East India's Famous Temples
East India’s temple heritage is a living testament to the region’s deep spirituality, artistic brilliance, and cultural harmony. From ancient stone shrines that have stood for centuries to modern sanctuaries set against rivers, forests, and hills, each temple tells a story of devotion and craftsmanship.
Mundeshwari Devi Temple
Era: Built 108 CE
Location: Kaimur, Bihar
Mundeshwari Devi Temple is often cited as one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India. he temple is dedicated to both the Goddess (Devi) and Lord Shiva/Shakti principle, with a unique Nagara-style core. Architecturally, it gives a rare glimpse into early temple design. The temple’s remote hill-setting adds a sense of pilgrimage and adventure, making it ideal for those who seek history, devotion and serenity in one place.
Vishnupad Temple
Era: Built in the 1787 CE
Location: Gaya, Bihar
Vishnupad Temple, Situated on the banks of the Falgu River in Gaya, by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore. It enshrines a basalt slab bearing the footprint of Lord Vishnu, legend says he pressed down the demon Gayasura here. The Vishnupad Temple is a focal point for the ritual of pind-daan (ancestral rites), drawing pilgrims from across India. Visiting gives one both the visual impact of a sacred footprint shrine and the sense of participating in one of the most important rituals for ancestors in Hindu culture.
Someshwar Nath Dham
Era: Built 2000 years ago
Location: East Champaran, Bihar
This venerable Shiva temple near Areraj has houses a self-existent Panchmukhi (five-faced) Lingam. It becomes a major pilgrimage destination especially during the Shravan Mela and Mahashivratri, drawing devotees from Bihar and Nepal. Its cultural resonance as an ancient sacred site makes it a must-visit for those wanting to experience a living cult of Shiva that has evolved over millennia.
Prachin Shiv Mandir
Era: Built in the 9th-10th century CE
Location: Lohardaga, Jharkand
Located atop a hill in Khakhparta village in Jharkhand, this ancient temple site is believed to have Rekha-Deul style with intricately carved stone blocks and narrow entrances What makes it special is its remote archaeological feel: visible are several temples around a pond, with Shiva lingas in seven of them. For history buffs and temple-architecture enthusiasts, visiting this site offers a raw connection to early medieval temple building in this region, away from the usual tourism trails.
Surya Temple
Era: Built between 1991-1994
Location: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Surya temple is striking for its design: built in the form of a huge chariot with eighteen wheels and seven horses dedicated to the Sun-God. It stands on a hilltop near Ranchi, offering scenic views and an unusual form. Devotees of the Sun-God, especially during Chhath Puja, visit here to offer prayers. This temple’s uniqueness lies in blending contemporary construction with ancient symbolism and thus is worth visiting for its distinctive shape, hilltop setting and devotional relevance.
Parsurameswara Temple
Era: Built in 650 CE
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
This temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the earliest surviving Hindu temples, making it a key example of early Odia temple architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it features an early Nagara style and is rich in sculptural detail including images of the Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses). If you are visiting Bhubaneswar and want to truly grasp the origins of Kalinga-style temples, this place is essential — offering quainter scale, authenticity and historic vibe compared to later grander temples.
Brahmeswara Temple
Era: Built in 1058 CE
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Brahmeswara Temple was built by Kolavati Devi, mother of Somavamsi king Udyotakesari, this Shiva temple stands out for its rich sculptural ornamentation and important place in the evolution of Odishan architecture. With four natyasalas (dance-halls) and much detail, it shows how temple art matured in this region. Visitors will appreciate not just the religious sanctuary but also the fine carvings, the historical inscription linkage and the sense of the temple as part of a major medieval cultural system.
Gangeswari Temple
Era: Built in 13th Century
Location: Puri, Odisha
This lesser-known and serene temple was built during the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and showcases the pancharatha style of Kalinga architecture. Dedicated to Goddess Gangeswari, it offers a rich architectural visit away from the crowded main temples. A visit here is particularly rewarding for those who want a quieter, off-beat pilgrimage spot that still embodies the heritage of medieval Odisha.
Jagannath Temple
Era: Built in the 12th Century
Location: Puri, Odisha
Arguably one of the most iconic temples in India, the Jagannath Temple was built by the king Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty It houses the wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and is the focal point of the famed Rath Yatra (chariot festival) that draws huge crowds. Its cultural significance, architectural grandeur and living tradition make it a must-visit
Gosagaresvar Siva Temple
Era: Built in the 14th-15th century CE
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
A lesser-visited gem in Bhubaneswar, this temple was built during the Ganga rule and is a fine example of later Kalinga architecture, with a pidha-vimana structure and a tri-shrine precinct dedicated to Shiva. and is a fine example of later Kalinga architecture, with a pidha-vimana structure and a tri-shrine precinct dedicated to Shiva.
Chintamanisvara Siva Temple
Era: Built in the 14th century
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Chintamanisvara Siva Temple shows the rekha-deul form (vertical curving spire) typical of the region’s Shaiva architecture It is less crowded, tucked away near Old Station Bazaar, and hosts major festivals like Shivaratri. Visiting here gives a sense of the everyday sacred in Bhubaneswar and allows close inspection of sculptural and structural details in a more relaxed setting.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Era: Built on 1855
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Dakshineswar Kali Temple was built by Rani Rashmoni and stands on the east bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata. It’s dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini (Kali) and is intimately associated with the mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who served as a priest here. The temple’s Navaratna (nine-spire) architecture, riverside ghat, intimate links to Bengal’s spiritual renaissance and bustling pilgrimage atmosphere all make it compelling
Lingaraj Temple
Era: Built in the 11th Century
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
The Lingaraj Temple stands as the largest temple in Bhubaneswar, combining Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. Visiting it is essential for anyone exploring Odisha’s temple-heritage: the temple’s scale, vertical spire, richly carved walls, and the living traditions of worship give a full immersion into what temple-town Bhubaneswar is all about.
Mahakal Temple
Era: Built in the 1782 CE
Location: Darjeeling
This hill-top temple, perched on Observatory Hill in Darjeeling, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is special for a few reasons: first, the location offers sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga range and surrounding hills, adding a scenic dimension to the spiritual experience. Second, the temple embodies a unique harmony of Hindu and Buddhist traditions—both faiths share the sacred space, which makes it culturally rich and spiritually inclusive.
Sevokeshwari Kali Mandir
Era: Built in the 1730 CE
Location: Siliguri
The temple stands on a hill and visitors climb about 107 steps to reach it—making the journey part of the experience. The surroundings are lush, with dramatic views of the Teesta River, forested slopes and glimpses of the Himalayan foothills. What makes it special is the blend of sacred power (Kali worship) and scenic beauty—very few temples offer both such strong pilgrimage feel and natural panoramas
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