Bhubaneswar Orissa
The city of Bhubaneswar, with a 2000 year old history, has been known by various names including Toshali, Kalinga Nagari, Nagar Kalinga, Ekamra Kanan, Ekamra Khetra and Mandira Malini Nagari. It is now the largest city in Orissa and a center of great religious importance with hundreds of temples dotting the Old Town.
Temples
The main temples are located around Bindu Sagar (Ocean Drop). The Lord Lingaraja (Shiva) idol is bathed here as part of a yearly ritual. The devout believe that a dip in this lake washes away all sins and diseases. Looking at the state of the lake, I am not sure of the ‘washing away diseases’ part.
Bindu Sagar
Soshi Ghat, Bindu Sagar
Parasurameswar Temple
This is one of the oldest Siva temples in Bhubaneswar built on the lines of the Kalinga School of temple architecture.
Parasurameswar Temple
Siddheswara Temple
Siddheswara Temple
Mukteswar Temple
This temple, dedicated to Lord Mukteswar (A form of Shiva which bestows freedom through yoga), built around the 10th century AD belongs to a later phase of Kalinga School of temple architecture. It depicts scenes from Panchatantra and images from the Hindu pantheon. The exquisitely carved ‘Torana’ is the one of the captivating features of this temple.
Mukteswara Temple
Vimana, Mukteswara
Closeup of the intricate carvings on the Vimana
Raja Rani Temple
Built in the 11th Century AD, this temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma and does not have a presiding deity. The temple gets its name from the ‘Rajraniya’ stone used for its construction.
Raja Rani Temple
Vimana, Raja Rani Temple
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