Orissa » Place of Interest
Place of Interest
Bhubaneswar:
Mukteswar Temple:
Mukteswar Temple often called the 'gem of Orissa architecture’ is one of the most beautiful expressions of Kalinga school of architecture. The 10th century temple has some of the most ornate carvings and redemptions of stories from the Panchatantra.
The arched gateway shows an excellent combination of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain features which is common in Orissan temple craft.
Brahmeswar temple:
The 9th century Brahmeswar temple stands in a courtyard flanked by four small structures.
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.Rajarani is a 'love temple', covered with 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 duel (sanctuary), decorated with some of the most impressive 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.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.
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