Bhubaneswar
is also referred to as the 'City of Temples', as it had more
than 7000 temples of which only 500 are intact today. The
Temples in Bhubaneswar were dotted around the Bindusagar Tank
in the old city. The Kesari and Ganga kings patronized the
construction of the Temples in Bhubaneswar between 712 AD
and 1200 AD who were also strong followers of Shaiva and Vaishanava
faiths. The Temples in Bhubaneswar belonged to Orissan style
of temple architecture, which was distinct from the Nagar
or Dravidian Styles of Temple Architecture.
The important Temples in Bhubaneswar are:
Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, is dedicated to Harihar or
'Half Shiva and Half Vishnu', is the typical representation
of the Orissan temple architecture. The deity enshrined in
temple is also known as "Tirubhuvaneshwar", which means "Lord
of the Three Worlds". Though the parts of this temple are
more than 1400 years old, the temple was built from 1090 AD
to 1104 AD. Among the original structure are the mandap and
garbhagriha while the natmandir and bhogmandir are the later
addition. The outer walls of the temple are profusely sculpted
with of birds, animals, floral motifs, human figures in erotic
postures and gods and goddesses. The lingam in the sanctum
made of un-carved granite without any embellishment.
Rajarani Temple
The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Brahma,
was built in the 11th century AD. It no longer has the presiding
deity and thus is longer used for worship. The temple is noteworthy
for the 59 ft high tower as well as exceptional sculptural
art depicting floral patterns, gajasimha and erotic postures
of nayikas, nymphs and mithuna couple. The temple derived
its name from the local red-gold colored stone called Rajraniya,
which was used to construct the temple.
Vaital Deul Temple
Vaital Deul Temple in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Goddess Parvati-Chamunda,
is located near the Bindusagar Tank. Build during 8th century
AD. The sanctum sanctorum is enshrined with the idol of Goddess,
ornamented with skull garland on her neck, holding various
weapons in her arms a jackal and an owl on her side, is seated
on top of a dead body. The recesses on the inner wall illustrate
scenes of tantric rites. It is believed that it is the first
temple to depict non-religious sculptural themes on the walls
of the temple. The most conspicuous thing, which is also unique
about this temple, is that the interiors are decorated while
the external walls are simple.
Mukteswar Temple
The Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva,
was built somewhere around the 10th century AD. The temple
is deftly bedecked with the fables from Panchatantra. The
slots on the outer wall of the complex illustrate the Buddhist,
Jaina and Hindu deities. The temple has an impressive tower
as well as the ornamental torana or the gateway with two female
figures.
Parasurameswar Temple
Parasurameswar
Temple in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of
the oldest Shiva temples in the State. Built in 650 AD, the
temple also has the idols of the Vishnu, Yama, Surya and Mother
Goddess. Profusely carved temple has the friezes depicted
with delicate carvings of elephant and horse processions,
human figure, floral motifs and the bust of Shiva. The Shahastra
lingam or the 1000 small lingams joined together at the corner
of the courtyard can be seen.
Brahmeswar Temple
Brahmeswar Temple in Bhubaneswar has skillfully engraved rekha
deul and jagmohan. It is the first temple to portray musicians
and dancers on the outer wall of the temple. Use of iron beams
in the temple is also used for the first time. Images of Chamunda,
Shiva and several other deities are depicted in the western
part of the temple. The temple is a living monument with a
deity, which is worshipped and depicted through the saffron
banner flying from the top of the temple.
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