The month of Shravan holds a special place in the religious traditions of Odisha. During this sacred period, devotees of Lord Shiva visit temples, observe fasting, offer water to the Shiva Lingam and take part in different forms of worship.
For many devotees, Shravan is also a time for pilgrimage. Some travel to nearby temples, while others undertake longer journeys as part of the Bol Bom tradition.
Odisha is home to numerous ancient and culturally important Shiva temples. From the historic temples of Bhubaneswar to hilltop shrines and temples beside rivers, each destination offers a different pilgrimage experience.
If you are planning a Shiva temple visit during Shravan 2026, here are some of the temples worth considering.
1. Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Odisha and a major religious landmark in Bhubaneswar.
The temple is particularly important for devotees interested in Odisha’s ancient Shaiva traditions and Kalinga temple architecture.
During religious occasions, the temple attracts large numbers of devotees. If you are planning a Shravan visit, check the latest temple rules and arrangements before travelling.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Major Shiva pilgrimage destination
- Historic religious importance
- Important example of Kalinga architecture
- Located in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar
- Suitable for combining with other nearby temples
2. Dhabaleswar Temple, Cuttack
Shri Dhabaleswara Mahadev Temple is situated on an island in the Mahanadi River and is one of Odisha’s well-known Shiva pilgrimage destinations.
The setting makes a visit to Dhabaleswar different from visiting a city temple. The river, surrounding landscape and pilgrimage atmosphere create a distinctive experience.
Dhabaleswar is especially associated with major Shiva-related observances, attracting devotees from different parts of Odisha.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Sacred Shiva shrine
- Located in the Mahanadi River setting
- Popular pilgrimage destination
- Good choice for a day trip from Cuttack and nearby areas
3. Kapilash Temple, Dhenkanal
Kapilash is often associated with the title “Kailash of Odisha.” The temple dedicated to Lord Chandrasekhar, a form of Shiva, is located on Kapilash Hill in Dhenkanal district.
The Government of Odisha notes that the main temple is reached by a long climb of nearly 2,000 steps, making the pilgrimage physically demanding as well as spiritually significant.
The hill surroundings also give Kapilash a very different atmosphere from the large urban temples of Bhubaneswar.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Hilltop Shiva temple
- Scenic natural surroundings
- Strong pilgrimage tradition
- Traditional connection with Shiva worship
- Unique experience for devotees who enjoy pilgrimage walks
If you plan to climb the hill, carry drinking water and allow sufficient time for rest.
4. Lokanath Temple, Puri
Loknath Temple Rd is associated with the famous Lokanath Temple in Puri.
According to the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Commission, the temple is about 2.5 km west of the Jagannath Temple and is regarded as one of the important Shaiva shrines of Odisha.
Its location also makes it possible to combine a Shiva pilgrimage with a wider visit to Puri’s religious and cultural attractions.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Important Shiva shrine in Puri
- Strong connection with local religious traditions
- Can be included in a Puri pilgrimage itinerary
- Suitable for devotees visiting the city during Shravan
5. Mukteshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar
Mukteshwar Temple is one of the most recognizable historic temples in Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is particularly interesting for visitors who want to combine spirituality with Odisha’s architectural heritage. Its detailed stone carvings and distinctive torana make it an important part of Bhubaneswar’s temple landscape.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Historic Kalinga architectural style
- Beautiful stone carvings
- Convenient for a temple tour of Bhubaneswar
6. Gupteswar Temple, Koraput
Gupteswar is a distinctive Shiva pilgrimage destination located in the Koraput region of southern Odisha.
Unlike large urban temples, Gupteswar offers a more natural and pilgrimage-oriented experience. The shrine is associated with a cave setting and is surrounded by the scenic landscape of southern Odisha.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Cave-based Shiva shrine
- Natural surroundings
- Important pilgrimage destination in southern Odisha
- Different experience from the major city temples
Visitors should check local access and travel conditions before planning a trip to the area.
7. Harishankar Temple, Balangir
Harishankar Temple is located in the Gandhamardan hills and is notable for its association with both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The surrounding hills and natural environment make this an attractive destination for devotees who want to combine pilgrimage with a peaceful nature experience.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Hill and forest surroundings
- Shiva and Vishnu traditions
- Important religious destination in western Odisha
- Suitable for a pilgrimage combined with sightseeing
8. Akhandalamani Temple, Bhadrak
Akhandalamani Temple at Aradi in Bhadrak district is another important Shiva shrine in Odisha.
The temple is located near the Baitarani River and has a strong regional religious following.
Akhandalamani Temple Aradi
Why visit during Shravan?
- Important Shiva temple in northern Odisha
- Riverside religious setting
- Strong local devotional tradition
- Suitable for pilgrims travelling through Bhadrak and surrounding districts
9. Ladukeswar Temple, Nayagarh
Ladukeswar, also known as Ladu Baba Temple, is another interesting Shiva pilgrimage destination in Odisha.
The temple’s traditions and architecture make it worth considering for travellers who want to explore Shiva shrines beyond the most famous temples.
Why visit during Shravan?
- Regional Shiva pilgrimage destination
- Distinctive local traditions
- Good option for exploring Odisha’s lesser-known temples
Which Shiva Temple Should You Visit During Shravan?
The best temple depends on the type of pilgrimage experience you want.
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Historic temple in a major city | Lingaraj Temple |
| River-island pilgrimage | Dhabaleswar Temple |
| Hill pilgrimage | Kapilash Temple |
| Shiva temple in Puri | Lokanath Temple |
| Architecture and heritage | Mukteshwar Temple |
| Cave and nature experience | Gupteswar Temple |
| Hills and Shiva-Vishnu tradition | Harishankar Temple |
| Northern Odisha pilgrimage | Akhandalamani Temple |
Best Time to Visit Shiva Temples During Shravan
Shravan Mondays are traditionally important for Shiva devotees, so temples can become particularly busy on these days.
If your priority is a quieter visit, consider checking local temple schedules and visiting outside peak periods where permitted.
Before travelling, check:
- Temple opening hours
- Special Shravan arrangements
- Local traffic restrictions
- Parking or transport arrangements
- Crowd conditions
- Weather conditions
- Temple-specific rules for offerings and entry
Bol Bom and Shiva Temple Visits in Odisha
Shravan is also closely associated with the Bol Bom tradition in Odisha.
Devotees may collect holy water and carry it in a kanwar while travelling toward a Shiva temple. For some pilgrims, the journey itself is an important part of their religious observance.
Popular Shiva temples and pilgrimage routes can become particularly busy during the Shravan season.
If you are planning to participate in Bol Bom in 2026, check the relevant Odia Calendar 2026 for Shravan dates and important tithis.
What to Carry for a Shravan Temple Visit
A short temple visit may require very little preparation, but a longer pilgrimage requires more planning.
Consider carrying:
- Drinking water
- Comfortable clothing
- Necessary medicines
- Identification and essential documents
- A small amount of cash
- Phone and emergency contact information
- Appropriate footwear for the journey
If you are undertaking a traditional pilgrimage, follow the customs and rules applicable to your particular religious practice.
Important Note About Shravan Dates
Shravan dates are based on the lunar calendar and can differ depending on regional calendar traditions.
For devotees in Odisha, it is best to consult an Odia Panjika for the applicable Shravan dates, Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya and other religious observances.
Do not rely on dates from another regional calendar without checking whether they apply to Odisha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most famous Shiva temple in Odisha?
Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the most famous and important Shiva temples in Odisha.
Which Shiva temple in Odisha is located on a hill?
Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal is a prominent hilltop Shiva temple. The Government of Odisha describes Kapilash as the “Kailash of Odisha.”
Which Shiva temple can I visit in Puri?
Lokanath Temple is one of the important Shaiva shrines in Puri and is located about 2.5 km west of the Jagannath Temple, according to the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Commission.
Which Shiva temple is located in the Mahanadi River?
Dhabaleswar Temple is situated on an island in the Mahanadi River and is a popular Shiva pilgrimage destination.
Are Shiva temples crowded during Shravan?
Popular temples can become significantly busier during Shravan, especially on Mondays and other important religious days. Check local arrangements before travelling.
Can I visit these temples during Bol Bom?
Some Shiva temples are destinations for devotees participating in Bol Bom traditions. However, pilgrimage routes, local arrangements and temple practices can vary, so check current local information before starting your journey.
Conclusion
Odisha’s Shiva temples offer much more than places of worship. They represent centuries of religious traditions, local culture, architecture and pilgrimage.
From the grand Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and riverside Dhabaleswar Temple to the hilltop Kapilash Temple and sacred Lokanath Temple in Puri, Shravan provides an excellent opportunity to explore Odisha’s diverse Shiva traditions.
If you are planning a temple visit during Shravan 2026, check the Odia Panjika for the relevant dates and confirm local temple arrangements before travelling.
For more information about Shravan, Bol Bom, Ekadashi and other important religious dates, explore the Odia Calendar 2026 on TheOdiaCalendar.com.