Many of the East India temples are very ancient. They mirror the Nagara style of architecture, and are located in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar. Of all the Pilgrimage centers across the country, well known pilgrimage centers are infact situated in eastern India. According to many Hindu devotees, the Puri Jagannath Temple and the Konark Temple are the most significant pilgrimage centers for them and many visit these temples without fail every year. The most famous of the east India temples are in the state of Orissa. Jagannath Temple: Located in the town of Puri in Orissa this temple is dedicated to the Lord Jagannath and was stated to be built by Chodaganga Deva in the 12th century A.D. The Rath Yatra at this temple is hugely popular and is celebrated with zest and gaiety by lakhs of devotees visiting the temple during the months of June and July every year for 10 days. Apart from this many other festival like Snan Yatra, Ganesh Puja or the Chandan Yatra are also celebrated amidst much fanfare, making this temple one of the best in all the east India temples. Konark or Sun Temple: This glorious temple was constructed by Narasinha Deva of Ganga dynasty during the 13th century. It is considered as one of the seven wonders of India and recognized as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. The temple is in the form of a chariot with twenty four elegantly decorated wheels, and seven horses that showcases immaculate stone carving art. The chariot belongs to the Sun God and the temple is dedicated to him. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple: Located at Dakshineshwar in Calcutta on the banks of the most sacred river Ganga, this temple was built around 1885 and is dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Lakhs of devotees throng this temple on `amabasya` held every month or on Kali Puja held annually. Bodhi Temple: This is the most sacred Budhist temple located in the state of Bihar about 100 kms from Patna. It is believed that the Lord Buddha has received enlightenment exactly at this place and a descendent of the Banyan Tree under which he supposedly attained the enlightenment is present at the site even today. Please also visit: Temples in Arunanchal Pradesh Temples in Manipur Temples in Meghalaya Temples in Sikkim Temples in Bihar Temples in Orissa Temples in Assam Temples in Jharkhand Temples in West Bengal Temples in Tripura Advertisement

