Places of Interest in Bhubaneshwar
Lingaraja Temple: This temple is a prime example of Indian architecture,
in its most mature and fully developed state. The great Lingaraja soars above
the city, and dominates the landscape. It dates back to the 11th century, to
the time, when the Jagannath cult was at its peak in Orissa. This magnificent
temple, 147 ft. high from the plinth, was built by Lalatendu Keshari of Somavamsi
dynasty in 617-657 A.D. The 'nata mandapa' (dance hall) and 'bhoga mandapa'
(offerings hall), were later added to the temple, that has evolved over different
historical periods.
By the time, the Lingaraja temple was built, the Jagannath cult had become widespread,
throughout Orissa. This is exemplified by the fact, that the presiding deity,
here, is the Svayambhu Linga - half Shiva, half Vishnu, a unique feature of
the temple. Almost all the Hindu gods and goddesses are represented in this
temple, mirroring the inherent element of harmony within the religion.
One of the noticeable features of the Lingaraj temple is its degrading architectural
beauty, as one retreats from the
deul (the Sanctum Sanctorum), away towards
the
bhogamandir (the hall of offerings). This is so, because the Lingaraja
temple was built by the rulers of three dynasties, over a huge span of time.
The
deul was built by the prosperous Kesari dyanasty. The Muslim invasion,
after that, left the Ganga dynasty in a position, that they built the
bhogamandir
at the cost of its architectural beauty.
Parasurameswara Temple: The Parasurameswara temple, built in 650 AD,
is one of the few oldest surviving temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple built
in the Kalinga school of architecture, was dedicated to Lord Shiva but there
are images of Lord Vishnu, Yama, Surya and seven Mother goddesses. Lavishly
decorated, this it has exquisite friezes depicting animal life, human figures
and floral motifs, coupled with impressive busts of Shiva.
Just south of Parasurameswara temple is the Swaranajaleswara temple, built in
similar fashion, only the motifs on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana.
Vaital Deul (800 AD): Vaital Deul is the shrine devoted to Chamunda (a
tantric
avatar of Goddess Kali) or Shakti. Seated on a corpse in a dark,
inner sanctum is the deity, a garland of skulls around her neck, flanked by
a jackal and an owl. The various niches on the inner wall depict equally startling
images as also scenes of tantric rituals. It is the first of the temples to
depict erotic sculptures, and is also unique in that, that the outer surface
of the vault is plain and the interiors are lavishly embellished.
Mukteswara Temple: This 10th century temple is an important transition
point, between the early and the later phases of the Kalinga school of temple
architecture. The sculptural decoration of the Mukteswara is exquisitely executed,
and it is often referred to as the "gem of Oriya architecture". Richly
sculpted, the temple offers pride of place to tales from the Panchatantra. The
niches on the outer face of the compound wall, include Buddhist and Jain images,
as well as the Hindu ones, pointing to the unique synthesis, which was so much
a part of Oriya life. The highlight of the temple, is the magnificent
torana
- the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of Buddhist influence
in Orissa. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mukteswara, is also carved with
figures of ascetics in several poses of meditation.
Rajarani Temple: Built in the 11th century, the Rajarani temple is famous
for its ornate
deul, or compass, decorated with some of the most impressive
Oriya temple architecture. The temple is remarkable for the absence of any presiding
deity. The temple's name is supposed to be derived from the red-gold sandstone
used in building it - rajarani being the local name for the stone.
The
deul is intricately carved with figures involved in daily chores.
The lower portion of the
deul is populated by statues of eight Dipalakas,
guarding the eight cardinal directions of the temple. Between them, nymphs,
embracing couples, elephants and lions fill the niches, and decorate the pillars.Set
in a picturesque locale, the temple creates a dramatic image against the setting
sun.
Bramheswara Temple: This temple depicts the mature Oriyan school of architecture.
The
deul and the
jagmohana (the porch) are exquisitely carved
and for the first time in the history of temple architecture, musicians and
dancers appear on the outer walls. Another first is the use of iron beams. In
the western end, Chamunda, Shiva and other deities are depicted. The temple
houses a living deity, which is indicated by the saffron pennant flying from
the top of the sanctuary.
Udaygiri Khandagiri: 7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri
and Khandagiri. Built by Kharavela around 1st-2nd century BC, for Jain monks,
these are fine specimens of Jain Cave art. The famous caves of Hathigumpha (elephant
cave) in Udaygiri, Rani Gumpha (Queen's cave) also in Udaygiri, with upper
and lower storeys, roomy courtyards and exquisitely designed friezes stand testimony
to the level of class the architectural styles had attained as early as the
first century BC.
