A Morning Among Temples: My Final Walk Through Bhubaneswar

Overview: With my return train scheduled for the afternoon, I decided to make the most of the quiet morning hours in Bhubaneswar, exploring a few temples that were still left on my list. What followed was not just a checklist of monuments, but a deeply immersive walk through a city that truly earns its title the "Temple City" of India.

Chausath Yogini Temple: Sacred and Surreal

I began my day at the Chausath Yogini Temple, located slightly away from the city’s bustle. Set atop a small hillock, this circular, open-air temple felt unlike anything I had seen before. Dedicated to the 64 Yoginis, the temple has an almost mystical aura, especially in the early morning light. The absence of a roof, the weathered stone figures, and the quiet surroundings create an atmosphere that feels powerful and ancient as though time has paused here.

Bhaskareshwara Temple: The Rising Sun

Next, I visited the Bhaskareshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his solar aspect. True to its name, the temple beautifully catches the morning sun, illuminating the sanctum in a way that feels intentional and symbolic. The simplicity of the structure, combined with its precise orientation, reflects the deep astronomical and architectural knowledge of the temple builders.

Rajarani, Brahmeshwara & Bhimeshwara Temples: Elegance in Stone

From there, I moved on to the Brahmeshwara Temple, one of the finest examples of early Kalinga architecture. The intricate carvings, decorative panels, and balanced proportions make it a visual delight. Close by lies the Bhimeshwara Temple, smaller and quieter, yet equally graceful. These temples don’t demand attention they reward patience. Standing before them, you notice details only when you slow down.

Around Lingaraj Temple: The Soul of Bhubaneswar

I then spent time walking around the Lingaraj Temple complex, without entering the main shrine. The area around Lingaraj is a world in itself clusters of ancient subsidiary temples, sacred water tanks, narrow lanes, and everyday life unfolding against a backdrop of history. Each temple here, big or small, seems to carry its own story, its own rhythm of worship.

A City Built on Faith and Form

By the end of the morning, one thought stayed with me, Bhubaneswar is not just a city with temples; it is a city shaped by temples. The skyline, the streets, and even the silence feel influenced by centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. The Kalinga architectural style, with its soaring shikharas and detailed stonework, repeats itself like a familiar refrain, yet never feels monotonous.

As I made my way back to prepare for the journey home, I felt grateful for those unhurried hours. Exploring Bhubaneswar’s temples in the calm of the morning offered the perfect conclusion to my Odisha trip, quiet, profound, and deeply rooted in history.

Some cities impress you.
Others stay with you.
Bhubaneswar does both.