Cultural

heritage of
odisha
A Journey Through the
Land of Art, Tradition,
and Spirituality
Introduction
• Odisha, a state on the eastern coast of
India, is renowned for its rich cultural
heritage, deeply rooted in history,
spirituality, and artistic traditions. It is a
land where ancient temples, classical
dance, vibrant festivals, and exquisite
handicrafts blend seamlessly to create a
unique cultural identity. The state has
preserved its traditions for centuries,
making it a significant center of Indian
heritage.From the magnificent Jagannath
Temple in Puri and the stunning Konark
Sun Temple to the graceful movements of
Odissi dance and the intricate
craftsmanship of Pattachitra paintings and
silver filigree, Odisha's culture reflects a
deep connection to devotion and artistry.
The state is also known for its tribal
heritage, with over 60 indigenous
communities contributing to its diverse
traditions.The grand Rath Yatra festival,
the soulful melodies of Odissi music, and
the delectable flavors of Odisha’s cuisine,
including the famous Mahaprasad of
Ancient temples of odisha

• Odisha has a glorious historical and architectural heritage, dating back to ancient
times. The state is known for its magnificent temples, rock-cut caves, and historic
monuments that showcase the grandeur of Kalinga architecture and the artistic
excellence of past civilizations.
• 1. Ancient Temples of OdishaOdisha is often called the "Land of Temples", with
thousands of temples reflecting its rich spiritual and architectural legacy.
• Konark Sun Temple (13th Century, UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Built by King
Narasimhadeva I, this temple is shaped like a colossal chariot with intricately
carved stone wheels, pillars, and sculptures.
• Jagannath Temple, Puri (12th Century) – One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites,
dedicated to Lord Jagannath, famous for the annual Rath Yatra.
• Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (11th Century) – A masterpiece of Kalinga
architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Mukteswar Temple, Bhubaneswar (10th Century) – Known as the "Gem of Odisha
Architecture," famous for its exquisite stone arch and sculptures.
• Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar (11th Century) – Unique for its absence of deities
and its beautiful carvings of celestial musicians and dancers.
Rockcut cave and Buddhist heritage
Udaya giri and Khandagiri Caves (2nd Century BCE) –
Ancient Jain rock-cut caves built during the reign of King
Kharavela, featuring inscriptions and carvings.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa (3rd Century BCE) – A Buddhist stupa
marking the site of the Kalinga War, where Emperor
Ashoka embraced Buddhism.
• Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri – Ancient Buddhist
monasteries forming the Diamond Triangle of Odisha,
showcasing relics of Buddhist art and culture
Forts and historical monuments

• Barabati Fort, Cuttack – Built in the 14th century by the

Ganga dynasty, this fort symbolizes Odisha’s military
history.
• Sisupalgarh, Bhubaneswar – One of the oldest fortified cities
in India, dating back to 3rd century BCE, with remains of
ancient urban planning.
• Jaugada, Ganjam – A site with Ashokan rock edicts,
highlighting Odisha’s role in early
Colonial and modern heritage
• Cuttack’s British-Era Buildings – The
High Court, Ravenshaw College, and
Barabati Stadium reflect colonial
influence.
• Netaji Birthplace Museum, Cuttack –
The ancestral home of Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose, preserving historical
artifacts.
 Historical and Architectural
Heritage
• KONARK TEMPLE
• The Konark Sun Temple is a
13th-century Hindu temple in
Odisha, India, dedicated to the
Sun God, Surya. Built by King
Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern
Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE,
the temple is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and an
architectural marvel of Indian
history.
• Architectural FeaturesDesigned
in the shape of a gigantic chariot
with 24 intricately carved stone
wheels.The temple was
originally crowned by a huge
magnetic lodestone, believed to
Mystery & decline
• The main sanctum (Garbhagriha) is no longer
standing, possibly due to natural disasters or
invasions.The temple’s alignment allows the first
rays of the sun to pass through the Nata Mandir
(dance hall) and illuminate the idol of Surya.
Jagannath temple

• The Jagannath Temple is a famous

Hindu temple in Puri, Odisha, India,
dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form
of Vishnu. It is one of the Char Dham
pilgrimage sites and is known for its
grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival),
where the deities Jagannath,
Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken
on massive wooden chariots.
• Built: 12th century by King
Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of
the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• Architecture: Kalinga style with a
towering shikhara (dome).Main
Deities: Jagannath, Balabhadra, and
Subhadra.
Mysteries
• The temple flag always flutters in the opposite
direction of the wind.No birds fly above the
temple.The temple's prasad (food) is never
wasted, regardless of the number of devotees.
 Lingaraj Temple
• Lingaraj Temple is a famous Hindu temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It is one of the
oldest and largest temples in the city, built in
the 11th century by King Jajati Keshari of the
Somavamsi dynasty. The temple showcases
the Kalinga style of architecture with intricate
carvings, a massive tower (vimana) rising to
about 180 feet, and a large courtyard housing
numerous shrines

• The temple is an important pilgrimage site and

a major attraction in Bhubaneswar. Unlike
many other Shiva temples, the main deity,
Lingaraj, is worshipped as Harihara, a
combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. The
temple complex also has the sacred Bindu
Sagar lake nearby, believed to have holy water
with curative properties.
 Rajarani Temple

• Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar

boasts of distinctive charm. It was
constructed in the 11th century
from reddish and yellow sandstone
called Rajarani in the local dialect.
Also, the shrine is famous
amongst the natives as the Love
Temple because of the erotic
carvings of couples and women in
the sanctum sanctorum.
• The temple was initially known as
Indreswara temple devoted to the
worship of Lord Shiva.
Mukteswar Temple

• Built-in the 10th century,

Mukteswar temple
belongs to the
Somavamshi Dynasty
and is believed to be
sculpted by Yayati-I.
Mukteshvara Temple also
emerged as a popular
religious tourist
attraction in Odisha for
its architecture which
symbolizes the
innovation in Kalinga
style of architecture. The
Khandagiri and Udaya giri
caves
• Udayagiri Caves: Udayagiri ("Sunrise
Hill") has 18 caves, including the
famous Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave),
known for its elaborate carvings, and
Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave), which
contains King Kharavela’s inscription
detailing his conquests and patronage
of Jainism
• Udayagiri CavesUdayagiri ("Sunrise
Hill") has 18 caves, including the
famous Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave),
known for its elaborate carvings, and
Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave), which
contains King Kharavela’s inscription
detailing his conquests and patronage
of Jainism
Significance
• These caves served as dwellings for Jain
monks.The inscriptions provide valuable
historical insights into Kharavela’s reign.The site
is an important religious and tourist destination.
Odishi dance

Odissi Dance – A Classical Marvel

One of the oldest classical dance
forms of India.
Expresses stories from Hindu
mythology, especially Lord Krishna’s
life.
Famous Odissi dancers: Kelucharan
Mohapatra, Sonal Mansingh.
• Characterized by graceful
movements and elaborate
costumes.
 Silver Filigree
• Silver Filigree (Tarakasi) –
Delicate silver jewelry
craftsmanship from Cuttack.
• Silver Filigree in Odisha (locally
known as Tarakasi) is a
traditional craft practiced mainly
in Cuttack, known as the "Silver
City of India." This art form dates
back over 500 years and reflects
a blend of Mughal and local Odia
craftsmanship.Odisha’s silver
filigree involves twisting fine
silver wires into intricate
designs, often inspired by nature,
temples, and mythology. It is
used to make jewelry, decorative
items, and especially ornaments
for Lord Jagannath’s chariot
during the Rath Yatra. Skilled
artisans create detailed patterns
using techniques like granulation
and openwork, making Tarakasi
Applique work of pipli
• Pipli applique work is a traditional
handicraft from Pipili, a town in Odisha,
India. It is a vibrant and decorative art
form that involves stitching colorful fabric
pieces onto a base cloth to create intricate
patterns and designs. This craft is closely
associated with the Jagannath Temple in
Puri, as artisans traditionally made
chanduas (canopies) and banners for
temple rituals and festivals.
• • Features of pipli Applique work:-
• 1. Bright Colors – Uses fabrics like red,
yellow, green, and blue.
• 2. Intricate Motifs – Designs include floral
patterns, animals (elephants, peacocks,
parrots), mythological figures, and
geometric shapes.
• 3. Hand & Machine Stitching – The motifs
are cut out and stitched onto the base
fabric with embroidery, mirror work, or
patchwork.
Sambalpuri and Bomkai Saree
Sambalpuri and Bomkai sarees are two of the most famous handwoven sarees from
Odisha, India. Both are known for their unique weaving techniques, vibrant colors,
and cultural significance.
• Sambalpuri SareeOrigin: Western Odisha (mainly in districts like Bargarh,
Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Balangir)
• Weaving Technique: Ikat or Bandha (tie-and-dye process)
• Designs: Geometric patterns, floral motifs, conch shells, and traditional Odisha
symbols like the "Sankha" (conch), "Chakra" (wheel), and "Phula" (flowers)Fabric:
Cotton, silk, tussar
• Significance: The entire pattern is created before weaving by tying and dyeing
the yarn in a specific sequence
• Popular Types: Sonepuri, Pasapalli (checkerboard pattern), Bichitrapuri.
• Bomkai Saree (Sonepuri Saree)Origin: Southern
Odisha (Ganjam, Sonepur)
• Weaving Technique: Extra weft technique – additional
threads create beautiful designs directly on the loom
.
• Designs & Motifs: Tribal, temple, floral, and fish
motifs (symbolizing prosperity).
• Fabric: Cotton and silk, with contrasting borders and
intricate pallus .
• Significance: Popular among classical dancers and
during special occasions.
 Festivals of odisha
• Ratha Yatra
• Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is
one of the grandest Hindu festivals dedicated to
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It
symbolizes the annual journey of the deities from
the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their
aunt’s home, and their return after nine days.
• Three Grand Chariots:
• Nandighosa – Lord Jagannath (45 ft high, 18
wheels)
• Taladhwaja – Lord Balabhadra (44 ft high, 16
wheels)
• Darpadalana – Devi Subhadra (43 ft high, 14
wheels)
• The chariots are newly built every year using
sacred wood.
• Pulling the chariots is considered highly auspicious
and brings blessings.
• “Pahandi Bije” – The grand procession of deities to
the chariots.
• “Hera Panchami” – Devi Lakshmi’s symbolic visit to
the chariots.
• The festival attracts millions of devotees from
around the world.
Music and folk arts
• Odishi Music – Classical music style with devotional
themes.
• Daskathia & Pala – Traditional storytelling performances.
• Ghumura Dance – A warrior dance form with drums.
• Sambalpuri Folk Dance – High-energy group dance with
colorful attire.