About Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, capital city of Orrisa in India, is very well known for the temples and shrines. The city can also be called as ' Temple Metropolis of India'. The city boasts of more than 500 temples. Although there was a time when the city had more than 7000 temples and shrines. Some of the temples are more than 2000 years old. These temples exemplify the art and architecture of ancient and medieval India. The construction dates back to 3rd century B.C. to 16th century A.D.
Bhubaneswar has very elegantly combined its rich cultural heritage with the modern aspirations. One can see the mixture of traditions and novelity in the culture of city. Apart from the temples, the city has 2 Museums, one of which hosts world's largest collection of palm -leaf paintings. The city is home to The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC). The unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country (an area of 20 acres) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia.
|
Lingaraja Temple |
Major Tourist Attraction in Bhubaneswar
The Lingaraja temple
The 11th century 'Lingaraja' temple exhibits temple art of several centuries is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. It represents 'Nagara' style of traditional Orrisan temple designing. The walls have beautiful carvings of birds, animals, flowers, men and women, gods and godesses. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, it can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside.
Mukteswara Temple
The 10th century 'Mukteswara' temple with its famous stone arch at the entrance, is regarded a gem of Orissan architecture on account of its exquisite wall carvings and lavish sculptures. These adornment include celestial beings, armed processions, and amorous figures.The front of temple features a beautiful arched epistyle clearly showing a Buddhist influence. Tales from the Panchatantra, written by the Orissan Pandit, Vishnu Sharma, occupy pride of place here.
Raja Rani Temple
The 11th century 'Raja Rani' temple is an architectural delight. It can be said to be the best example of the traditional Orrisan temple designing. Raja Rani is a 'love temple', covered with demurely erotic carvings of women and couples. Set in picturesque surroundings, the temple is famous for its sculptural embellishments as well as for its unusual design of tower and the absence of a deity. The temple is surrounded by well maintained gardens.
The Parasurameswara Temple
The 7th century Shiva Temple, 'Parasurameswara' temple is a classical example of ancient art of temple designing in India. It is a cluster of about 20 small temples. This temple is the best preserved of all Bhubaneswar's ancient temples. The wall embellishments feature amorous couples, lions, crouching elephants, birds, human figures and floral designs.
Savaranjaleswara temple
The 'Svaranajaleswara' temple is not amongst the most preserved temples, but it has very good and interesting Ramayana depictions. It is situated near Parasurameswara temple.The temple looks very elegant and architecturally cogent. The Temple has an unmistakable tantric influence.
Getting There
Air: Bhubaneshwar is well linked by air to Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by Indian Airlines.
Rail: Superfast trains connect Bhubaneswar to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.
Road: Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the national highways. |
