Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar: A must visit temple for religious tourists

Popular as one of the top tourist attractions in the city, Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar was built and is currently run by a private trust. Thousands of visitors come to the temple from all over India and there are many budget hotels in Bhubaneswar for accommodation. Here are a few things to know about this fascinating temple:

• As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the characters in the Ramayana - Rama, Lakshman, and Sita. The temple is located in the heart of Bhubaneshwar and the spire at the top of the temple is visible throughout the city.

• The temple consists of a large cylindrically shaped structure surrounded by six smaller structures, each constructed with red sandstone. There are beautifully painted idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva inside that are major attractions. Tourists come to this temple throughout the year and many new hotels in Bhubaneswar have opened recently.

• The Ram Mandir looks really magnificent at night when the large spires are decorated with colorful lights and the place is packed with devotees. The temple is known for its neat and clean surroundings and can be a model for other Hindu temples.

• Some of the major festivals celebrated here are Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Dussehra and Vivaha Panchami. The aarthi prayers that are conducted every morning and evening always attracts devotees. There is also a fair organized each year on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Getting to the Ram Mandir is quite easy as it is well-connected by railways, roads and the nearest airport is only five kilometers away.