About Emami Jagannath Temple
The Emami Jagannath Temple, located on the outskirts of Balasore town in Odisha, is a stunning modern-day spiritual destination inspired by the sacred Jagannath Temple of Puri. Built and maintained by the Emami Group, this temple is a magnificent replica made with white sandstone, blending divine architecture with serene surroundings.
Though constructed recently, the temple has quickly become one of the most visited spots in the region. Its grand structure, peaceful gardens, and intricate carvings attract both pilgrims and tourists alike. For riders, it offers a short but enriching escape filled with devotion, design, and open roads.
The temple complex houses idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra — just like the main shrine in Puri. There's also a beautiful pond, wide stone steps, and well-maintained greenery, making it a perfect place to rest, meditate, or enjoy photography.
Architecture & Surroundings
Emami Jagannath Temple showcases a beautiful mix of traditional Odia temple design and modern construction quality. Made of white sandstone, it stands tall against the backdrop of open sky, creating a serene visual. The entrance arch resembles Puri’s Singha Dwara, while the temple tower reflects the Kalinga architectural style.
The temple complex is spacious, with walking paths, flower gardens, and sitting areas. Visitors are allowed to move around freely and take photographs, unlike many traditional temples. As the sun sets, the temple is lit up with soft golden lights, giving it a magical glow — perfect for evening darshan or group photos.
Ride Start
We started our ride from Bhubaneswar in the morning, heading north via NH16. The roads were smooth, and traffic was light, giving us a relaxed ride. The distance is around 200 km, easily covered in a few hours. The moment we entered Balasore, the signboards for the Emami Temple started appearing, guiding us through a short detour.
Temple Arrival & Darshan
On reaching the temple, we parked our bikes near the main entrance and stepped into an atmosphere of peace. The white stone glowed under the daylight. Inside, the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were beautifully decorated. Soft devotional music played in the background. The temple priests and staff were friendly, guiding visitors calmly and respectfully.
After offering prayers, we sat near the pond, soaked in the view, and clicked a few memorable photos. The cool breeze, quiet surroundings, and open sky gave us a refreshing pause in our journey.
Nearby Places to Explore
After visiting the Emami Temple, some of us took a short ride to Chandipur Beach, known for its disappearing tides. Others visited Khirachora Gopinatha Temple in nearby Remuna. These spots make the Emami Jagannath visit part of a full spiritual and scenic circuit in Balasore district.
Return Ride & Experience
We began our return ride after a light snack at a local dhaba. The journey back was filled with quiet smiles and relaxed energy. The Emami Temple wasn’t about tradition or distance — it was about modern devotion, open space, and peaceful energy that stays with you even after you leave.
Conclusion: New-Age Devotion
Emami Jagannath Temple is a shining example of how faith can find new expressions without losing its roots. It combines architecture, accessibility, and spiritual calm in one clean, open space. For Biking Brothers Odisha, this ride was short, simple, but deeply satisfying. It reminded us that devotion doesn’t always require centuries-old temples — sometimes, all it takes is a clear road and a quiet prayer. Jai Jagannath!