Temples City Bhubaneswar - The Capital of Odisha

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.

Famous Temples

Puri is one of the famous Dhamas(holy places) of India. Adi Shankaracharya founded one of the Peethas here. This holy district has seventeen important tourist spots. Among them the noteworthy are: The ancient and world famous Sri Mandir and its attractive seabeach along with Mathas and Ashrams. Sri Gundicha temple, Adi Sankaracharya's Gobardhan Math, Siddha Mahabir temple, Chakratirtha, Sunar Gaurang, Atharnala, Panchatirtha Pond, Nanak's Bauli Matha, Radhakanta Matha established by Sri Chaitanya, Haridas Thakur's Siddha Bakula & Haridas Matha, Khirachora Gopinatha, Ramanuja's court, Emar Matha, Batamangala, Adwaita Brahma Ashram otherwise known as Ginaribanta and Puri's Swargadwara are the main attraction for the tourists all over the world. Jagannath temple , is situated in the heart of Puri town which is 62 kms from Bhubaneswar. Puri is one of the famous Dhamas(holy places) of India. The main temple, a majestic structure of 65 meters, stands on an elevated platform , its swirling pinnacle commanding the landscape for miles around. Apart from the main temple one should see within its precincts the smaller temples of Goddess Vimla, Laxmi and Vishnu and Ananda Bazar, the biggest food market of the world. In this temple the lord of Universe is worshiped with his elder brother Balabhadra and his younger sister Suvadra. The name of the lord as Purusottam (Perfection personified) or as Jagannath ( Lord of Universe) represents a universality in time with the familiar fraternity of mankind (vasudeva Kutumbakam). The lord with his outstretched open arms held in the posture of an embrace symbolizes love and friendship. The height of the temple is 65 meters with a fort like compound down the broad path. which epitomizes the Kalinga architecture.The holy kitchen of the temple prepares the 'Mahaprasad' for atleast 10,000 people everyday. The festival of chariots known as the Rath eater, an annual ritual spreading over the entire summer and monsoon months, makes Puri attractive and enjoyable for tourists during this season. In this festival the three main deities Balaram, Suvadra, and Jaganath are majestically wheeled down the broad path.They are taken in the huge and beautifully caparisoned multiwheeled chariots to another temple that is 3 kms away. After nine days return journey is made. 

Alarnath Temple : Lord Alarnath is the representative of Lord Jagannath. Sri Alarnath Dev temple is situated in Brahmagiri . This temple is related to Sri Mandir and the memory of Srichaitanya. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has visited this temple. Pilgrims visit this temple during the Anasara of Sri Jagannath. 

Biswanath Temple is situated on a high mountain called Biswanatha hill near Delanga. This place attracts tourists for its natura l beauty and greenery all around it. There is an ancient idol of Baraha. There exists many Budha Stupas also. 

Baliharachandi shrine is nearby. Only 27km from Brahmagiri is Satpada, an ideal place to enjoy Chilika and to have a glimpse of cavorting Dolphins. 

The Sakshigopal Temple : Sakhigopal temple is famous for the temples of RadhaKrishna and Ram, Laxman and Sita. Sakhigopal at a distance of 15 km from Puri. The life size stone image of Lord Gopinath alias Gopal was at Kanchi which was later on bought by King Purusottam to Orissa and consecrated at Sakhigopal. A great fair is annually held here on tha Anla Nabami day in the month of Kartika. Many medicinal and rare plants are found behind this temple. Bakula Bana of Panchasakha otherwise known as Banavidyalaya is also situated here. 

Sri Gundicha Temple : The temple bears the name of Gundicha Devi, queen of King Indradyumna. At the time of the Car Festival, the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra halt at Gundicha temple for 7days and return to the main temple on Bahuda Yatra day. 

Sri Loknath Temple : This temple is only 3 kms away from Sri Mandir. God Shiva is worshipped as Loknath in this temple. There the presiding deity God Sri Lokanath remains submerged under water. On the Sivaratri day, a grand fair is held here. The Phallic God becomes visible on the Sivaratri day after Pankodhar Ekadashi. Pilgrims are attracted towards its natural beauty. 

Konark Temple : Konark's Sun temple is built by Ganga dynasty's King Nrusingha Dev in the thirteenth century. It is also known as Black Pagoda and Arkakhetra. Eighteen lakh pilgrims visit this temple annually to watch its sculptural and artistic beauty. Located at a distance of 65kms from Bhubaneswar, this unique temple is located on hte seashore. It was built on the sea bank with water lashing its walls. But now the sea has receded and the temple is little away from the beach. The whole temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot represented bt intricately carved out gigantic wheels at the basement. Now only the Mukhasala or the Porch and the Nata Mandap or the Dance Pacillion are left. Yet the Porch alone rivals the great temples of the world. 

Kakatpur : Kakatpur's renowned Maa Mangala temple is situated at a distance of 50kms from Puri, on the Puri-Astaranga road. This temple also observes NabaKalebar custom like the SriMandir. About 1lakh pilgrims visit this temple annually. 

Ramachandi Temple near Konark : At the bank of river Kushsbhadra, the temple of Ramachandi is situated which is only 5kms away from Konark on the south eastern side. Goddess Ramachandi is the presiding deity of this temple.

Bhairabi Temple : Near Berhampur, 20 kms away on NH-5. The temple is famous for Goddess Maa Bhairabi and is spread over 20 acres of land. There are 108 temples in addition to the main temple and Jagannath temple. With a beautiful garden and villages surrounding it. 

Wild Life

Orissa is a land of vast, thick forests which cover almost 55,000 sq.m of land. The diversified ecological riches and environmental situation provide with excellent habitat for a very rich and diversified fauna. Wildlife is also very rich here. Orissa has around 13 wild life sanctuaries. These sanctuaries and wildlife parks are a great sources of attraction for the tourists. 

NandanKanan Sanctuary: Amidst the lush green Chandaka forest along the banks of the Kanjia lake lies Nandankanan, a beautiful park that got its name from "Nandan Van" meaning the Garden of the Heaven. This famous zoological park which is at a distance of 20 kms from Bhubaneswar, was established in the year 1960 and has been declared as a sanctuary in the year 1979. The main attractions of this sanctuary is the white tiger safari , the first of its kind in the world, spread over an area of 12 hectares, a lion safari of 20 hectares and a natural trail of 37 hectares, the Botanical Garden which has many rare and endangered species of flora from different parts of the world, the 620 metre long Rope Way that transports the visitors across the lake to view the Botanical Garden, Boating facility in the Kanjia lake, Toy Train running on a circular track along the lake and the thickly vegetated tract, a Reptile Park and a Bird Sanctuary. It has worlds largest collection of White tigers and has the international reputation for successfully breeding black panthers , gharial crocodiles and White tigers, Asiatic LionSangai, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Penguin, Mouse Deer and many land and water Birds. . One can take the opportunity to behold the Kingly lions, Clouded leopards , European Bears , Himalayan Black Bear , Rosy Pelican , Grey Pelican, Indian Python , King Cobra, exquisite collection of birds, etc. in the Zoo. The zoo has also given a new lease of life to one of the rarest creatures of the world - the white Kanan. The Acquaria homes to a large variety of freshwater fish , a number of species of crocodiles , lizards, turtles and snakes . Buses are specially designed for taking people inside the Lion Safari, to facilitate them to see tigers and lions in natural habitat. The Botanical Garden, which is famous all over for its unique collection of Cactus lies close to the Nandankanan. This garden also contains plants of different types like crotons, roses, etc. There is a ropeway connecting the Zoo with the Botanical garden. It is an ideal place for picnics. Khalasuni Sanctuary : Khalasuni wildlife sanctuary is located in the Rairakhol sub-division of Sambalpur district. It is at a distance of 50kms from Sambalpur. It covers an area of 116 sq.kms. The Tiger, leopard, elephant, bison, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, wilddogs, rare varieties of birds and reptiles attract the tourists. Debrigarh Sanctuary : With an area of 346.91 sq.kms. the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is located in the Baragarh district. One can track important fauna like tiger, leopard, hyena, bison, sambar, spotted deer, chousingha, resident and migratory birds, monitor lizard, chameleon etc. in this sanctuary. 

Ambapani Sanctuary: The picturesque Ambapani hills present a panoramic view of nature. It is located 77 kms from Bhawanipatna . It is particularly famous for the deity of Budharaja in a small temple at the foot of a hill. A frolicking valley known by Haldigundi in this range of hills exhibits some peculiar features due to the reflected rays of the sun. This sanctuary inhabits Black Panthers, Samber and spotted deer. 

Chilika Lake: The Chillka Lake is a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.Nestling in the heart of coastal Orissa, Chilika is India's biggest inland lake. Spread over 1,100 square kilometers, stretching across the length of the three districts of Puri , Khurda and Ganjam , it joins up with the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of Brackish water . Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island , Chilka is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. Encircled by hills all along its arched shape, Chilika lake's colour changes with passing clouds overhead and the shifting sun . The water ripples languidly, occasionally rippling with a gentle breeze across from the Bay of Bengal. Containing a large variety of fish, the lake provides a livelihood to thousands of fisherman. Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's blue expanse in search of sight providing an insight into the pageant of rural India at its colourful best . 

Simlipal Tiger Reserve : This is one of the National parks of India situated in Mayurbhanj district in Orissa.It is spread over an area of 2,750 sq.kms and was chosen by the Project tiger for conserving the country's depleting tiger population. This park has within its boundaries about 95 Royal Bengal Tigers , leopards, elephants , muggar crocodiles and a number of Reptiles and 231 species of birds. The vast expanse and changing topography as well as the vegetational and climatic variations in Simlipal have been the major reasons for the successful breeding of the flora and fauna. The varied beauty of the lush green forests, mountains and valleys give an extravagant view. Jashipur, one of the two entry points to the park, has a crocodile sanctuary; the other entry point being Lulung. The best way to see as much as possible would be to take a package tour which would take in the Barehipani waterfall (399 meters) and the Joranda waterfall (150 meters), the lush grasslands of Bachhuri Chara, the Meghasani peak(1,158 meters) and the wildlife in the environs. Jashipur, one of the two entry points to the park, has a crocodile sanctuary; the other entry point being Lulung. 

Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary : This is a stretch of beach that is used for breeding the giant Olive Turtles, who travel all way from Pacific Ocean to mate and lay their eggs. Every year, thousands of wondrous creatures are seen here. The Government of Orissa has made special arrangements in order to protect the turtles. This is also the harbouring ground for various kinds of migratory birds. 

Baisipalli Sanctuary : Baisipalli wildlife sanctuary was established 1981 in the eastern ghats and rises from almost sea level to about 900 metres. It is situated at a distance of 60 kilometeres form Nayagarh and extends over 168.35 square kilometres. Apart from elephants and tigers there are also sambar, mouse deer and a fascinating variety of fauna including migrating and resident avifauna. 

Satakoshia George Sanctuary : This sanctuary was established in 1976 and the total sanctuary area is about 745.52 sq.kms. This sanctuary is at a distance of 58 kms from Angul. About 10 kms to the south of the george at Purnakote and Labangi, Gharials have made their home in the Mahanadi river and this sanctuary was established primarily to protect these crocodiles, an endangered species. 

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary : The Chandaka elephant sanctuary, the first of its kind in India, was established in 1982 with a view to promote eco-regeneration of depleting environment. About 20 kms away from Bhubaneswar it is a dense forest covering 190 sq. kms. where around 100 elephant roam freely. There are a number of watch towers set for the visitors to watch these huge animals. 

Hadgarh Sanctuary : Hadgarh wildlife sanctuary is located in the district of Keonjhar only ata distance of 20kms from Bhadrak on NH-5. It was established in the year 1978 covering an area of about 191.06sq. kms. Amidst the dense Sal forest there are leopards, wilddogs and elephants etc. The dam here is an ideal habitat for the muggar crocodiles.

Kotagad Sanctuary : Kotagad wildlife sanctuary is sistuated in the Baliguda sub-division og Kandhamal district covering an area of 399.05 sq. kms. One can see here the important species that include tigers, leopards, bisons, elephants,sambar, spotted deer, varieties of birds(peacock, red jungle fowl etc.) and reptiles.

Waterfalls in Orissa

Badaghagra: 10 kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur, it is yet another small (200 ft. high) but exiting waterfall on the river Ghagara. It is one of the most popular picnic spots of Keonjhar district. 

Duduma: A charming waterfalll on the river Machhakunda,70 kms. from Jeypore,a waterfall of 155mt high is also a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty.

Harishankar: Is located on the southern side of Gandhamardhan hills in Balangir. The Harishankar dazzles with a series of bewitching waterfalls cascading on the hillslopes.

Hathipathar: Nearly 3kms. away from Raygada. 

Khandadhar Falls: Khandadhar, a famous waterfall of about 800 mt. high is located amidst lush green forest of Sundergarh. It is the highest waterfall of the state. It is 60 kms. from Keonjhar. The magnificient sight of the fall makes it ideal for a great picnic spot. 

Mirig Khoj: Aproximately 110 kms from Rourkela, a beautiful waterfall of Orissa.

Phurli Jharan Falls: Waterfall near Bhawanipatna is about 16mts high. The multi-coloured rainbows created by the sun-rays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall has a special charm of its own. 

Pradhanpat: Close to the town of Deogarh, Padhanpat hill with its picturesque waterfall offers a rare scenic beauty. It is at a distance of 96 kms from Deogarh. 

Putudi: Near Phulbani, on the river Bada Saluki 

Sanaghagra Falls: 6 Kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur. It is a small (100 ft high) but beautiful waterfall, suitable for outing. 

Nrusimhanath: The sacred hills of Gandhamardan in the district Bargarh holds the picturesque waterfalls named Bhimadhar, Gadadhar, Guptadhar and chaladhar.It is 20 kms away from Nuapara. 

Barheipani: Barheipani is yet another waterfall situated on the river Budhabalanga in the Meghasan mountain of Mayurbhanj district

Beaches

Puri: Puri beach is famous for its golden sands, soothing sun-bath and the colourful sunrise and sunset. There you can bathe and laze or enjoy seeing, the local fishermen plying their catamarans and sail boats. This beautiful beach is quite long and wide extending for miles.

Gopalpur-on-sea: 18 kms south-east of Berhampur lies the quiet sea shore town of Gopalpur. It is popular sea-resort especially noted for its surg-swimming, sailing, sun-bathing and extensive sands. North-west of Gopalpur and 50 kms from Berhampur, amidst greens lies Taptapani, famous for its hot water sulphur spring. The water of the spring is channelised to a pond to facilitate bathing. 

Balasore & Chandipur: Balasore, the district headquarters, once was an important maritime town in medieval times through the river Budhabalanga. 214 kms, north east of Bhubaneswar, Balasore is convenient base point for excursions to Chandikpur and Remuna. Balasore is also noted for its traditional handicrafts of lacquered toys, brass-works and stone carvings. 16 kms east of Balasore is Chandipur one of the most pleasant beaches of the country. Here the sea, recedes five kilometres at low tide and then flows rhythmically after a regular interval every day. This play of the tide combined with bracing environs make the spot an excellent value.

Dances

Odissi Dance is the classical form of dance that originated in the ambience of the temples. It is a lyrical form of dance with its subtelety as its keynote. The intimate relationship experienced between the poetry and music in Odissi is a feature on which the aesthetics of the style is built. Odissi bases itself on a wealth of systematized techniques which make this dance aesthetically appealing and visually delightful. It is a "sculpturesque" style of dance with a harmony of line and movement, all its own. What is interesting about Odissi is that body position is not merely a part of the vocabulary or frame-work. The posture by itself conveys a particular mood or message. The names of these postures too express the moods they represent. Dance is an expression of man's joy through rhythmic and spontaneous movements, and this is pretty evident from the numerous traditional dance forms existing in Orissa. 

Changu Dance: The Changu dance derives its name from a kind of drum called Changu, which invariably accompanies the dance. This dance is common to almost all the tribes but is more popular among the Bhuyans. The peculiar feature of the dance is that the men confront the girls with music and song and then recede backwards when the girls confront them. The girls dance standing in a row generally holding each other’s hand.

Chhau Dance: It is generally performed during the Chaitra Parab festival in the month of Chaitra. It is a dance with a strong folk character; almost like a dance drama. This dance originated perhaps in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa and Sareikela district of Bihar. In this dance footwork and body movement of the dancers are most artistic and virile. Facial expressions are generally absent. 

Juang Dance: The Juang dance is performed to the accompaniment of tambourines. Earlier they used to dance dressed in primitive leaf but not any more. Men sing as the girls dance accompanied by deep sounding tambourines. In one form the girls move around in a single file keeping the right hand on the right shoulder of the girl in front. The Juangs also have what are called the bear dance and the pigeon dance. 

Ho Dance: The Hos are a purely agricultural tribe. They have dances during Magh festival which is held in the month of January when the granaries are full. The chief beverage taken during the celebrations is a kind of home brewed rice beer called Illi. During Ho celebrations all restrictions are set aside.

Other Dances: Animal Mask Dance in Ganjam Chhau Dance in Mayurbhanj and Nilgiri Chaiti Ghoda in coastal Orissa Changu Dance in Sundergarh,Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Phulbani Ghoomra Dance in coastal area Dhanu Jatra in Sambalpur Dalkhai in Western Orissa Dasakathia in South Orissa Ghanta Patua in South Orissa Jhoomar in Sundergarh Karma Dance Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, Dhenkanal and Sambalpur Kedu Dance in Coastal Orissa , Mayurbhanj and Balangir Krishna Leela in coastal Orissa Medha Nacha in Costal Orissa Naga Dance in Puri Patua Jatra in coastal Orissa Pala Dance in various parts of Orissa Paika Nrutya in Mayurbhanj, Khordha Ranappa Dance in Ganjam Rama Leela in coastal belt of Orissa Samprada Dance in Western Orissa Tribal Dances in Tribal areas of Orissa