ABOUT TEMPLE CITY BHUBANESWAR

BHUBANESWAR : The Cathedral City of India – City Round Up

The ancient city of Bhubaneswar is also known as the Temple City of eastern India. It is also known as Mandiramalini or the city of temples also as Ekamra Kshetra and Kalinga Nagari. The word Bhubaneswar in its literal sense means the 'God's World' which showcases the walk down centuries of temple architecture. 

The area around Bhubaneswar constituted the famed kingdom of Kalinga, which was conquered after a bloody battle by Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor. Appalled at the carnage, Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Around the 1st century BC, under the rule of Kharavela, Orissa regained its lost glory and Bhubaneswar again became the centre of activities. During this period, monastery caves were constructed of which Khandagiri and Udaygiri are the most important. By the 7th century, Hinduism supplemented Jainism, and Ganga and Kesari kingdoms did a lot for the development of Orissan culture. Most of the kings who ruled Orissa constructed beautiful temples. For a better part of its history, Bhubaneswar remained under the influence of Afghans, Marathas, and the British (till 1947).

With 500 temples in its treasure, the city is probably the only city in the world that presents an veritable over-view of the stages of development of Hindu religious architecture. Today these temples are a gentle reminder of the gracious past and the rich heritage of India. During the ancient times the regular dances were performed by the 'Devadasis' or divine temple dancers girls, the rituals and the recital of religious song were all an central part of temple culture. 

Temple Attraction

Temples in Bhubaneswar summarize a extensive archives of the Bhubaneswaran architecture almost to two thousand years old, from 3rd century B. C. to 16th Century A.D. These imposing edifices enjoining the city horizon, are within a reasonable walking distance from one another. The 46-m high Lingaraj Temple marks the zenith of temple tradition of Bhubaneswar.

Bhubaneswar temples have a unique pattern of construction showcasing the way of Hindu architectural splendor. The temple complex is divided into four distinct parts, the outer chamber is the 'Jagamohana', the inner shrine of the presiding deity is known as Garbhagriha. The third part of the temple shrine is constructed into a conical shaped tower more commonly known as the "Nata Mandap", the Bhoga Mandap is the forth division of the temple. The temple walls are artistically carved out of numerous sculptures depicting the scenes from courtiers, celestial dancers, couples in erotic postures, birds, divine animals or scenes from religious epics and legends. Once there were more than 7000 temples now the testimony stands with 500 odd temples. Important temples are Temples of Lord Lingaraj, Mukteswar, Kedar Gouri, Raja Rani, Parsurameswar, Vaithal, Markandeswar, Paschimeswar, Vakeswar, Meghaswar etc.

The 180 ft. gigantic edifice Lingaraj Temple to the south was built in 1114 AD to the glory of Shiva is the most impressive among the finest of its 500 temples, the Lingaraj Temple of Lord Shiva is the biggest in Bhubaneswar.

No less famous is the Mukteswar Temple (the gem of Indian miniature art) which was built in the 10th century. It is well known for its stone arch at the entrance and is richly sculpted. With the tales from the Panchatantra carved on it.

The Rajarani Temple, set in picturesque surroundings, is noted for its intricate carvings of floral, animal and human figures. Constructed in the 11th century, it has an unusual tower. More interestingly, this temple has no deity.

Close to Mukteswar Temple is the Parsurameswara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best preserved. It has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs.

The Svarnajaleswara Temple located a little south of Parsurameswar Temple has beautiful depictions from the epic Ramayana. Vaital Temple is architecturally striking. It is a temple for Goddess Chamunda (Kapali) and has a tantric influence. About 15 km from Bhubaneswar is the Yogini Temple at Hirapur. One of the four Yogini Temples in India, it has beautiful Yoginis carved from black chlorite. 

Vaital Deul is a typical khakhera deul (a semi cylindrical duel), decorated with stone images of the Goddess Durga,such as the eight-armed Mahishasuramardini. Within the sanctum is the eight armed Chamundo, often hidden by a drape, who sits on a corpse, she wears a garland of skulls. The temple doesn’t conform to the Orissan temple architecture and differs from those of other temples. The temple bears similarity with Pancha rathas temples of Mahabalipuram. Vaital is believed to be the first Sakta shrine with Goddess Chamunda. The presiding deity having various Budhist images and motifs with saiva images depicted on the outer wall. The sculptures show a strange amalgamation of Saktism, Saivism and Mahayana Budhism. Unlike the cellas of other temples of the city, the sanctum of Vaithal is dark enough where aweful esoteric rites were performed by the Tantrikks and Kapalikas (Priests of black magic).

The Sisiresvara Temple nearby is damaged, but has retained its sculptures of lions, elephants, the gods Ganesh and Kartikeya and the Avilokiteshwara Buddha. East of 7th century, well preserved and decorated with Ganesh and Kartikeya, amorous couples and rampant lions.

Of the five hundred odd temples, Anantavasudeva is the only Vishnu temple in the city The 68 ft. high temple comprises of four buildings, all in one line, all located on the bank of Bindusagar tank dug by the mythical king Indradumnya.

Caves : Rani Gumpha, Hati Gumpha in Khandagiri - Udaigiri Caves Circuit, Pandav Caves, Pandavguha and ranges of small caves in Barunei hill.

Holy Ponds : Take a dip and ringe all the accumulated sins. Sahasra Linga Sara or tank of thousand lingas with 77 miniature temple, *Kotitirtheswar* - a confluence of ten million sacred pools *Bramhakunda* Mukteswar Kunda also known as Mmirchi Kunda where with a bath a barren lady is sure to beget a child *Gouri Kunda, *Dudha Kunda *Kedarkunda Ashok Jhar *Gosaharseswar *Papanasini Kunda, *Kapileswar Kunda *Bhima Kunda etc. The water of the holy ponds have miraculous therapeutic result and treat dyspepsia. Hindu Sarovar-Bindu Sagar which means drops of water making an ocean, a tank which is believed to receive water from all the holy rivers of India. A number of temples are located around the tank.

Khandagiri-Udaigiri Caves : Modelled by the great Jain king Kharavela, who ruled from 168 to 153 B.C., these coarse grained sandstone caves were meant as dwellings for Jain monks. Udayagiri (Hill of the Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hill), which rise 40 meter above the lateritic and parched plain surroundings, are just steeping compartments with low roof, ratifying the austerity and sobriety of the monks. 

Located at 8 km from Bhubaneswar, these 113 caves were built around 2nd century B.C. Archaeologically significant, because of the Pali records engraved in the Hathi Gumpha, these caves display the 13 year megalithic record of king Kharavela. The double-storeyed Rani Gumpha (Queen’s Cave) is the largest cave with ornate carvings.

Parks : Indira Gandhi Park, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Budha Jayanti Park, Kharavela Park, Netaji Park, Biju Patnaik Park, Botanic Park of Regional Plant Resource Centre for Eco-friendly Public and recreation, BDA NICCO Park with rides water chunti, striking car,pirate shop, tilt-a-whirl, glider, boating, aqua cycle, caterpillar, jumping castle, Merry-go-Round, mini train, moon raker etc.

Ekamra Kanan : A popular destination for the flower and plant lovers. The Regional Plant Centre established here the largest collection of Cecti. The research on these rarest varieties, tissue culture, palm groves, rose garden and lake make the place unique to spend one’s leisure. RPRC from the Chandaka hill range with a perennial stream forming a magnificent lake was turned into a piece of Heaven with 3250 species of native and exotic plants including more than 400 varieties of rose. The garden is house to African, Brazilian, Australian, Indian and Madagascaian texa. It holds 112 species of tropical and sub tropical palm. There is also a Bambusetum having one of the best collections in the country. Amongst the 64 varieties of bamboo, the giant bamboo, the black bamboo, the climbing bamboo, Budha’s Belly bamboo deserves special mention. RPRC is having the largest collection of 1050 species of hybrid varities of colorful cacti which is the finest and largest in Asia.

Lakes : Holy Bindu Sagar – the mini ocean of thousands drops of water which as per mythology is made of the water of all the rivers. Bindu Sagar was Ekamra Vana where Lord Shiva created a spring to quench the thirst of Goddess Parvati after she demolished the two demons now known as Bindu Sagar. 

Ekamra Kanan Lake surrounded by the emerald landscape downstream of the fabulously cladded forest Chandaka is a paradise for pleasure hunters and leisure seekers leaving a lasting imprint in the minds of the visitors.

The massive Kanjia Lake in Nandan Kanan Zoological Garden is a sheer joyful picturesque sight to regale the impassive mind with a cruise on wooden boat around the vast stretch of panoramic water body. 

BDA NICCO Park Lake in the heart of the city is another entertaining venue to quench the recreational passion of the evening pastime seekers.

Museums : Pre-historic Life Park, first of its kind in India, Orissa State Archives, Orissa State Museums, Regional Museum of Natural History, Academy of Tribal Dialects and Culture, Tribal Musuems, Museum of Rural Arts in OUAT, Tribal Art Gallery in Adivasi Ground.

The Orissa State Museum in the city has a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze-age tools, rare palm leaf manuscripts and traditional folk and musical instrument. The Handicrafts Museum has a handsome collection of stone sculptures, patta-paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree.

Cultural Platforms : Rabindra Mandap, Bhanja Kala Mandap, Jayadev Bhawan, Rastriya Lalit Kala Kendra, Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy. Ekamra Hat, Sudarsan Art and Craft Village, Odissi Research Centre, Orissa Vigyan Academy, Orissa Sahitya Academy, Orissa Modern Art Gallery, B.K.College of Art and Craft, Institute of Life Sciences, Regional Science Centre, Regional Plant Resource Centre, CIFA, Kedarnath Gabesana Pratisthan etc.

Planetorium : Pathani Samant Planetorium

Sports Venue : Kalinga Stadium and Golf course in Bhubaneswar.Barabati Stadium and Satyabrata Indoor Stadium at Cuttack.

Rivers : Bhubaneswar is surrounded by river Kuakhai and Daya while the 1000 year old city Cuttack by river Mahanadi and Kathjori.

Boating : Kanjia Lake Nandan Kanan, Ekamra Kanan Lake and BDA NICCO Park Lake.

Safari : The first White Tiger Safari of the world at Nandan Kanan and the Lion Safari.

Art & Craft : Stone carving in Sudarsan Art and Craft Village, Brass and Bell Metal Works at Balakati, silver filigree woks at Cuttack. Textile designing at Olasingha, Khurda, Papier Mache & shell works at Puri, Solapatia works at Puri, Wood carving & painting at Puri, Applique works at Pipili.

Fairs & Festivals : Ashokastami, Mahasivaratri, Tribal Festival, Raja Rani Festival, Khandagiri Mela, Kharavela Festivals.

Stone Carving : In Bhubaneswar & Itipur near Dhauli, one can witness artisans working on to make beautiful images. Orissan sculptors have a long tradition of making wonders from hard stone. The beautiful Hindu, Budhist, Jain images lined up at any handicraft emporium bear testimony to this fact.

Ashrams - Temple City Spiritual Shrines : Important ashrams at Khandagiri and more importantly to Chidananda Ashram, Chinmaya Mission, Satyananda Yogashram, Ramkrishna Mission, Nigamananda Ashram, Gayatri Mandir, Abhiram Paramhans Math, Thakur Anukul Chandra’s Satsang Temple, Bayababa Matha, Prjapati Brahma Kumari Ashram, Kriyayoga Ashram.

Ayurvedic Massage : Ayurveda is the most primitive form of medicine in Orissa because of the availability of large varieties of medicinal herbs in her forest. It is not only a system of treatment but also a complete science. It promotes positive health, prevents diseases and helps in achieving long life. It cures asthma, arthritis, diabetes and remove fatigue and body rejuvenation. Orissa is another place after Kerala for the people seeking permanent cure from the above chronic diseases. Panchakarma, another drug therapy and a derivative of Ayurveda is practiced here for cleansing the body with Masso therapy. While Masso therapy takes care of the anatomical parts, Swedana therapy by way thermo treatment cures patient from perspiration and increases cellular catalysis, produces vasodilatation and alteration of membrane configuration, ionic pumping electrolytes. It helps delaying aging process. Sodhana makes purification of body while Samana causes purification, rectification and improvement quenching assua.

Temple City Wild Life

Nandan Kanan Zoological Park - Largest White Tiger Reserve in the 

World : While the temples and monuments are redolent with the culture of a hoary era, the vibrance of life throbs in the sprawling Nandan Kanan Zoological Park endowed with a natural lake, it is known for the rare white tigers and migratory birds which nest here during winter. It has also the country’s largest Lion Safari and white Tiger Safari.

In 1968 a tigress jumped into the protected den for mating with a tiger and there after they lived their conjugal love increasing tiger population of the Nandan Kanan Zoo. The name of the tigress was given Kanan and so the name of the zoo came to be known as Nandan Kanan.

An ideal synthesis of temples, caves, monuments and wild life what the city has to offer to the tourists with composite destinations for every category of visitors with myriad options and individual preferences. Nandan Kanan or the Garden of Heavens is set on natural edifice of 472 hectres over a large expanse of undulating topography covered by natural moist deciduous forest, moated and vegetation terrain – an unbridled shelter to tigers, leopards, Asiatic lions, crocodiles, sangai ,lion tailed monkeys, Nilgiri langurs, Indian penguins, mouse deer, sambhars, spotted deer, barking deer, black panthers, clouded leopard, golden cat, sloth beer, pagolin, percupine, elephant, bison, macaque, binturong, red-necked wallaby, Malayan sun bear, black buck, four horned antelopes, Nilagai, Ladakhi goat, birds and so on.

Chandaka Elephant Sanctury - Where men and elephants enjoy a friendly neighbourhood : The first of its kind in the country is a dense forest covering an area nearly of 200 sq kms is a protected zone for hundreds of elephants. Visitors can witness the huge flux of pachyderms from some of the watch towers. The huge man made lake Deras is being developed as a heronry. Chandaka Sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity now a popular destination for solitude seekers, hunt for eco-tourists and a tryst with rejuvenated nature in all shades. Mind boggling varieties of butterflies at forest openings, sides, flowers, grasses, edges of waters, wet mud wear a wonderful scenic beauty. Marmon, leopard, Hedge Blue, double banded crow, bush brown, pansy and endless varieties of flora and fauna can be viewed here. The sanctuary is situated barely half an hour’s journey from Bhubaneswar and is the only sanctuary exclusively earmarked for it’s 67 strong team of elephants. Abhimanyu and Ganesh the two pachyderms can be found roaming around to catch smugglers and forest thieves. The sanctuary has leopards, deer, wild boars, heyna,sloth beer, python, monitor lizard and birds in plenty. On afternoons one often is treated with peacocks in glorious plumes wandering with their families. Kingfishers, teal, brahminy ducks, jacans and lapwings hunting for fish in the lake are a scene to behold. 

There are many watch towers inside the sanctuary like Ambilo, Kumarkhunti, Pithagadia and Kochilabarena where there are natural ponds and waterholes. At Deras, there is a reservoit with a lovely green hill, where birds flock in winter. At the top of the hill, there is a bamboo hut and the surrounding is very beautiful. At Kumarkhunti, the tank is large and teeming with fish that attract birds in plenty in winter. With a rim of hillocks surrounding Kumarkhunti, the area is propelled by absolute silence except occasionally broken by the bird calls and langurs. Not only is the small sanctuary green and serene it also preserves the ruins of 300 -year old forts called Bualigarh and Chudanga with tunnels, water channels and tanks. Accommodations are available at Deras and Michipatna on prior reservation and also at Ambigo and Kumarkhunti.

Chudanga Garh Fort -  Historical Importance : The historical forts of Toshali at Dadha Patna 19 kms. from Bhubaneswar surrounded by Chandaka Reserve Forest speaks of the glorious saga of Kalinigites.

The pristine architectural beauty of Bhubaneswar is replicated from the many names of Lord Shiva. The Cathedral City of India is the abode of the Lord and is famous for the 12th century Lingaraj Temple. Once the city has cluster of about 7000 temples is now left with around 500 magnificent temples and bears the testimony to the majesty of ancient temple architecture. It is both a commercial and religious center of the state of Orissa and an integral part of the Golden Triangle Tour of India. 

The city standing against a royal historical backdrop characterized by lofty temples and rock-cut caves resembles, sublimity, peace, serenity and privacy and an ideal destination for the leisure seekers. The tourist attractions include Chandaka, a sanctuary of wild elephants, and the Nandankanan Zoo, which features a botanical garden and India’s largest lion and tiger safari.

Khandagiri and Udaygiri are the twin hills honey-combed with Jain caves at the city outskirts reveal the sculptural art of the 2nd century BC and offer an interesting 
opportunity to study Jain history and philosophy. 

Bhubaneswar has recently emerged with the image of a global investment destination and with corporate houses including blue chip IT companies like Infosys, Satyam, Mind Tree, Wipro it also behemoths massive web of industrialization with their controlling bases here in steel, power, aluminum and mining sector earning the tag of 'Corporate City'. 

A pollution free planned city, Bhubaneswar has fine, wide roads and connectivity to the other parts of the country both by air and rail. The temple city has a domestic airport, the Biju Patnaik Airport.

Sisupalgarh Fort : Historical Importance - belongs to 3rd century AD was a fortified township surrounded by natural moat represents ancient Kalinganagari under Emperor Kharvela in the middle of 1st century BC.It reveals the cultural identity and chronology of the site,the nature of formation of the defences and the plan of the gateways. Sisupalgarh holds the charm of some ancient ruins of third or fourth century BC. One can have a fair ideal of a well developed ancient city by visiting the site and establish the fact that the Bhubaneswaran civilization has very ancient roots.

Budhist Shrine : White Pagoda Dhauli, Ashokan rock edict. On the bank of river Daya where Chandashok became Dharmashok. A Budhist Peace Park at the feet of Dhauli hill is slated to be inaugurated shortly.

Dhauli - The White Peace Pagoda : Historical Importance - Spiritual, Monument & Heritage Tour recounting the horrors of a bloody war, when Ashok swept through the indomitable Kalinga and his subsequent conquest through love and compassion, Dhauli hill on the bank of river Daya bears the testimony of the bloody stream of brave Kalingans as the silent witness to the metamorphosis from the war holocaust to the transformation of peace and non violence. White Peace Pagoda and Ashokan Rock Edict are the embodiments to this great events of history.

The Peace Pagoda at Dhauli remains at the top of the tourist agenda for the splendid structure of the stupa and the monastery near it. The Saddharma Vihar monastery and the Shanti Stupa, built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in the early seventies, with the influence of Guruji Fuji, is a place to enjoy eternal peace of mind. The lush green patches in the surroundings together with Ashoka's edicts, add charm to the pageant.

Situated at 8 km from Bhubaneswar on the banks of the Daya river, the Dhauli hill stands in mute avowal to the history making Kalinga war, fought in the 3rd century BC. The great wave of Buddhism, that over whelmed the whole world, was born here. Ashoka, petrified by the morbid aftermath of the war, discarded the world of mischief and materialism, in favor of the realm of spiritual salvation and self-enlightenment. Thus, was born the greatest patron Buddhism has ever known. He embraced Buddhism and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of non-violence. Defying a fine degree of sophistication, these rock edicts also narrate Ashoka's philosophy of life.

The Buddhist influence is spread all over Bhubaneswar, Ashokan Rock Edict said to be the earliest rock-cut sculpture in India bears a sculpted elephant atop the edict signifying the Mauryan Emperor Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory. 

Itipur - Craft Tour : The huge monuments of Orissa stand as mute testimony to the creative sculptures imagination who successfully composed lyrics on stone. Konark, Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Budhist and Jain images in various postures found from different places continue to captivate the visitors. Along the river Daya, near Dhauli, Itipur is one of the villages in cluster where every man is born sculptor.

Heerapur Yogini Shrine : Heritage & Spiritual Tour -The 11th century 64 -Yogini shrine at Heerapur, the ancient hub center for tantrik cult.

Copper Plate Foretelling - Mystic : Spiritual tour - on the way to Heerapur from Bhubaneswar is Jheinti Sasan where the future can be scripted from the mystic Jagannath cult in form of what is known as Achyutananda Pothi i.e. from the holy leaf of the book by Achyutananda - the ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath in the past. 

Pipili : (20 kms. from Bhubaneswar) While charting out the drive from Bhubanerswar to Puri the colourful extravaganza with astutely designed appliqué crafts displayed on the road side held everybody in a captivating mood. Large canopies, umbrella, small door hanging, wall hanging, bags are rare species of craftsmanship by local artisans are beautiful treat to watch.

Applique Works at Pipili : Craft Tour - Applique in Orissa is an old temple art. Contrasting color shreds with threads and glass pieces intricately woven on cloth of varied designs for different utility purposes project majestic artistic pieces.

Barunei Hill - Historical Importance - Eco Tour - Spiritual Tour  :  (32 kms. from Bhubaneswar) The hill Barunei is named after the presiding deity of the place Barunei. The legend associated to this place takes it back to the days of the Ramayan and people still believe that in the perennial spring that comes from the hill top , Sita had taken her bath. On the foothill of Barunei stands the last independent fort that had fallen to the Britishers after stiff resistance. Barunei hill with beautiful woods, showdowy mango groves, perennial spring Swarga Ganga with several caves of which the largest one is known as Pandavguha. Few inscriptions are seen here. Chandaka hill range extending the ridge of 200 sq.kms.

Khurda - Historical Importance : ( 28 Kms. from Bhubaneswar) Of many historical importance. The adjacent Barunei hill and the last fort to fall while fighting with British colonial power.

Khurda Fort - Historical Importance : (26 Kms. from Bhubaneswar) The capital of Bhoi dynasty built by Rama Chandra Dev in 1568 AD at the feet of Barunei hill. The fort drew the attention of Abul Fazal, the Moghul historian who described it as invincible. Baulagarg Fort in Chandaka with Churanggarh provides reminiscence of irrigation channels, sluice gates, dams, tanks, wells, plinths of buildings thought to be built between 1078 -1147 AD. The 14th century nine storeyed Barabati Fort at Cuttack was the sleeping chambers of rulers.

Biswanath Hills - Budhist Site : (75 kms. away from Bhubaneswar) In Biswanath hills Budhist relics are found scattered all over the place.

Kaipadar - Spiritual Tour : (35 kms. from Bhubaneswar)

Gadamanitri - Spiritual Tours : (54 kms. from Bhubaneswar) Near Khurda where Goddess Ramchandi is worshipped. The place has a significance in Orissa’s legend.

Attri Hot Sulphur Water Spring - Eco Tour : Not far away from the city with beautiful natural surroundings. The Atri Hot Sulphur Spring, 42 kms. from Bhubaneswar, near the famous Hatakeswara Temple. It has a bathing complex for tourists. A bath in the hot spring water can cure from many illness. The average temperature of water is 55 degree Celsius.

Kenduli - Spiritual & Cultural Tour : The birth place of the great poet Jayadev who composed Geeta Govinda. Kenduli reverberates with extensive relics of brick temples and sculptures of Saiva, Vaishnav and Shakti cult some of which can be ascribed to 10th - 11th century AD. The famous Laxmi-Narasingha Temple and the image of Narasingha having Laxmi on his lap speak about the iconographic peculiarity prevalent in Orissa during the imperial Ganga period.

Tapanga - Historical Importance :

Olasingha Weaving Village - Special Interest Textile Tour :