Introduction to city Bhubaneshwar - In Orissa
The day breaks at Bhubaneswar to scores of temple bells
proclaiming the advent of the Sun God. The temple shikharas
(spires) assume a favourable visibility and human zeal becomes
pronounced. The business of the day progresses with religious
fervour. Such is the significance of temples in this town
that almost the entire life revolves around them. The town
lives for its temples, and the temples by the town.
Against this multi-hued tapestry of history and the backdrop
of the soaring sandstone spires stand Bhubaneswar, the capital
of the eastern state of Orissa. The place is mythical as
well as historical. It is here that king Ashoka embraced
Buddhism and non-violence. An important city of the temple
triangle of Orissa, Bhubaneswar has direct air, road, and
rail connection with the other major cities of India.
Bhubaneswar derives its name from the Sanskrit word Tribhuvaneswara,
another name for Lord Shiva. 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).
SightSeeing
: Places to visit in destination - Bhubaneshwar
Once a magnetic centre of Shaivism, Bhubaneswar was home
to some 7,000 temples dedicated to different deities of
which about 500 survive to this day. The magnificent temple
of Lord Lingaraja is the most imposing temple of
Orissa. There are fine chlorite images of Ganesha, Parvati
and Skanda in large niches. Vertical ribs dominate the tower
from top to bottom while horizontal dividing lines dominate
the pyramidal roof of the porch with its bell-shaped top.
Another important temple is the Rajarani Temple which
is noted for its fascinating female figures portrayed in
a stunning variety of amorous poses. Then there is the Mukteshwara
Temple where you come across a captivating array of
voluptuous female figures and famished ascetics, dwarfs
and animals. The beautiful and the grotesque have been skilfully
depicted through exquisite carvings. The Parashumeshwara
Temple is one of the earliest extant temples of Orissa,
acknowledged to be a symbol of all that is chaste and elegant
in sculpture. Besides, there are the Brahmeswara Temple
and the Ashokan rock edicts on the Dhauli Hills which
are must-visit sites on the itinerary of tourists to Bhubaneswar.
Excursions
: Places nearby city - Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneswar is a part of the famed Golden Triangle circuit
of Orissa along with Puri and Konark and as such the city
is generally visited in combination with these two places.
Puri is one of the four holy dhams of Hinduism and the hallowed
seat of Lord Jagannath. Washed by the waters of the Bay
of Bengal and embraced by casuarina-fringed beaches, it
is a famous beach on the eastern coastline of peninsular
India. Konark (65 km) houses the renowned Sun Temple
which is in a class of its own. Fine carvings cover almost
every inch of the outer surface, portraying with uninhabited
fidelity the vast panorama of life. Besides, there are a
number of nearby places that can be easily accessed from
Bhubaneswar. Among these is Atri (42 km from Bhubaneswar)
known for its hot sulphur springs and a temple dedicated
to Lord Hatakeswar. Khandagiri and Udaygiri
are two famous archaeological sites with fine specimens
of rock-cut temples, just northwest of Bhubaneswar. Nandankanan
(20 km from Bhubaneswar) has a zoo and is especially known
for its white tigers which can be seen in their natural
setting. Pipli (20 km from Bhubaneswar en route to
Puri and Konark) is famous for its appliqué work done with
bright colours into a fanciful range of items. Chilika
Lake (121 km), the largest brackish water lake in Asia,
and Gopalpur-on-Sea (180 km), with its beautiful
beach resort, are two other nearby destinations that can
be visited on a daylong trip.
Bhubaneshwar City Tour Guide |
Sight Seeing of Bhubaneshwar | Excursion in Bhubaneshwar Bhubaneshwar Tour Packages |
Bhubaneshwar Hotels |
Picture Gallery of Bhubaneshwar
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