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Bhubaneswar
Popular as the 'Temple City of India', Bhubaneswar is a pilgrim's delight. This capital of Orissa was also the capital of an ancient kingdom. Read on.
Bhubaneswar is dotted all along with temples and shrines that represent its ancient heritage. Alongside Hindu temples, you will also find Buddhist shrines throughout the city. The temples follow a common architectural pattern and are situated around the Bindu Sarovar. The common features shared by the temples are the entrance, a sanctum for the deity, a dancing hall, a hall of offerings and a beehive-shaped tower. All the structures are intricately designed with carvings of flowers, animals, gods and humans.
Attractions
The Lingaraja temple is a popular tourist destination in Bhubaneswar. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple is located in a huge walled compound. Its tower is 39 meters tall. The outer walls of the main temple are adorned with elaborate carvings of deities and nymphs.
Dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Rajrani Temple is known for its well carved tower. It is located amidst green paddy fields, and is exquisitely sculpted.
It is believed that Bhubaneswar had more than a 1000 temples, out of which 500 exist even today. Some of the oldest temples are located in a mango grove (also known as 'the grove of the perfect being'). The Parasurameswara, Kedareswara and Mukateswara temples exist among the ruins of about 20 temples situated in the mango grove. The Parameswara temple is believed to be the oldest Siva temple in Bhubaneswar. You will find many intricate and interesting carvings like latticed windows, dancing dwarfs, elephant and horse processions, etc.
The Kedareswara temple is famous for the eight foot tall statue of the Lord Hanuman and goddess Durga standing on a lion. The Mukateswara temple has a finely sculpted gateway and diamond-shaped latticed windows. The sandstone carvings are a notable feature of this temple.
Temples apart, there are few other places of interest here. The State Museum has many important artifacts of Orissa's past. You will find stone artifacts, traditional dresses, ancient and medieval tools and weapons, rare manuscripts, etc. The state planetarium has regular shows on astrological events.
For children, the Nicco Park has rides and games. The park conducts special activities like the 'ice house' where snow and ice are replicated for children.
Around Bhubaneswar
There are many exciting places to visit around Bhubaneswar. Located in the middle of the Chandka forest, 20 km away, Nandanakanana is a park with animals and a botanical garden.
Puri is located 60 kilometers south. Considered as one of the four holiest places in India, it is the site of the 12th century Jagannath temple. The main temple building stands in a huge compound and has a tower that is surmounted by the mystic wheel or chakra of Lord Vishnu.
Fairs and festivals
- During April/May the idol of Lord Lingaraja is taken on a procession as part of a chariot festival.
- The tribal fair is held in the end of January.
- Durga Puja, Jamashtami, Raja Sankranti and Kali Puja are celebrated with much pomp and gaiety.
Getting there
You can reach Bhubaneswar by air, rail or road. The modern Biju Patnaik airport (located 3 kilometers away) is being expanded to service international flights in the future. The airport connects to Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Raipur. Deluxe and regular buses are available for travel by road. The railway station is located in the center of the city and connects to major destinations in India.
Shopping
Shop for hand woven saris, silver filigree, and brass, stone and wood carvings.
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