Bhubaneswar has a profound spiritual heritage. Historically a Shaivite center, it is said to have once housed over 7,000 temples, earning its moniker as the "Temple City."
* **Hinduism:** The majority of the population is Hindu. The Old Town is densely packed with active ancient temples, including Lingaraj, Ananta Vasudeva, and Kedar Gouri. The modern **Ram Mandir** in the city center is also a major landmark. * **Jainism & Buddhism:** The city honors its ancient Jain heritage at the Khandagiri caves and its Buddhist history at nearby Dhauli. * **Other Faiths:** The city is highly cosmopolitan and secular, home to several prominent mosques (such as the Jama Masjid in Unit-4), historic churches (like the Church of Christ and Union Church), and a Sikh Gurudwara, all contributing to a peaceful, multicultural community.
