 An Introduction
Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe') is the capital of Orissa. In Bhubaneswar, Shiva is known as Tribuhuvaneswara or " Lord of the Three Worlds", from which the city derives its name. Beside being the capital of ancient Kalinga, Bhubaneswar is known as Temple Town and Cathedral City on account of its many temples in the extravagant Orissan style. Modern Bhubaneswar is delightfully rural for a state capital that administers the affairs of 25 million Orissans.
Places of Interest
Lingaraj Temple : This temple is dedicated to Shiva as Lord Lingaraj. Lingaraja Temple represents the peak of achievement in Orissas middle period. The 54m spire of the temple dominates the Bhubaneswar landscape. Set in a walled compound, the Lingaraj is surrounded by many smaller shrines. The Lingaraj compound has another outstanding temple, dedicated to Parvati. Open only to Hindus, the Lingaraj temple is the site of a major Shivaratri festival in February-March, On the night preceding the new moon thousands of pilgrims light lamps in a nightlong ceremony of devotion.
The Parasuramesvera Temple : A 7th century Shiva Temple, classical in style,one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar. Located close to the main Bhubaneswar to Puri Road, on the same side as the Lingaraj Temple, the Grove of the Perfect Beings is a cluster of about 20 smaller temples. It's the best preserved of all Bhubaneswar's ancient temples and has finely detailed bas-reliefs of elephant and horse processions and Siva images.
Mukteswar, Siddheswar and Kedargauri Temples : Not far from the Parsuarameswar is the small 10th century Mukteswar Mandir, the Gem of Orissan architecture. The carvings of dwarfs are particularly striking. In front of the temple there is a beautiful arched architrave clearly showing a Buddhist influence. The walls are covered with figures of female warriors, erotic scenes, elephants, maidens and monkeys in various comic scenes.. The large green temple tank makes a perfect swimming pool. The later Siddheswar Mandir is in the same compound. Although plainer than the Mukteswar, it has a fine Ganesh figure. Kedargauri Mandir is one the older temples at Bhubaneswar, but it has been substantially rebuilt.
Rajarani Temple : Rajarani is a 'love temple', covered with coyly erotic carvings of women and couples. This 11th century Raja Rani temple is aesthetically endearing, sculpted with graceful feminine figures. It is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. It's one of the best of the Bhubaneswar temples and is famous for its ornate deul (sanctuary), decorated with some of the most impressive Orissan temples sculptures. This temple is no longer used for worship.
Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves : Twin hills honey-combed with Jain caves that reveal the sculptural art of the 2nd century BC makes an interesting study of the life and times of Jain ascetics. The coarse -grained sandstone which forms Khandagiri and Udayagiri rises nearly 40m above the surrounding lateritic and infertile plain. Khandagiri has 19 caves and Udaigiri has 44 caves.
Orissa State Museum :A rich collection of sculpture, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, armours , rare palm-leaf manuscripts, bronze age tools, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens and traditional folk and musical instruments are displayed in the museum. Open 10.00 -17.00. Closed Monday and Government Holidays.
Handicrafts Museum : A large collection of Orissan handicrafts, among them stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree are worth seing. Open 10.00-17.00 except Sunday.
The blackstone bowls and plates of Nilagiri and Khiching and multi-coloured stone statues are other attractions. Silk and cotton handloom products, especially saris are simply bewitching. The Sambalpuri saris and Maniabandhi patas are matchless in their texture and designs.
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