Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, is known as the Temple city of India.There are about 600 temples in this city, the biggest and finest being the Lingaraj Temple.
Lingaraj temple was built in 617-657 A.D and its height is about 54 meters. Its towering spire-like beauty dominates the Bhubaneswar skyline.It represents the the peak of Kalinga style of architecture spanning over 25 centuries of progressive history.This 11th century temple is the culmination of architectural beauty and sculpted elegance. The temple is surrounded by a massive wall of 520 feet long and 456 broad and the main gate is guarded by two lions and capped by a pyramidal roof. This temple is called a temple complex because almost 65 secondary temples cluster around the central structure. Of these the Parvati temple takes pride of place. Some of the finest sculptures that are embodied in it turn out to be the product of very rare artistic genius. The sculptures depict the Kings and queens, royal court, dancing girls, hunters, cultivators, musicians playing on musical instruments, etc. Lingaraj, the God in the temple is represented as a linga or a black stone eight feet in diameter. Such a representation of Lingaraj is called as Swayambhu a natural linga. It was Jajati Keshari who laid the foundation of the Lingaraj temple and his great grandson Lalatendu Keshari completed the work.
Mukteswar Temple was built in the 10th century and is well known for its stone architecture.One of the most delightful expressions of the Kalinga school of architecture is the luminous beauty of the Mukteswar temple, often called as the 'Gem of Orissan architecture'.It is a glorious synthesis of the old and new styles. This temple has some of the most ornate carvings and renditions of stories from the Panchatantra. The arched gateway is particularly fine. It shows an excellent combination of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain features,which find a common voice in much of Orissan temple craft.
Rajarani Temple The Rajarani temple is an elegant example of great finesse in temple art architecture.It was built in the 11th century. The sensuous beauty of the female form and the filigree sweetness of flowers and fruits are enhanced by the artists dexterous skill. Lack of temple deity, and celebration of the female form are some intriguing aspects of this temple.
Parsurameswar Temple is a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best preserved. It has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs. Svarnajaleswar Temple is located a little south of Parsurameswar Temple and has beautiful depictions from the epic Ramayan.
Vaital Temple An example of the Khakara school of architecture, an offshoot of the Kalinga school, is quite different, even though it maintains the Deul and Jagmohan structures.Only here the Deul is rectangular in shape rather than curvilinear in shape.Its external surface is embellished like other temples. Dedicated to the Goddess Chamunda(Kapali), it is said to have been the centre of Tantric worship. The Goddess can be seen in the murky depths of the inner sanctum, enthroned upon a corpse.
Yogini Temple is situated about 15 km from Bhubaneswar at Hirapur. One of the four Yogini Temples in India, it has beautiful Yoginis carved from black chlorite- a great study for the connoisseurs of art and architecture.
Ashokan Rock Edict is situated at Dhauli, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar. This magnificent Buddhist Temple was built by Indo-Japanese collaboration.. The Buddhist influence is spread all over Bhubaneswar. The rock-cut edicts, topped by a sculpted elephant (the universal symbol of Buddhism) perpetuate the cult of gentleness, peace and justice, by a remorseful ruler, to his administrators.On the Dhauligiri hills stands the Peace Pagoda, built by Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Budha Sangha, in the 70's stands as a lustrous beacon beaming out of its message of peace as far as the eye can see.This is said to be the earliest rock-cut sculpture in India.On the Dhauligiri Hills, where the great Kalinga war was fought, stands a very modern monument to world peace, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Below the Dhauligiri Hills, the river Daya flows peacefully.
Ananta Basudev Temple is an important Vaishnava shrine. Built in 1278 AD by Rani Chandrika Devi, the presiding deities in this temple are Ananta(Lord Balaram), Lord Jagannath and their sister Subhadra. KedarGouri Temple Dedicated to Shiva (Who is called Kedareswar here) and Goddess Gouri, the temple is situated near the Mukteswar temple. By the side of the temple there is a perennial stream. It is believed that a single sip of water from this tank absolves the drinker from the repeated cycles of birth and death.
Iskon Temple is situated in NH-5, Nayapalli and promoted by International Society for Krishna Consciousness are the exhibitions of the same ancient spirit in a modern form. The Krishna Balaram temple is beautifully designed and painted in sober colours with all in-built facilities available for devotees.
Bhrameswar Temple Houses a living deity, which is indicated by the saffron pennant flying from the top of the sanctuary. Notable for its intricate sculptures.
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