Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is often called the “Temple City of India”—and for good reason. With over 500 ancient temples, this city is not just a modern urban hub but also a living museum of India’s spiritual and architectural past. At the heart of this legacy lies Ekamra Kshetra, a sacred temple complex that showcases the city’s soul and history like no other.
What Makes Ekamra Kshetra Special?
Ekamra Kshetra, spread over an area of 10.73 square kilometers, is one of the oldest temple clusters in India, with structures dating as far back as the 6th century AD. This region is believed to be sacred to Lord Shiva and is home to more than 70 temples, ponds, heritage water tanks, and traditional rituals that still thrive today.
What’s more, Ekamra Kshetra has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List, thanks to its distinctive Kalinga-style temple architecture, religious significance, and cultural vibrancy.
Key Temples to Visit in Ekamra Kshetra
Lingaraj Temple
- Dedicated to Lord Harihara (a combined form of Lord Shiva and Vishnu), this 11th-century marvel is Bhubaneswar’s spiritual and architectural crown jewel.
- The temple features soaring towers, intricate carvings, and a sacred water tank called Bindusagar.
Mukteswar Temple
- Known for its ornate torana (gateway) and beautifully detailed stonework, this 10th-century temple is often called the “Gem of Odisha architecture.”
- It also hosts the Mukteswar Dance Festival, celebrating classical Odissi dance.
Rajarani Temple
Unique for not housing any deity, this temple is admired for its sculptural elegance and stands as a masterpiece of red sandstone construction.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple
- Unlike most others in the region, this 13th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- It is one of the rare temples in Bhubaneswar with active daily rituals that mirror those at the famed Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Ekamra Kshetra is not just a historical site—it’s a living, breathing part of Odisha’s cultural identity. During major festivals like Shivaratri, Ratha Yatra, and Durga Puja, the temple complex transforms into a vibrant hub of devotion, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across India and beyond.
The area also retains ancient traditions such as ritual bathing in sacred ponds, offerings to temple deities, and heritage temple kitchen practices that have been passed down through generations.
Modernisation & Preservation: The Ekamra Kshetra Development Plan
To protect and enhance this invaluable heritage site, the Government of Odisha launched the Ekamra Kshetra Development Project in 2020. Covering 1,126 acres, the plan aims to modernize infrastructure while preserving the region’s sacred character.
Key initiatives include:
- Revamping the Bindusagar lake and surrounding temples
- Creating heritage pathways and plazas for pilgrims and tourists
- Developing parking areas, green zones, and eco-friendly e-vehicle systems
- Establishing a state-of-the-art interpretation center to educate visitors
Efforts are also underway to dismantle unauthorized constructions between Lingaraj Temple and Bindusagar, allowing better access to other hidden temples like Bindhyabasini, Bhabanishankar, Sukashari, and Mohini temples.
Bhubaneswar: More Than Just a Capital
While Bhubaneswar today is a rapidly growing smart city, a center for education, IT, and tourism, its roots go deep into India’s ancient past. The old city area, especially around Ekamra Kshetra, is a treasure trove of mythology, architecture, and ritual life that has remained largely intact for over 2,000 years.
Interestingly, Bhubaneswar was also one of modern India’s first planned cities, designed by German architect Otto Königsberger post-independence in 1948. It now forms part of the Golden Triangle of Odisha, along with Puri and Konark, and is one of eastern India’s most visited cultural circuits.
Why You Should Visit Ekamra Kshetra
Whether you’re a history buff, spiritual seeker, architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveler, Ekamra Kshetra offers a rare chance to experience India’s layered history in a single walk. From massive stone temples to hidden shrines, sacred tanks to dance festivals, this area is where past and present coexist in harmony.
Known as the “Temple City of India,” Bhubaneswar is a vibrant fusion of history, spirituality, and modernity. It forms part of the Golden Triangle with Puri and Konark, attracting domestic and international tourists alike. From historical sites like Dhauli and Udayagiri Caves to nature escapes like Nandankanan Zoo and Chilika Lake, Bhubaneswar is a dynamic destination that blends culture, eco-tourism, and smart-city innovation—making it ideal for both leisure and cultural exploration.
If you’re planning a visit to Odisha, make Ekamra Kshetra your first stop—because here, every stone has a story, and every street echoes with the chants of centuries gone by.