India tour & travel

Old Temples of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar Temples
These old ornamental temples are located in old town area of Bhubaneswar city. You can visit them on the way to Puri. Some of them are quite old and popular one is Lingaraj temple. In Oriya language temple are called as Deul.

Brahmesvara Temple

The temple was built by Kolavaidevi, the mother of Somavamsi king Udyotakesari, during later 18th regnal year which falls in the year 1060 A.D. The temple consist of rekha deula and pidha jagamohana. The bada of the temple is of panchanga type and the gandi is pancharatha. The exterior of the deula is lavishly sculpted with different forms of Siva such as Nataraja, Bhairava, Ardhanarisvara, Ajaikapada, erotic couples, Nayika, gaja-vidalas etc. The gandi of the deula is relieved with a row of small angasikharas, one on each paga except the frontal raha, The bada of the jagamohana is of trianga type and has two balustrade windows carved with female figure in various graceful poses. This is the second temple of Bhubaneswar with internal embellishments in the jagamohana, the first being the Muktesvara temple.

This temple is located in old town area of Bhubaneswar. From Rabi takies square on Bhubaneswar Puri road take a left turn ( wile going towards Puri ) and after travelling 100 meters right side will be RajaRani temple and further after one km left side will be Bhaskaresvara temple . From here right side road will take you to Brahmesvara temple. Straight road will take you to Shree Megheswardev temple at Badagada , Tankapani road.

Raja-Rani temple

Located inside a well maintained green part Raja Rani temple is datable to the early A.D 11th cent, in elevation the Deul ( HT . 27.98 M ) with the cluster of miniature rekhasaround the spire, resembles the temples of central India, this temple is remarkable for its sculptural excellence, particularly the elegant Digpalakas and slender sophisticated nayikas attract tourist. The name Raja-Rani is believed to have its origin to a particular variety of sand stone , locally known as Rajarani of which the temple is made. The gandi of the temple is distinguished by a numbe of angasikharas of miniature rekha temples. The Jagamohana is a pyramidal structure. It is provided with two balustrade windows. Stylistically the temple is assignable to circa 11th century AD.

This temple is close to Ravi Talkies junction on Brhmesvar road on Bhubaneswar Puri road. Take a left turn at Ravi Talkes junction and the temple will be at your right

Mukteshwar Temple

Mukteshwar Temple at Bhubaneswar
By the side or Bhubaneswar Puri road in old town area the Mukteshwar temple is acclaimed as the Gem of Odishan architecture is most refined and beautiful temples of Odisha. The temple marks the end of of early phase and anticipates the next phase of experimentation of temple architecture with related plastic and iconography. The temple stand within a low compound wall with a lavishly decorated mangalatorana in front, a unique feature in Odishan temple art. The temple of 10.5 meter height consisting of rekha deul and pidha Jagamohana, faces west. The deul is pancharatha on plan and stands on a low platform. The exterior of the temple is lavishly ornamented with graceful nayikas carved in alto-relievo, naga/nagi pilasters, bhara-raksakas, relgant arabesque motifs, Ganga, Yamuna, Nataraja, the peculiar bho motif consisting of a large chaitya-arch medallion flanked by dwarfish figures on the front portiaon of the deul sikhara etc. The Jagamohana is a pidha deul and has two latticed windows on the north and south. The outer most frame of the window depicts humorous scenes from monkey life. The ceiling of the jagamohana is delicately carved in the form of a full blown lotus and contains the representations of Virabhadra and the Saptamatrikas with babies in their laps. Stylistically , the temple is assignable to circa 10th century AD.

Every year Mukteswar Dance Festival is organized here from 14th to 16th January

Kedara Gouri

Kedaresvara Shiva and Gouri temple are both situated in the complex. The Gouri temple is said to have been erected in the Bhaumakara period ( 8th -9th C A.D) by one Gauri Mahadevi. The Kedaresvara temple on the other hand is architecturally akin to the Sidhesvara temple. Inscriptions on the right jamb of the door frame of the Jagamohana records the donation of the perpetual lamp by Paramardideva, the younger brother of Anantavarman Chodagangadeva dated 1142 A.D. which proves the existence of the temple before that date. Three sacred pools Gauri-Kunda, Dudha Kunda & Chauladhua-Kunda are located in the precinct.

Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar
Famous Siva temple this place is visited by tourists and this is the biggest temple of Bhubaneswar. Near the temple there is a big lake known as Bindusagar. Prasada or offerings are available near the temple. Near Lingaraj temple a chariot festival ( Ratha Yatra ) is organized every year during Ashoka Ashtami ( falls in April months ). As per Hindu Mythology Lord Rama prayed Lord Shiva and Shakit to get their blessing to kill demon Ravan.

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