The Raghunathjew Temple stands at Odagaon in Nayagarh district and is an important Rama pilgrimage centre of Odisha. Its wooden images of Raghunath, Sita and Lakshmana are the focus of worship. The temple is built in the Kalinga style and is topped by three gold kalashas. The annual Ramanavami Yatra, lasting nine days, draws pilgrims from across the region. According to tradition, the poet Upendra Bhanja composed the Baidehisha Vilasa at the feet of Raghunath here.
quick facts
- district
Nayagarh
- best time to visit
The nine-day Ramanavami Yatra, held each year at the temple, is the main festival period.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Check the Ramanavami dates before planning a festival visit
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Keep the temple premises clean
- Plan the road journey in daylight
avoid
- Do not litter in the temple area
- Do not disturb worshippers during rituals
- Do not touch the images or the sanctum without permission
how to reach
The temple is about 115 to 126 km from Bhubaneswar, depending on the source, and about 26 km from Nayagarh, the district headquarters, by road.
address: Odagaon, Nayagarh district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
The temple is an important Rama pilgrimage centre of Odisha, with wooden images of Raghunath, Sita and Lakshmana in the sanctum.
Local tradition links it with the 17th century poet Upendra Bhanja, who is said to have composed his work Baidehisha Vilasa here.
history
Sources do not agree on the age of the temple. Wikipedia describes it as dating from the Middle Ages, while the Odisha government's Nayagarh district page gives a much later date of about 1903. The date should therefore be treated as unsettled.
The district history records that King Raghunath Singh (1565 to 1595) took Odagaon, Sarankul and the Baunsiapara area from the Ranapur estate, but the sources do not clearly tie him to the founding of the temple.
According to a popular tradition, Kavisamrat Upendra Bhanja wrote the Baidehisha Vilasa here at the feet of Raghunath.
what to see
The temple is described as built in the Kalinga style and topped by three gold kalashas. Sources give different weights for the gold, around 45 to 47 kg, so the figure is not certain.
rituals and festivals
- Ramanavami Yatra, a nine-day festival held every year at the temple
nearby
- Ladukeswar Temple, Sarankul, in the same district
other temples nearby1
questions visitors ask
Who is worshipped at the Raghunathjew Temple?
Wooden images of Raghunath (Rama), Sita and Lakshmana are enshrined and worshipped in the temple.
When is the main festival?
The Ramanavami Yatra is held every year at the temple and lasts nine days.
How far is the temple from Bhubaneswar?
It is about 115 to 126 km from Bhubaneswar, depending on the source, and about 26 km from Nayagarh town.