Odisha is a state in eastern India with a diverse religious landscape, with people following various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Christianity, among others. The state has a rich history of religion, with evidence of ancient religious practices dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
The earliest evidence of religion in Odisha can be found in the rock-cut caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, which were used by Jain monks for meditation and worship. The state has also been home to several ancient Hindu temples, including the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, which dates back to the 12th century.
Hinduism is the predominant religion in the state, with around 94% of the population following the religion. The state is home to several famous temples, including the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, the Sun Temple in Konark, and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.
Apart from Hinduism, Odisha has also been influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. The state has several Buddhist and Jain sites, including the Ratnagiri and Udayagiri Buddhist caves and the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain caves.
Islam and Christianity have also been present in Odisha since the medieval period. The state has several mosques and churches, with the Muslim and Christian population concentrated in certain parts of the state.
Religious festivals are an important part of the culture in Odisha, with several festivals celebrated throughout the year. Some of the popular festivals include Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Eid-ul-Fitr, among others.
In conclusion, religion has played a significant role in the history and culture of Odisha. The state has a rich religious heritage, with people following various religions and celebrating several festivals throughout the year.
Web List of Websites related to religion in the state of Orissa. All temples, churches, mosques and other centres of worship and other religious websites are listed here.