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India Tours » Pilgrimages in India » Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar
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Location Orissa, India
Famous for Lingaraja Temple, Muktesvara Temple
Also known as Cathedral of the East', on account of its large number of shrines and temples
Climate Average Max temp 45°C, Min temp7°C
Best Time to Visit October to March

Bhubaneshwar - The abode of God.
Bhubaneshwar, once the ancient capital of the Kalinga, is now the capital city of Orissa.

Situated on the eastern coast of India, Bhubaneshwar has a history dating back over 2000 years. “Bhubaneshwar” literally means the “abode of God” (master of the universe) was once also called as the ‘Cathedral of the East’, because of its large number of shrines and temples. Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre, as the city is home to around 500 temples. Besides the religious significance, the temples are known for Oriyan architectural style. Bhubaneshwar is the place where temple architecture of Orissa, flourished from its inception to full bloom, in between 3rd century B.C to 16th century A.D. ToDay the bustling city is a major commercial cente, but it retains its old charm. The tall buildings of the Bhubaneshwar city, now complements its ancient temples and shrines.

What attracts Pilgrims
Lingaraja Temple Bhubaneswar Bhubaneshwar is famous as the temple city, the temples of the city attract large number of pilgrims from all corners of India as well as world. Famous attractions include :

Lingaraja Temple : The 11th century temple, built in the ‘Nagara’ style of temple architecture, is a major attraction of the city. The temple has been defined as “the truest fusion of dream and reality.” The temple complex houses sanctum and the mandap or the entrance hall. It also has the dancing hall and the hall of worship. Lingaraja temple has a dominating 46 metre high tower, which is visible from a long distance. The presiding deity of the temple is the Svayambhu linga, Hari-Hara Linga, which is half Siva and half Vishnu. The linga of Lingaraja (Krittivasas), is an uncarved block of granite 8 feet in diameter, raising 8 inches above the ground. The linga is bathed daily with water, milk and bhang.

Mukteshvara Temple : The temple built in the 10th century AD, has the influence of Hindu, Buddha, and Jain style of architecture. The small beautiful temple has been described as the most exquisitely ornamented temple in Bhubaneshwar. Muktesvara Temple has an 11 metre high tower, while the sandstone carvings of the temple are very interesting. The temple is also popular for its ornamental entrances, carved doors, and intricate motif carvings of a lion. The Siddeswara Temple, stands near the temple and it has a Ganesh deity.

Parashurameswara Temple : The temple built in 650 A.D, is oldest Siva temple in Bhubaneshwar. The temple has many intricate carvings and sculptures, which are the finest examples of Orissa temple architecture style. Parashurameswara Temple is situated close to Lingaraja Temple, and it is the best preserved and impressive among the early temples of Bhubaneshwar. There is Sahasra-linga, in the corner of the temple courtyard, which has 1000 small lingas joined together.

Raja Rani Temple , Bhubaneswar Raja Rani Temple : Built in 11th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma. Raja Rani Temple got its name from a stone known as Rajarani. The temple known for its well-carved tower, is encircled by a beautiful garden. The sculptures and decoration of the temple presents an excellent example of Orissan temple architecture. The temple is surrounded by magnificent carvings of the eight dikpalas (temple guards), which flank the temple from the different directions. They are eight important demigods, that include Indra (east) the head of the demigods, Agni (southeast) god of fire, Yamaraja (south) god of death, Nirritti (southwest), Varuna(west) god of water, Vayu (northwest) god of air, Kubera(north) god of wealth, and Isana (northeast).

Brahmeshwara Temple : The temple built around 11th century, is a Siva-linga temple.

Brahmeshwara temple is famous for its intricately carved sculptures. The temple has a 18m high tower. On the north wall of the porch is a carving of Laksmi.

Vaital Deul Temple : Built in 800 A.D, the temple is dedicated to Chamunda (Kali).

This temple has a double-storied wagon roof, influenced by Buddhist style of cave architecture. Vaital Devi temple is located close to Bindu Sagar, and it has some intricate exterior carvings. One needs a flashlight (torch) to get a good view of the interior of the temple.

Iskon Temple , Bhubaneshwar ISKCON Temple : The beautiful temple, has the deities Krishna Balaram, Jagannatha, Baldeva and Subhadra and Gauri-Nitai. In addition a modern temple of Radha-Krishna also stands here.


How to Reach Bhubaneshwar
Air : Biju Patnaik Airport is the main airport in Bhubaneshwar. The Airport is connected to cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

Rail : Bhubaneshwar Railway Station is well-connected to major cities and town of India.

Road : Good networks of road connect Bhubaneshwar with Berhampur, Puri, Purkela, Sambalpur and other parts of the state.

Accommodation
The hotels in Bhubaneshwar offer a wide array of choice for travellers. Famous hotels are
The New Marrion, Hotel Sishmo, Hotel Swosti, The Crown, Swosti Plaza, Hotel Keshari and Hotel Kalinga Ashok etc.

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