja, a representative of Goddess
Biraja is taken out in Chariot accompanied by a procession on all the nine days of
the festival.
Brahmeshwar Temple
It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar and built in
9th century CE and is richly carved inside and out. The temple is classified as
‘Panchatanaya’. This Hindu temple can be dated with fair accuracy by the use of
inscriptions that were originally on the temple. They are now unfortunately lost, but
records of them preserve the information of around 1058 CE. The temple is built in
the 18th reignal year of theSomavamsis kingUdyotakesari by his mother Kolavati
Devi, which corresponds to 1058 CE.
Chausathi Yogini Temple
It is one of the four surviving temples in India of the Yogini cult which flourished
in the country from the 8th century AD to 13th century AD. The temple is located
15 km from Bhubaneswar at a hamlet calledHirapur.Itwasbuiltinthe9thcentury
AD and has been attributed to Queen Hiradevi, mother of king Subhakar Dev II of
the Bhaumakar dynasty. The Chausathi Yogini Mahotsav is held every year between
23rd December to 25th December.
Daiteswar Temple
It is located inBhubaneswar. It has a single shrine of Rekha Deula built with
sandstone. The outer walls of the temple are found plain and without moulding or
designs but the door-jamb has carved designs.
234 Know Your State ODISHA
s BRAHMESHWARTEMPLEBUILTBYKOLAVATIDEVI,
Architectural features suggest that the temple was built in 10th-11th century AD.
The temple was in a collapsing stage and recently structural conservation and part
renovation work was done from funds awarded by 11th finance commission.
Huma Temple
It is the abode of Lord Shiva worshipped as Vimaleswara. It is located on the banks
ofRiverMahanadi,23kmfromSambalpur. The main characteristic of the temple is
its leaning structure. The main Sanctum Sanctorum and all the other shrines within
the temple premises including the boundary wall are in a leaning position. The
temple is dated somewhere around the middle of the 16thcenturyAD.
Jagannath Temple
It is the most important religious site in Odisha and also holds a special place in
India’s cultural heritage.
It belongs to12thcentury. It is regarded one of theCharDhams. The pilgrimage
that every Hindu intend to visit; Jagannath temple is the honour of Puri and Odisha.
It is located atPuri, a town of Odisha in the Eastern coast of India. It was built in
the 12th century during the era ofAnantavarmanChodagangaDeva. The holy
sight ofLordJagannath, accompanied bySubhadra andBalabhadra (Baladev), filled
joy among the devotees who visited them. The spire of the temple is 214 feet (65
metres high). The temple compound is surrounded by 6 m high wall. The Europeans
called itWhitePagoda as it was covered with white plaster by the eighteenth
century rulers in Puri. In 1975, this plaster was removed to unravel the rich
architecture of the temple. The temple kitchen feeds 20,000 devotees daily. There
are four temple gates. This temple is the starting place of the Rath Yatra festival
which is the most important festival of Odisha.
235 Tourism in Odisha
s ONEOFTHECHARDHAMSOFINDIA: JAGANNATHTEMPLE
Kichakeswari Temple
This temple dates back to the7thor8thcentury. It was reconstructed from the ruins
of an earlier temple in the early 20th century. It is located in Khiching village,
Mayurbhanj district. This temple was rebuilt using the similar building technology
as prevalent in ancient times.
Kedareswar Temple
It is located inBhubaneswar. This is the main shrine of theKedarGouri Complex.
The architectural features as well as the sculptural style noticed on the sculptures of
this temple would place it during the Somavansi rule in Odisha (formerly Orissa)
datable to the11thcenturyAD.
Lingaraj Temple
The great Lingaraj was built in11thcentury AD and dominates the landscape of
Bhubaneswar and is visible from as far as 15 kms away. This temple represents
Orissantemple (Nagara style)architecture in its most mature and fully developed
stage. The deul (tower) of the Lingaraj reaches a height of just over 180 feet (55
meters). This temple is also described as a perfect example of Orissan architecture.
It is completely curvilinear and the extraordinary soaring tower can be seen to
incorporate miniature turrets (small towers) inserted on the ribs of the spire. In
addition to the deul and the Jagmohana (porch), the Lingaraj adds two new
structures-the Natamandira (hall of dance) and the Bhoga-Mandapa (hall of
offerings). The former was undoubtedly associated with the rising prominence of the
devadasi system.
236 Know Your State ODISHA
s AVIEWOFLINGARAJTEMPLE
Mukteswar Temple
It is an important landmark to the architectural development in Odisha. The
Mukteswar temple is often described as one of the GemofOdishafor its exquisite
sculptures and elegant looks.
It was built around950-975CE in and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is constructed
in the style similar to the Kalinga school of Temple Architecture. The magnificent
arched gateway the ‘Torana’ in the front of the Mukteswar is the main attraction of
the temple.
Parasurameswar Temple
It is regarded as the temple where the evolution of Odisha Temple Architecture
started. This temple was built in7thcenturyAD in Bhubaneswar during the reign
of the Shailodbhava dynasty. It is one of the well preserved temples in the state.
Parasurameswar temple is the first temple to have the Jagamohana or the entrance
hall attached with the ‘Sanctum Sanctorum’. The presiding deity is lord Shiva
worshipped as Parasuram, in accordance to the penance of Sage Parasuram and the
grace of Lord Shiva.
Rajarani Temple
It belongs to11thcenturyAD. It has structure rising to a height of 17.98 m in fine
grained yellowish sandstone presents a dramatic sequence in temple building
activities. Closely clustered with its own miniature replicas or Anga Sikhara
projections, Rajarani has family resemblance with Kendariya Mahadeva temple of
Khajuraho. The slender waisted life-size figures languorously posed, reflect the
artists’ realistic appreciation of the wealth of feminine charm a sumptuous feast for
the visitor’s eye.
Samaleswari Temple
The abode of Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur is one the
most revered temples of the state. The kindness of the Goddess spreads across
Western Odisha upto Chhattisgarh. Goddess Samaleswari was appropriated as the
deity of Sambalpur by the Chauhan king Balram Dev, who became the king of the
region in 1542 AD.
Sun Temple
This temple was built in the 13th century by the King Narasimhadeva. The temple
is located in Konark, about 35 km from Puri district. The temple, being an
important landmark in the coastal voyage of European sailors and was namedThe
BlackPagoda by them. The magnificent Sun temple at Konark is the culmination of
Odisha temple (Nagara style) architecture.
237 Tourism in Odisha