BHUBANESHWAR CITY GUIDE
To
be in Bhubaneshwar is an experience by itself, an experience in self-discovery,
an ethereal oneness of body and soul. To every visitor Bhubaneshwar offers a
fulfilling experience. A feeling of oneness with the divine, where you feel more
peaceful after visiting the temples of the city.
Besides, every temple is an astonishing architectural masterpiece by itself.
Bhubaneshwar is the capital of Orissa and is said to have had 7,000 temples
once. Now only a few hundred ancient temples remain. The Lingaraja temple is one
of the most famous temples in Bhubaneshwar. There's something for the
aesthetically inclined tourist too, e.g. interesting museums, beautiful caves,
tribal centres and a fulfilling shopping experience
Lingaraja
Temple
An
epitome of the Oriyan temple architecture. This is one of the most beautiful
temples in India. The main deity of the temple is Hari-Hara, which is half Shiva
and half Vishnu. The deity is also referred to as "Tirubhuvaneshwar"
meaning "Lord of the Three worlds". Parts of this temple are over 1400
years old, but in its present form, it dates back from 1090 to 1104 A.D. The
deity does not have a definite shape, it is an uncarved granite block, 8 feet in
diameter and raised 8 inches above the ground, which is bathed daily with water,
milk and bhang.
Bindusarovara
Temple
The main tower of the temple is 55 m (180 feet) high. There are many other deities
in this temple. The tank in the north of the temple is said to contain water
from every holy stream, pool and tank in India. A dip in this tank is said to
wash off all sins and said to cure all stomach diseases. During the annual Car
Festival, the Lingaraj temple's deity is brought to be bathed ritually at the
centre of the tank where a water pavilion is there.
Raj Rani Temple
Another important temple of Bhubhaneshwar is the Raj Rani Temple which stands
majestically in a green field. This temple, built around the 11th century and
dedicated to Lord Brahma is no longer used for worship. There is a beautiful
59 feet high tower in the temple. The temple is also noted for its statues of
nymphs, carvings of elephants, lions and other intricate stone carvings.
Vaital Deul Temple
Near the Bindu Sarovara Tank is the 8th century Vaital Deul Temple, dedicated
to the ferocious form of Parvati-Chamundi or Kali. The Goddess in the Temple
is portrayed as the slayer of Mahishasura-the buffalo demon, wearing a string
of skulls around her neck and holding many weapons in her arms.
Mukteshwar temple
The nearby Mukteshwar temple built around the 10th century, has a 10.5 mtrs
tall tower. The Temple carvings are elegant and the architecture reflects a
lot of Buddhist influence. Mukteswara means "The Lord who bestows freedom
through yoga". The decorative gateway with two female figures is worth
seeing. The carved dwarves around the windows and one particular depiction of
a smiling lion reflects the dexterity of the hands that carved them.
Siddeswara Temple
Don't miss the wonderful carvings of Lord Ganesha and his brother, Lord
Kartikeya on the tower.
Parasurameswar Temple
Each temple in the city has some specialty or the other. This is one of
the oldest Siva temples (late 7th century) in the State. It's a visual treat
to visit this temple. The intricate carvings of elephant and horse processions,
carved windows and the Sahasra-linga, 1000 small lingas joined together at the
corner of the courtyard will sure transport you with awe and emotion to the
era of the temple's construction.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
The two hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are situated about 5 kms from
Bhubaneshwar. There are totally forty-four caves carved out of sandstone, some
of which are natural and some carved out of the rock. All the caves are numbered.
It is open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., daily. The most beautiful cave is the
Rani Ka Naur (or Queen's Palace Cave) which has eight entrances and is carved
beautifully. The Chota Hathi Gupha (the elephant cave) depicts carvings of elephants
coming out from behind a tree. The other caves are the Jaya Vijaya cave, Swargapuri,
the Ganesh Gufa and the Bagh Gufa. Each of the caves makes you comprehend the
work that has gone into them, by the sweat of the brow and the skill of the
hand.
Dhauli Hill
At the foot of the hill is a huge rock called the Ashoka Rock, where the
Mauryan Emperor,Ashoka has inscribed his edicts. Not to be missed is the white-domed
Buddhist Shanti Stupa on top of the hill. This hill is about 8 km from Bhubaneshwar.
Nandankanan Zoo
If you are visiting Bhubaneshwar with your family, the kids are sure to
freak out here. The Lion safari and elephant ride will sure bring out the child
in you too.