Temples are one of the best symbols of Indian architecture as they encapsulate the ancient days’ culture, skill and creativity. From intricate carvings to the size, these are just a few reasons, besides their spiritual value, that make temples popular tourist destinations. While temples grace every corner of India, those nestled in the East stand out for their unique fusion of architectural styles and sculptures that vividly narrate mythological tales.
We have shortlisted the best of eastern India’s divine wonders, where the past comes alive through these magnificent edifices.
10 best temples in East India:
Sun Temple, Odisha
Resting on the Bay of Bengal coastline in Konark, this ancient temple is an excellent example of the architectural triumphs of ancient India. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century and was dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
The grand temple is commended for its architecture, whose well-proportioned elements depict compelling stories. The ancient monument is designed like a giant chariot with 24 wheels drawn by seven horses, portraying the movement of Surya’s chariot across the heavens. The entire structure is embellished with iconographical depictions of life at the time. As per the legend, the Sun Temple was constructed by 1,200 artisans over 12 years.
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How to reach:
Sun Temple is 34 km from Puri and 66 km from Bhubaneswar.
Best time to visit: September to March
Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya is one of the earliest surviving brick Buddhist temples, making it influential in the development of brick architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built on the banks of the Niranjana River around the sacred Bodhi tree, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
The temple’s original structure was built during King Ashoka’s rule in the third century BCE. One of the stone pillars erected by Ashoka across the Indian subcontinent can be found here. The present structure dates back to the Gupta dynasty in the fifth and sixth centuries CE, showcasing a blend of Hindu, Buddhist and Gupta architecture. The main temple has a beautiful pyramidal shikhara that is adorned with elaborate carvings of Buddhist symbols, stories and celestial beings.
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How to reach:
Mahabodhi Temple is 128 km from Patna
Best time to visit: November to February
Jagannath Temple, Odisha
Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, this temple in Puri is one of the sites of the revered Char Dham Yatra. The temple’s origin is rooted in ancient Hindu texts like the Puranas, with some dating back to the 12th century AD.
It is an architectural marvel, showcasing Kalinga architecture at its best. The construction is so unique that the structure does not cast a shadow on the ground, regardless of the sun’s direction. The temple is perched on a raised platform and is graced with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. The complex also has Aruna Stambha, a monolithic structure that was originally part of the Konark Sun Temple.
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How to reach:
Jagannath is 63 km from Bhubaneswar
Best time to visit: June to March
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Kamakhya Temple, Assam
Tucked away in the Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, Kamakhya Temple is the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The temple honours Maa Kamakhya or Kameswari, the Hindu Goddess of desire, and it is considered the most sacred pilgrimage site among her devotees. Kamakhya Temple is the only one in Assam with a fully developed ground plan. It comprises five chambers, like the garbhagriha, antarala, jagamohan, bhogmandir and natmandir.
The myth entails that Kamakhya was a stone temple built around the 11th-12th century which was destroyed. Under the Koch Kingdom, the temple ruins were restored in the 15th century. During the reconstruction, the masons were not able to rebuild the domical part using the original stone blocks, so they opted for bricks and followed the Saracenic technique. The dome transformed into a 16-sided polygon, bringing together the two prevalent architectural styles of Nagara and Sarcenic, which resulted in the creation of the Nilachal style.
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How to reach:
Kamakhya Temple is 11 km from Guwahati and 13 km from Dispur
Best time to visit: October to March
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Lingaraj Temple, Odisha
Regarded as the largest and the most sacred place in Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple is devoted to Lord Harihara and signifies the syncretism of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The details about the temple’s formation remain uncertain, with ancient texts from the seventh and eleventh centuries providing only glimpses of Lingaraj’s history.
The temple is made of sandstone and laterite, and the craftsmanship is based on the Kalinga architectural traditions. The grand complex houses the main temple along with an impressive array of 150 subsidiary shrines.
How to reach:
Lingaraj temple is 9 km from Bhubaneswar’s city centre
Best time to visit: October to March
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Birla Mandir, West Bengal
Even though Birla Mandirs are located across India, this temple in Kolkata has become a major tourist spot for its majestic design. Constructed by the industrialist Birla family, it is relatively young in this list as it opened in 1966. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna and Radha.
Designed by the architect Nomi Bose, this Birla Mandir is inspired by Bhubaneswar’s Lingaraj Temple. The marble walls of the temple have verses and pictorial depictions from the Bhagavad Gita, and the ceilings are adorned with grand chandeliers and electric diyas (lamps).
How to reach:
Birla Mandir is 6 km from Kolkata’s city centre
Best time to visit: October to March
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Dakshineswar Kali Temple, West Bengal
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is another architectural gem in Kolkata. The temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Kali, as the name suggests, but the complex also has a Vishnu and 12 Shiva temples. The construction of the Kali Temple started in 1847 under the patronage of Rani Rashmoni.
The main temple’s graceful design follows the Navratna style, characterised by its nine spires. The walls are embellished with terracotta work depicting mythological scenes and religious motifs. Inside the premises, there is also a huge Natmandir (dancing hall).
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How to reach:
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is 12 km from Kolkata’s city centre
Best time to visit: October to March
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Maluti Temples, Jharkhand
Rich heritage lies along the banks of the Chila River in Dumka at quaint Maluti village. This ancient site has gained prominence as a temple town for its beautiful collection of terracotta temples. Originally, the town had 108 temples, but now only 72 of these remain intact. The temples here have a curving roof that resembles the shape of a thatched roof hut. This design is known as ‘Chala’. The outer walls have captivating carvings of scenes from the epic Ramayana.
Among the existing temples here, the oldest is dedicated to the goddess Maulikshya, who was the deity of the Bajasanta dynasty. While the temple withstood the sands of time, the statue of the goddess didn’t and now only her artistically carved stone head remains.
How to reach:
Maluti Temples are 288 km from Jamshedpur and 329 km from Ranchi
Best time to visit: October to February
Baidyanath Temple, Jharkhand
Located in Deoghar is another iconic sacred site of Jharkhand, the Baidyanath Temple. It is considered one of 12 Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva. Also known as Baba Baidyanath Dham and Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple, it features a simple yet classic structure with a majestic pyramidal tower acting as the crown jewel of the temple. The pinnacle is adorned with golden vessels, and the tower is embellished with an eight-petaled lotus. This delicate design is what gives the temple its visual allure.
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How to reach: Ranchi is 252 km away.
Baidyanath Temple is 252 km from Ranchi and 262 km from Jamshedpur
Best time to visit: October to February
Vishnupad temple, Bihar
Besides Mahabodhi Temple, Gaya has another beautiful pilgrimage site, Vishnupad Temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is built on the banks of the Phalgu River. The temple derives its name from the sacred footprint of Lord Vishnu housed within. While little is known about the temple’s inception, it is believed that Ahilyabai Holkar, queen of Indore, had the present octagonal shrine built in 1787.
The footprint, which attracts worshippers and tourists alike, is etched into solid rock and encircled by a silver-plated basin, making it a mystical marvel. Furthermore, the temple is decorated with a 50 kg gold flag donated by a devoted follower, adding to the temple’s beauty. The architecture of the temple also includes eight rows of aesthetically carved pillars.
How to reach:
Vishnupad Temple is 109 km from Patna
Best time to visit: November to February
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Related: A Pictorial Journey Of The UNESCO Heritage Sites Of India
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
– Which are the best temples in East India?
The Mahabodhi Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple, Lingaraja Temple and Kamakhya Temples are some of the best in East India.
– Where is Mahabodhi Temple located?
Mahabodhi Temple is located in Gaya, Bihar.
– What makes the Konark Sun Temple famous?
The architectural design of the temple represents the Sun god on his chariot.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
