Bhubaneshwar Sightseeing : Places to visit in destination Bhubaneshwar

Places to visit in the city Bhubaneshwar

LINGARAJA TEMPLE - Bhubaneshwar

The 55-metre-high Lingaraja Temple is a rare masterpiece depicting the high point of Orissan architecture of the 10th-11th century. Described as /”the truest fusion of dream and reality,/” every inch of its surface is covered with elaborate carvings of gods, goddesses, dryads, nymphs and fairies. The temple can be seen from miles away and the sculpture and architecture here fuse elegantly to create a perfect harmony. It is believed that all pilgrims, who wish to go to the Jagannath temple at Puri, must first offer worship at the Lingaraja temple. The temple has two added structures—the Natya Mandir (dance hall) and the Bhoga Mandap (offering platform). It is important to note that non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Lingaraja Temple.

RAJARANI TEMPLE - Bhubaneshwar

The Rajarani Temple (AD 1100), set amongst picturesque paddy fields, derives its name from the stone known as the Rajarani. It was built earlier in comparison to the impressive Lingaraja, but what sets apart this relatively small temple is its celebration of the feminine form. Here women are portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses and moods reminding one of the temples of Khajuraho.

MUKTESHWAR TEMPLE - Bhubaneshwar

Perhaps the most ornate temple in Bhubaneswar, the Mukteshwar Temple (7th–8th century AD) has intricate carvings of deities that show the amalgamation of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain styles of architecture. The carvings on the roof, especially the bho motifs of the grinning lion and the monkey, are quite striking. There is a well to the south of the temple in which childless women toss a coin to wish for a child.

BRAHMESHWARA TEMPLE - Bhubaneshwar

The Brahmeshwara Temple (AD 1050) is situated around a kilometre east of the main road of the city. It stands in a courtyard flanked by four smaller temples and a Shivling. Besides, there are other minor shrines in every corner of the courtyard. Two interesting images are found inside this temple: a well-oiled image of Lakshmi, covered in cloth, and a miniature image of Nataraja sitting on a bull and playing a veena.

ASHOKAN EDICTS AT DHAULI HILLS - Bhubaneshwar

The famous rock edicts of Ashoka, inscribed in the third century BC, are located at Dhauli, around 8 km from Bhubaneswar. The carnage that followed the Kalinga War transformed the emperor, and he came here some 2,300 years ago to seek salvation. It is also believed that Ashoka set out to preach Buddhism from Dhauli. A white stupa (pillar), built in collaboration with Japanese Buddhists, is located on the hills and can be seen from miles away