Standing majestically to a height of about 180 feet amidst scores of smaller structures inside a spacious courtyard enclosed by a massive boundary wall measuring -520 feet length-wise and 465 feet breadth-wise the Lingaraja temple (circa A.D.1050) dominates the landscape within an area of about ten miles around. It represents the quintessence of Orissan architecture with the original deula and jagamohana. It is rightly observed that so much has been said about its architectural features that very little remains to be said. In the elegance of its proportions and the richness of its surface treatment, it is one of the most finished and refined manifestations of temple architecture in India.
Having pancharatha plan it has a natamandira, a bhogamandap and three subsidiary shrines in front of the parsvadevata figures added during the Ganga rule in Orissa. Being a large edifice its different elements are made so well proportioned that it only reveals the consummate skill of its master designer. The crowning achievement of the architect is the designing of the graceful contour of its towering gandi, its soaring height and grandeur. The plastic art on the structure is so well planned that it reveals an equally effective use of space and proportion and contains some finest carvings including cult deities, secular sculptures, animal motifs, nayika and mithuna figures, which only adds to the majesty of the edifice. With all features of Kalinga architecture fully evolved, it is the culmination of the architectural development in every respect and became a standard for later temples of Orissa. The larger-than-life-size figures of parsvadevatas on the side niches are a rare combination of finest carvings with consummate artistic skill and imposing sculptures of the parivara deities of Siva. Although known at present as Lingaraja, one of the ancient names of the deity, Tribhunanesvara, is the precursor of the present name of the city Bhubaneswar.
How to Reach
Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju Patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international charters landing here soon.
By Air : Bhubaneshwar is directly linked by air to many cities. By Rail : Super fast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai,Hyderabad, Mumbai,Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad etc. By Road : Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways(NH No.5) and by all weather inter and intra state roads.
Internal Transport - Taxies, Auto Rickshaws, Town Buses and Cycle Rickshaws. Hop on Hop off Bus service.
Where to Stay -
Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed at Bhubaneshwar (STD code-0674).
Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju Patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international charters landing here soon.
By Air : Bhubaneshwar is directly linked by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,Hyderabad and Bangalore by flights Air India, Jetlite, Air Deccan,IndiGo and King Fisher. By Rail : Super fast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai,Hyderabad, Mumbai,Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Ahmedabad. By Road : Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways(NH No.5,NH No 6) and by all weather inter and intra state roads.
Internal Transport - Taxies, Auto Rickshaws, Town Buses and Cycle Rickshaws.
Sightseeing Tours
Explore the age-old heritage of this ‘Temple City’ by visiting the beautiful temple like Rajarani, Mukteswar, Bharateswar, Brahma, Brahmeswar,Chandana, Chitrakarini, Daiteswar, Dwarabasini, Gosagareswar, Kainchi, Kedareswar, Kotitirtheswar, Laxmaneswar, Lingaraj, Makarewswar, Markandeswar, Mohini, Papanasini, Parsurameswar, Rameswar, Satrughaneswar, Subarneswar, Swarnajaleswar,Taleswar, Tirtheswar. Uttareswar, Vaital, Vimaleswar / Gaurisankar and Anantavasudev.
Sisupalgarh is located close to the famous Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar. It is a historic place with the ruins of a fortified city strewn all over the area. Historians claim that this city dates back to the third or fourth century. Sisupalgarh is a reminder of the rich heritage civilization of Orissa.
On the other hand, modern temples include Baya Baba Matha, Ram Mandir, Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir & ISKCON Temple.
If you happen to be a nature lover there are verdant parks for you to relax like the IG Park, Ekamra Kanan, Biju Patanaik Park, Buddha Jayanti Park,IMFA Park, Kharavela Park, S.P. Mukherjee Park and Subhas Bose Park.
Other Urban Landmarks for you to explore in Bhubaneswar -
Pathani Samanta Planetarium BDA Nicco Park State Museum Tribal Museum Science Park
Tourist can avail HOP ON HOP OFF Bus Service of Tourism Department, Govt. of Orissa, for sightseeing tour at Bhubaneswar. Tourist can get the information of the route of HOP ON HOP OFF Bus service from its Route Map.
Excursions
Bhubaneswar offers tourists several options comprising picturesque paradise for interesting Excursion Tours, which are both educative and entertaining.
* Distance from Bhubaneswar
Dhauli (8 km)* - Surrounded by paddy fields, the Dhauli hill brings back memories of the historic 'Kalinga war' which was fought around here. It is here that Ashoka, the terrible, was transformed into Ashoka, the compassionate and championed the cause of Buddhism. On the foot of the hill, one can see the Rock Edicts of Ashoka and the forepart of a skillfully sculpted elephant hewn out of a huge rock. Dhauli has gained prominence due to the establishment of a Buddhist Peace Pagoda, popularly known as Shanti Stupa, built in the early seventies by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha. An old temple of Lord Dhavaleswar, reconstructed in 1972, also stands on the hill-top.
Hirapur (15 km)* - Hirapur has the 11th century Hypaethral temple of 64 Yogini Shrines. It is second of its kind in Orissa and one of four such unique temples in India.
Atri Hot Spring (42 km)* - Situated amidst greenery and famous for the hot sulphur water spring, Atri, 42 km. from Bhubaneswar and 14 km. from Khurda, is also a holy place with the shrine of Hatakeswar. A bath in the spring water is reputed to cure skin diseases apart from being a pleasant experience.
Nandankanan (20 km)* - Picturesquely carved out of the Chandaka forest, Nandankanan is a Biological Park where animals are kept in their natural habitat. A centrally located lake divides the Zoo from the Botanical Gardens. Tigers, Lions, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, European Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Gharials, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Indian Python, King Cobra, etc. are among the attractions of the zoo, which is famous for its White Tigers. The exotic Botanical Garden on the other side of the zoo preserves varieties of indigenous plants. Regular bus services are available to reach the sanctuary.
Tarabalo Hot Spring (75 km)* - In the Nayagarh district, Tarabalo is famous for a cluster of hot springs dotted over an area of 8 acres. Located 75 km from Bhubaneswar, it makes a delightful spot for excursions.
Khandagiri and Udaygiri (8 km)* - The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock-cut caves, built mainly for the Jain monks around 1st - 2nd century B.C. The thirteen years lithic record of King Kharavela engraved in Hatigumpha (elephant cave) is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India.
As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udayagiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udayagiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela. From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, "was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts.
The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udayagiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.
The Ganesha Gumpha, which is accessible by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.
All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes.
Banapur (8 Km)* - Famous for the time-honoured temple of Goddess Bhagabati, banpur has earned celebrity as a center of religious activities. Once it was the capital of Sailodvaba dynasty, responsible for the construction of the early group of temples at Bhubaneswar. The large number of Buddist images discovered at Banpur relate the place to the Vajrayan cult of Buddhism. The temple of "Dakshya Prajapati: is a fine specimen of extraordinary artistic excellence of Orissan art. Banpur is connected by bus services from Bhubaneswar. Accommodation facilities are also available at Balugaon and Barkul, 11 Km away. One may also see the Salia Dam at a distance of 15 Km.
Barunei (32 Km)* - As a scenic spot, 9 Km away from Khurdha, Barunei attracts thousands of visitors round the year. Barunei, the presiding deity of the place adorns the hilltop. The shadowy mango groves with a perennial spring called SWARGA GANGA", Ganges of the Heaven, provide a pleasant atmosphere for the picnickers. Bus services are available up to Khurdha and Barunei stop on NH – 5 . One can hire taxies of Autorickshaws to reach the place.
Bhusandapur (65 km)* - On way to Balugaon along National Highway No. 5 from Bhubaneswar, one can visit the shrine of Ugratara at Bhusandapur. The image of a four-armed chamunda worshipped as Ugratara is believed to be the tutelary deity of the Gajapati Kings of Orissa. It is a lovely picnic spot under a cool mango grove by the side of a hillock and a gurgling stream. This place is connected by a good motorable road.
Gadamanatri (54 Km)* - 31 Kms from Khurda, the place is famous for the abode of Goddes Ramachandi, situated on a hillock in the shape of a huge stone of 60 feet high. Gadamanatri is connected by a good motorable road. Ramanavami is the festival here which is observed for 7 days.
Kenduli (35 Km)* - Famous for the birthplace of Saint Poet Jayadev, the composer of Geeta Govinda in Sanskrit. Kenduli is 35 Km from Bhubaneswaar Via Banamalipur. There are clutters of shines in this village like Mukteswar, Mahadev, Ambika, Jageswart, nrutimha and Radha Madhav was shipped in different temple. Jayadeva Jayatri is the biggest festival is observed an Akshya Tritiya day which falls in April every year. Regular bus services are available up to Banamalipur and the rest are negotiable by auto rickshaw.
Rameswar (52 Km)* - This place is an ideal stop on NH No.5 for any tourist. It is also a scenic spot. Economical and comfortable accommodation also available here. This place is 25 Km away from khurda, the dist headquater Regular frequent bus services are available to this place. Tourist can also visit the nearest tourist spots like Barunei(25 Km), Kaipadar(14 Km), Gadamanitir(24 Km) and Ugratara(10Km).
Mundiapada - 51 Km from Khurda and 11 Km from Bolagada it is a scenic spot. The temple of Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman on the top of the fill called Mandangiri is a great attraction for the tourist. The hill is about thousand feet high approachable by 700 steps. The Kartik Festival is observed here in the month of kartik (Oct-Nov) which is continued for the whole month of Kartik. A great congregation takes place during this period. Regular bus services are available up to Bolagada (11 Km). The Mundipada Ashram here accommodates 20 person which is a Yatri type accommodation.
Salia Dam – Berbera - One-way to Berbera Forest comes the Salia Dam near the village Panas Diha to the west of Banpur. The scenic beauty of this place with the dam attracts the group picnickers round the year. About 12 km from Salia Dam, Berbera is a deep forest of 300 Sq Km. It is rich with Sal, Teak and other associated species. Bisons, Gaurs, King Cobras, Barking Deer, Giant Squirrels etc. are found in the Jungles of Berbera. Barbera Forest is an unpeel beauty of nature richly endowed with bounties of flora and fauna. Regular bus services are available up to Banpur. Salia and Barbera is approachable by jeep from Banpur, 20 Kms from Balugaon and 26 Km form Barkul. Accommodation facilities are available at both the places.
Kosalasuni Thakurani Pitha - The place is famous for the Goddes Kosalasuri. She is belived to be stow fruition of desires of the devotees. The place attracts the Groups in large number. 42 Km from Khurda and 15 Km from Sunakhala, bus service is available up to Arikoma (2 Km) The Tarabalo Hot spring is only 13 Km from here. Visitors may avail the accommodation facility at Kalapather PWD IB at a distance of 6 Km.
Spoil yourself with overwhelming variety and great bargains and shop until you drop at Bhubaneswar’s Boyanika, Ekamra Haat, Kalamandir, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Utkalika, Priyadarshani, Bazar Kolkata, Big Bazar and Vishal Garments.
Cinema Halls in Bhubaneswar
Sit back and watch a film of your choice at Keshari, Swati, Stutee, Sriya, Ekamra and Maharaja.
Theatre Halls in Bhubaneswar
Prominent and popular venues for performing arts (dance and music recitals) and folk theatre are the Rabindra Mandap, Bhanja Kala Mandap and Jaydev Bhaban.
Five Star - entertainments - Bar, Pub & Disco
The Mayfair Lagoon Bhubaneswar offers you rain dance or a disco at the open deck of the htl, accommodating up to a thousand people.
Cuisines and Restaurants
Delectable seafood, traditional Oriya Cuisine, Indian (veg and non-veg), Chinese and Continental cuisine is available at major htls and restaurants across Bhubaneswar.
Do's and Don'ts
Temple Rules
1. It is best to dress conservatively. Women should not expose themselves and should ideally have their head covered in a temple. A simple shawl or a piece of cloth can do this. Men and women should not touch each other while inside the temple or shrine.
2. You have to leave your shoes outside temples. In most temples, it is all right to keep your socks or stockings on, but not always. Do not carry shoes, camera, and leather articles, umbrella, radio, tape recorder or mobile phone. The same can be deposited at a stall just outside the temple where they will be safe. Leather items should not be taken into a temple. At Jain temples they are strictly forbidden. Intoxicants, alcohol, Arms, and Ammunitions are strictly prohibited articles.
3. A number of temples are off limits to non-Hindus. Other temples may allow non-Hindus to enter parts of the temple, but not the inner sanctum where the deity is located. Temple authorities can be very strict about this and can object if you do not follow the rules.
4. Every temple has rules governing its photography. You should ask for permission to take pictures of the deities. You should also ask permission to take pictures of persons or priests.
5. Other temples may have 'hundi' or donation boxes installed, where you may donate any amount as per your discretion.
6. Temples are protected property under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India. Writing / drawing on temple walls and thereby defacing them is strictly prohibited and all offenders will be penalized.
Coming soon..................
Standing majestically to a height of about 180 feet amidst one hundred smaller structures inside a specious courtyard enclosed by a massive boundary wall measuring -520 feet length-wise and 465 feet breadth-wise the Lingaraja temple (circa A.D.1050) dominates the landscape within an area of about ten miles around. It represents the quintessence of Orissan architecture with the original deula and jagamohana. It is rightly observed that so much has been said about its architectural features that very little remains to be said. In the elegance of its proportions and the richness of its surface treatment, it is one of the most finished and refined manifestations of temple architecture in India.
Having pancharatha plan it has a natamandira, a bhogamandap and three subsidiary shrines in front of the parsvadevata figures added during the Ganga rule in Orissa. Being a large edifice its different elements are made so well proportioned that it only reveals the consummate skill of its master designer. The crowning achievement of the architect is the designing of the graceful contour of its towering gandi, its soaring height and grandeur. The plastic art on the structure is so well planned that it reveals an equally effective use of space and proportion and contain some finest carvings including cult deities, secular sculptures, animal motifs, nayika and mithurta figures, which only adds to the majesty of the edifice. With all features of Kalinga architecture fully evolved, it is the culmination of the architectural development in every respect and became a standard for later temples of Orissa. The larger-than-life-size figures of parsvadevatas on the side niches are a rare combination of finest carvings with consummate artistic skill and imposing sculptures of the parivara deities of Siva. Although known at present as Lingaraja, one of the ancient names of the deity. Tribhunanesvara, is the precursor of the present name of the city Bhubaneswar.
