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Bhubneshwar Sightseeing
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| Lingaraja
Temple (11th century) |
The Lingaraja temple dominates the skyline of Bhubaneshwar from as far away as
15-kms and exhibits the skill of the Orissan temple architects at its completely
mature and developed stage. This temple was constructed in the 11th Century AD
at the site of an old 7th Century Shrine. Along with the 'deul' and the 'Jagmohana'
the Lingaraja temple has two new structures, the 'Nata Mandira' (dance hall) and
the ' Bhoga Mandapa' (offering hall). Dedicated to Lord Shiva the 'Lingam' here
is unique in that it is a 'Hari Hara' lingam - half Siva and Half Vishnu. There
are around 150 subsidiary shrines within this giant temple.
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| Muktesvara
Temple |
Often referred to as the 'Gem of Orissan Architecture' this temple has been
built on the lines of the Kalinga School of temple architecture. This temple
too is a deviation in that the architects have blended old and new
techniques of planning and execution. Many new innovations in later temples
are from here. A 'Torana', an arched gateway is a unique feature of this
temple.
The temple dedicated Lord Shiva-Mukteswara , is carved with figures of
ascetics in various poses of meditation and scenes from the storehouse of
Indian fables, the 'Panchatantra'. A dip in a sacred well to the east of the
temple is supposedly a cure for infertility.
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Parasurameswara Temple |
Parasurameswara Temple built in 650 AD is one of the few earliest temples
of Bhubaneshwar. This temple built in the 'Kalinga' style of temple
architecture was dedicated to Lord Siva but there are images of Lord
Vishnu, 'Yama', 'Surya' and seven Mother Goddesses. In typical fashion, it
is liberally sculpted with amorous couples, animals and floral motifs.
Just south of Parasurameswara temple is the 'Swaranajaleswara' temple is
the 'Swaranajaleswara' temple. Built in a similar style, the motifs on the
walls however differ, depicting scenes from the 'Ramayana'.
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Raj Rani Temple |
The Raja Rani temple is an essay in grace and poise and is particularly
interesting in that it has no presiding deity. The name of this temple is
supposed to be derived from the red-gold sandstone used - Raja Rani being
the local name for the stone. The 'deul' is intricately carved with
figurines in various stages of daily chores. The lower portion of the deul
has the 'Gurdians of the eight directions' guarding the eight cardinal
points of the temple.
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| Brahmeshwara
Temple |
Brahmeswara temple depicts the mature Orissan style of temple architecture.
The 'deul' and the 'Jagmohana' are both intricately carved and for the first
time in temple architectural history musicians and dancers appear on the outer
walls and iron beams find their first use. In the western section 'Chamunda',
Shiva and other deities are depicted.
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