These Heritage Sites Are Odisha’s Crowning Glory

Bhubaneswar: One of the culturally-rich states of India, Odisha draws tourists in hordes, thanks to the numerous heritage sites spread over length and breadth of the state. From temples to Buddhist relics and forts, Odisha has many architectural marvels that add to is rich heritage. A total of 78 sites in Odisha are under the care of Archaeological Survey of India.

On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Odisha Bytes brings you a list of architectural marvels, which are a must visit.

Sisupalgarh

One of the earliest and largest forts in India, Sisupalgarh, is today a protected monument. There are contradictory statements over the dates during which the city flourished. While one finding said that the city flourished between 3rd century BC and 4th century AD, another claim dated it to around 5th century BC, lasting till 4th century AD. The remains of the fort, include pillars and gates.

Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaygiri

Together, the trio are called as ‘Diamond Triangle’ and is part of the Puspagiri University.

Lalitgiri, located in Mahanga tehsil of Cuttack district, has remnants of a large stupa with stone caskets with Buddha relics. The stone casket further had three other boxes, with the last one containing relic in the form of a small piece of bone.

Ratnagiri in Jajpur district of Odish, has a large Stupa and is surrounded by a number of smaller ones of varying dimensions. It was established in first half of the sixth century and flourished until the twelfth century.

The first site of Udaygiri in Jajpur district is situated between two valleys, while the second site has antiques of Buddhist complex which includes a seven-metre high stupa with four images of Buddhas at four cardinal points.

Jagannath Temple

One of the ‘Char Dhams’, the temple was rebuilt by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva in the 11th century. The world famous Ratha Jatra commences from this temple. It is believed that the construction of the first Jagannath temple was commissioned by King Indradyumma. The temple is built over an area of 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by high fortified walls.

Sun Temple, Konark

This 13-century relic is also called as the Black Pagoda. A temple dedicated to the Sun God, the temple resembles a chariot with wheels and horses. Though most of the structures are in ruins, it is known for its delicate carvings.

Khandigiri & Udaygiri

One of the oldest examples of Jain rock-cut architecture in Odisha, the hills have a total of 33-rock caves, of which 18 have been excavated on the Udayagiri hills. Rani Gumpha, Ananta Gumpha and Navamuni Gumpha are some of the famous caves on the hills.

Chausath Yogini Temple

A small circular temple on the outskirts of Bhubaneswa, this hypaethral structure belongs to a genre of architecture completely differnt from the major Odishan school.  Situated in a hamlet called Hirapur, the temple is believed to have been built by Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during the 9th century. Locally known as Mahamaya Mandir, this shrine was discovered in 1953 by Kedarnath Mahapatra of the Odisha State Museum. The image of the ten-armed presiding deity of the pitha, worshipped as Mahamaya is the largest among the Yoginis, standing in different postures, and each exhibiting a distinct coiffure.

Barabati Fort

This 14th-century fort built by the Ganga dynasty is near Cuttack. The fort is built on the top of the delta formed by Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers.  Moat, gate, and the earthen mound of the nine-storey palace are all that remains of the fort, from where one can have a spectacular view of the modern Cuttack city. Barabati Stadium, which hosts international cricket matches, and Katak Chandi Temple is situation close to the fort.