From the churches in Kolkata of British era and imposing Hindu stone temples in Odisha, to the Buddhist temples and stupas in Bihar and Tibetan Buddhist gompas in Sikkim and North East, the states of eastern India vibrantly showcase religious history, relevance and worship.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is the most prominent standing embodiment of Buddhism in India, marking the very site where Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The majestic Buddhist vihara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lingaraja Temple, Odisha
Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha is an exquisite Hindu temple dedicated to Harihara. The largest temple in Bhubaneswar with the central tower standing tall at 55 metres, it is one of the major tourist attractions of the state, with an average footfall of 6,000 every day and lakhs during festivals.
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
The magnificent Sun Temple of Konark, Odisha is designed in the form of a huge chariot of the Sun God, Surya. Dating back to the 13th century CE, the temple"s highlights include elaborately carved stone wheels which number twelve pairs, each 3 metres wide and pulled by a set of seven horses.
Jagannath Temple, Puri
Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha is a sacred Vaishnava temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimages anyone should make in one`s lifetime. Established in the 12th century, it is famous for the annual Ratha Yatra, wherein the three principal deities are hauled on huge intricately ornamented temple cars.
St. Paul`s Cathedral, Kolkata
St. Paul"s Cathedral in Kolkata, West Bengal is a popular Anglican cathedral noted for its Indo-Gothic architecture. The seat of the Diocese of Calcutta, it was completed in 1847 and said to be the largest cathedral in Kolkata, also the first built in the overseas territory of British Empire.
Nakhoda Masjid, Kolkata
Nakhoda Masjid is the principal mosque of Kolkata in the Chitpur area of Burrabazar business district. It was built as an emulation of Mughal Emperor Akbar"s mausoleum at Sikandra, Agra. A total cost of 1,500,000 INR was incurred in its completion. The prayer hall has a capacity of 10,000.
Temple of Nalanda, Bihar
A temple that once served as the abode of Buddhists in ancient India is a part of archaeological site of Nalanda ruins excavated in Bihar. Standing at the southern extremity, the temple architecture displays pictograms of Buddhist scholars and logicians Aryabhata, Aryadeva, Dharmapala, Nagarjuna, Padmasambhava and Chinese Buddhist traveller Hiuen Tsang.
Monasteries in East India
Sikkim and North East states possess a plethora of vibrant Tibetan Buddhist gompas which are prominent destinations on tourists" itinerary. These include Rumtek and Enchey monasteries in Sikkim and Bomdila Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh.