| Address: | Rath Road, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002 |
|---|---|
| How to go: | Daily basis there are numerous train boarding from Howrah to Bhubaneswar |
| Pros: | Architectural value of the temple, communication. |
| Cons: | Nothing such |
| What to visit ? | |
| Company: | Friends, family who love temples |
| Minimum day/time to visit: | 1 day full |
| Locality: | City |
| Expenses: | 500 per head (only visiting temples) |
| More Information: | BBSR is basically a city of temples. Its architectural value attracts visitors and specially photographer all over the world. More the city gets older, the more it's architectural value gets higher. Most preferably You can visit the city by winter to get its photographic value. You can hire auto rickshaw for visiting all the temples or you can use share basis auto if you are with group of friends as all the temples are nearby. But if you are going with family, I suggest you must hire a car. Lingaraj Temple The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Harihara (a fusion of Shiva and Vishnu), is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Constructed in the 11th century by King Jajati Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty, it exemplifies the grandeur of Kalinga architecture with its towering 180-foot central spire and intricate carvings. The temple complex houses over 150 smaller shrines, showcasing a harmonious blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Notably, the sanctum enshrines a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivalinga, symbolizing the divine presence. The temple is a focal point during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Chandan Yatra, attracting thousands of devotees annually. While the inner sanctum remains accessible only to Hindus, a viewing platform allows visitors to appreciate its architectural splendor. The Lingaraj Temple stands as a testament to Odisha's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Rajarani Temple The Rajarani Temple, constructed in the 11th century, stands as a remarkable example of Kalinga architecture. Built using distinctive red and yellow sandstone known as 'Rajarani', the temple is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptural artistry. Unlike many temples, it does not house a presiding deity; instead, it features depictions of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, suggesting its Shaivite origins. The temple's name, 'Rajarani', is derived from the unique sandstone used in its construction. Notably, the temple is devoid of idols within its sanctum, a feature that adds to its architectural intrigue. The Rajarani Temple is also famous for its erotic sculptures, earning it the local moniker 'Love Temple'. These carvings reflect themes of love and human connection, adding a unique dimension to its artistic heritage. The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is a protected monument. It continues to attract visitors for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Ananta Vasudeva Temple The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, constructed in the 13th century by Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, is a significant Vaishnavite shrine in Bhubaneswar. Dedicated to Lord Krishna (Vasudeva), his brother Balarama (Ananta), and sister Subhadra, the temple stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural and religious heritage. Unlike the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the deities here are crafted from black granite, and the temple's design follows the Kalinga architectural style, characterized by its intricate carvings and spires. The temple complex includes the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), a hall for congregational worship (jagamohana), a dance hall (natamandapa), and a hall for offerings (bhogamandapa). The temple's kitchen, known for preparing Mahaprasad (sacred food), operates in a traditional manner, using earthen pots and firewood, reminiscent of the practices at the Jagannath Temple. The Ananta Vasudeva Temple remains a vital center for worship and cultural activities, especially during festivals like Janmashtami, attracting devotees and visitors alike. Yameshwar Temple The Yameshwar Temple, also known as Jameshwar Temple, is a historic 13th–14th century Shiva shrine located in the Old Town of Bhubaneswar. Built during the Eastern Ganga dynasty, it exemplifies Kalinga architecture with a curvilinear sanctum (Rekha Deula) and a pyramidal assembly hall (Pidha Deula). The temple walls feature intricate carvings, including Dikpalas (guardians), Nayikas (female figures), erotic sculptures, and elephant processions, while the sanctum houses a Shiva Linga on a circular Yoni-pitha. Renowned for festivals such as Jiuntia (Dwitvahana Osha), Maha Shivaratri, and Kartika Purnima, the temple is believed to relieve devotees of miseries when visited during Bharani Nakshatra. Despite centuries of natural wear, Yameshwar Temple remains a significant spiritual and architectural landmark, attracting devotees and heritage enthusiasts alike. Parsurameswara Temple The Parsurameswara Temple, constructed around 650 CE during the Shailodbhava dynasty, is one of the oldest surviving temples in Bhubaneswar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it exemplifies early Kalinga architecture, characterized by its curvilinear spire (Shikhara) and the integration of the sanctum (Vimana) with the assembly hall (Jagamohana), a feature that influenced subsequent temple designs in the region. The temple's walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting various deities and mythological scenes, showcasing the artistic prowess of the period. Notably, it is among the earliest temples to feature the Saptamatrikas (Seven Mothers), reflecting the syncretic nature of religious practices during that era. The Parsurameswara Temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Odisha, attracting devotees and visitors interested in exploring the state's spiritual history. Mukteswara Temple The Mukteswara Temple, constructed between 950 and 975 CE during the Somavamshi dynasty, stands as a pinnacle of Kalinga architecture and is often referred to as the "Gem of Odisha Architecture." Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, diamond-shaped lattice windows, and sculptures depicting characters from the Panchatantra tales. Its design marks a significant evolution in temple architecture, bridging early and mature styles, and influencing subsequent structures like the Rajarani and Lingaraj temples. The temple's name, "Mukteswara," translates to "Lord of Freedom," symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Notably, the temple features a unique torana (arched gateway), a characteristic not found in other regional temples. The Mukteswara Temple also serves as a cultural hub, hosting the annual Mukteswar Dance Festival, which celebrates Odissi dance and music. Its historical and architectural significance makes it a must-visit destination for devotees and heritage enthusiasts alike. Megheswara Temple The Megheswar Temple, constructed between 1192 and 1195 CE during the Eastern Ganga dynasty, is a prominent Shiva temple located on Tankapani Road in Bhubaneswar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Megheswar, meaning "Lord of Clouds," it is one of the earliest examples of the sapta-ratha (seven-rayed) plan in Odisha. The temple features a curvilinear sanctum (rekha deula) and a pyramidal assembly hall (pidha deula), characteristic of Kalinga architecture. Its exterior walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting dancing figures, animals, birds, scrollwork, and various postures of Shiva. A notable feature is its sculpted arch, shared with few other temples like Mukteswar, and the sanctum enshrines a nine-foot-high Shiva Linga symbolizing divine energy and liberation. Despite centuries of wear, Megheswar Temple remains a vital spiritual center and a testament to Odisha's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Kotiteertheswara Temple The Kotiteertheswara Temple, built in the 11th century by the Somavamsi kings, is a revered Shiva shrine in Bhubaneswar’s Old Town, constructed in the Kalinga pancharatha style with a pancha-ratha (five-rayed) plan. The sanctum houses a Shiva Linga, and the temple features a pidha (pyramidal) style spire with bears and turrets adorning it. The name “Kotiteertha” reflects a dip in the temple tank, believed to be equivalent to one crore pilgrimages in its spiritual merit. Adjacent to the temple lies the Kotitirtha Tank, a sacred site for ritual bathing and offerings, especially during festivals like Kartika Purnima and Maha Shivaratri. During the Damanaka Chaturdashi festival in the month of Chaitra, a moving representative of Lord Lingaraja (Chandrasekhar) is brought to the temple for worship. Together, the temple and tank form a significant spiritual complex, exemplifying Odisha’s rich architectural, cultural, and religious heritage. Brahmeswara Temple The Brahmeswara Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in 1058 CE during the reign of Somavamsi king Udyotakesari. Built by his mother, Queen Kolavati Devi, the temple is renowned for its architectural and historical importance. The temple exemplifies the Kalinga architectural style, characterized by a towering spire (rekha deul) and intricate carvings. It follows the panchayatana layout, featuring a central shrine surrounded by four smaller shrines at each corner. The temple complex includes the main sanctum (vimana), a dance hall (natamandira), a prayer hall (jagamohana), and an offering hall (bhogamandapa). Notably, the Brahmeswara Temple is among the earliest to incorporate iron beams in its construction, marking a significant advancement in temple architecture. The temple's walls are adorned with exquisite carvings depicting various deities, dancers, musicians, and mythological scenes. These sculptures showcase the rich artistic heritage of the region and offer insights into the cultural practices of the time. Brahmeswara Temple also holds cultural importance as it is believed to have been associated with the Devadasi tradition, where women dedicated to temple service played a role in religious and cultural activities. This practice is thought to have influenced the development of classical dance forms in Odisha. Location: Brahmeswar Patna, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM The Brahmeswara Temple stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of 11th-century Odisha, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. Shree Baitala Temple The Shree Baitala Temple, also known as Vaital Deula, is an ancient Hindu temple located in the Old Town of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of the goddess Durga, the temple is renowned for its unique architecture and rich historical significance. Constructed in the 8th century CE during the Bhaumakara dynasty, the temple is one of the earliest examples of the Khakara style of Kalinga architecture—a transitional phase that blends indigenous and South Indian architectural elements. The temple's distinctive triangular spires, known as "Tini Mundia" in Odia, symbolize the goddess's three powers: Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi, and Mahakali. The sanctum houses a terrifying eight-armed image of Chamunda, locally known as Kapalini, depicted seated on a corpse and flanked by a jackal and an owl. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings of deities, including Shiva, Parvati, and Bhairava, as well as scenes of hunting, rituals, and erotic couples. Notably, the temple's Tantric associations are evident in the eerie carvings and the presence of a stone post believed to have been used for sacrificial offerings. Situated near Bindu Sarovara Lake, the temple is approximately 700 meters from the Lingaraja Temple and 4.5 kilometers from the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. It remains a significant site for devotees and visitors interested in exploring Odisha's rich cultural heritage. Chausath Yogini Temple The Chausath Yogini Temple, also known as the 64 Yogini Temple, is a rare and ancient shrine located in Hirapur, approximately 20 km southeast of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Built in the 9th century CE by Queen Hiradevi, consort of King Subhakar Deva II of the Bhaumakara dynasty, it is one of the few surviving temples dedicated to the worship of the 64 Yoginis, manifestations of the divine feminine energy in Hinduism. The temple is a hypaethral structure, meaning it is open to the sky, reflecting its connection to the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Measuring about 30 feet in diameter and 8 feet in height, the temple is constructed from sandstone blocks arranged in a circular formation. Within the circular wall, there are 64 niches, each originally housing a statue of a Yogini. Currently, 56 statues remain, predominantly carved from black chlorite stone, depicting the Yoginis in various poses, often standing on animals or demons, symbolizing the triumph of Shakti (divine power) over evil. At the center of the temple stands the principal deity, Goddess Kali, portrayed as standing on a human head, representing the conquest of the mind by the heart. The Chausath Yogini Temple is a significant site for Tantric worship, where rituals often involve the worship of the Bhumandala, the cosmic diagram representing the universe. The temple's design and practices are deeply rooted in the Yogini cult, which flourished in India between the 8th and 13th centuries. Unlike other temples, the Chausath Yogini Temple does not feature erotic sculptures, focusing instead on the spiritual and mystical aspects of the Yoginis. The Chausath Yogini Temple remains a testament to Odisha's rich spiritual heritage and architectural ingenuity, offering visitors a glimpse into the mystical traditions of ancient India. Dhauli Shanti Stupa The Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, is a significant Buddhist monument situated atop Dhauli Hill, approximately 8 km south of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Constructed in 1972 through a collaboration between the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, the stupa commemorates the transformative moment when Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism following the Kalinga War in 261 BCE. The stupa's design features a white dome structure adorned with five umbrellas, symbolizing the five essential parts of Buddhism. Around the stupa, four massive idols of Lord Buddha depict various postures, and stone slabs illustrate episodes from Buddha's life. The site also includes a Shiva temple and a rock-cut elephant, considered one of the oldest Buddhist sculptures in the state. Dhauli Hill is historically significant as the site where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and adopted the path of peace. The area also houses rock edicts from Ashoka's reign, proclaiming his commitment to Dhamma (righteousness). Visitors to the Dhauli Shanti Stupa can experience a serene atmosphere, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Daya River. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the triumph of peace over war and the enduring legacy of Ashoka's transformation. |
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CHANDAN ROY
Posted on: 22nd Feb, 2018Asadhan photography