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Rightly acclaimed as ‘the gem of Orissan architecture’ the Mukteswar temple at Bhubaneswar is indisputably one of the most refined and beautiful temples in Orissa on account of its elegant proportions, vibrant texture of its surface treatment and special features in architectural conception and innovation. With its small dimension (ht. 10.51 mt.) and red stone masonry it marks the transition point between the earlier groups and later standardized temples. Having a fully developed pancharatha plan for the sanctum proper and a square planned jagamohana with an incipient pidha superstructure in the shape of a stepped pyramid its every inch of the exterior is carved with delicate and distinct but integrally linked carvings such as clear cut lacings of the chaitya windows. Added to this, the rounding of edges of the pagas give the temple contour a softened look.
Both the temple and the porch stand on a low plinth surrounded by a low wall with offset projections and sculptured exterior facing the west. It has the unique distinction of having a magnificent arched gateway (torana) fronting the entrance through the compound wall. In addition, this temple is one of the two temples at Bhubaneswar to have a carved ceiling inside the jagamohana in the shape of an inverted full blown lotus. The repertoire of sculptures on the temple walls include cult deities, beautiful nayika figures, secular sculptures, intricate geometrical and floral designs, gracious naga and nagi columns etc. Set in the vicinity of other smaller shrines around this temple is a must for all visitors to the place.
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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 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.
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| Internal Transport - Taxies, Auto Rickshaws, Town Buses and Cycle Rickshaws. |
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Where to Stay | |
| Tourists have to avail accommodation at Bhubaneaswar to visit this holy temple. |
Coming soon.................
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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. |
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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. |
|
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. | |
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|
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. |
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Other Activities - | |
| Fairs and Festivals of Bhubaneswar |
| Be a witness to the rich cultural and religious festivals in and around Bhubaneswar, which come in diverse forms and around the year; namely - |
Shiva Ratri, Bhubaneswar (February – March)
Khandagiri Mela, Khandagiri (January – February)
Ashokastami, Bhubaneswar (March-April)
Ekamra Utsav (January)
Rajarani Music Festival (February)
Kalinga Mahatsav (February)
Adivasi Festival. |
| Shopping around Bhubaneswar |
| 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 hotel, accommodating up to a thousand people. |
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Cuisines & Restaurants - | |
| Delectable seafood, traditional Oriya Cuisine, Indian (veg and non-veg), Chinese and Continental cuisine is easily available at the below mentioned venues across Bhubaneswar. |
Panthanivas (OTDC), Bhubaneswar
Hotel Kalinga Ashok, Hotel Keshari, Hotel Shishmo, Hotel Swosti, Hotel Swosti Plaza, The Marrion, Hotel Trident Hilton, Hotel Mayfair & Hotel Crown. |
Coming soon..................
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Excursions - | |
| Bhubaneswar offers tourists several options comprising picturesque paradise for interesting Excursion Tours, which are both educative and entertaining. |
* Distance from Bhubaneswar
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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.
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Rightly acclaimed as ‘the gem of Orissan architecture’ the Mukteswar temple at Bhubaneswar is indisputably one of the most refined and beautiful temples in Orissa on account of its elegant proportions, vibrant texture of its surface treatment and special features in architectural conception and innovation. With its small dimension (ht. 10.51 mt.) and red stone masonry it marks the transition point in between the earlier groups and later standardized temples. Having a fully developed pancharatha plan for the sanctum proper and a square planned jagamohana with an incipient pidha superstructure in the shape of a stepped pyramid its every inch of the exterior is carved with delicate and distinct but integrally linked carvings such as clear cut lacings of the chaitya windows. Added to this the rounding of edges of the pagas give the temple contour a softened look.
Both the temple and the porch stand on a low plinth surrounded by a low wall with offset projections and sculptured exterior facing the west. It has the unique distinction of having a magnificent arched gateway (torana) fronting the entrance through the compound wall. In addition this temple is one of the two temples at Bhubaneswar to have a carved ceiling inside the jagamohana in the shape of an inverted full blown lotus. The repertoire of sculptures on the temple walls include cult deities, beautiful nayika figures, secular sculptures, intricate geometrical and floral designs, gracious naga and nagi columns etc. Set in the vicinity of other smaller shrines around this temple is a must for all visitors to the place.
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Coming soon.................
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How to Reach | |
| By Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport and is 64 kilometers far away from Konark. Indian Airlines (now Indian) has flights from Delhi, Calcutta, Visakhapatanam, Nagpur, Hyderbad, Chennai and Mumbai. |
| By Rail : The nearest Railway station is at Bhubaneswar on East Coast Railways; 64 km. away and Puri 35 km. |
By Road : Konark is 85 kilometers from Puri via Pipli, 35 kilometers on the Marine drive and 64 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. It is connected by all-weather excellent motor able roads.
Besides regular Bus services operating from Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar; special tourist buses from Puri and Bhubaneswar touch Konarka enroute their visit to the places of interest. |
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Other Activities | |
| Fairs and Festivals of Bhubaneswar |
| Be a witness to the rich cultural and religious festivals in and around Bhubaneswar, which come in diverse forms and around the year; namely - |
Shiva Ratri, Bhubaneswar (February ¿ March)
Khandagiri Mela, Khandagiri (January ¿ February)
Ashokastami, Bhubaneswar (March-April)
Ekamra Utsav (January)
Rajarani Music Festival (February)
Kalinga Mahatsav (February)
Adivasi Festival. |
Shopping around Bhubaneswar
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. |
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Cuisines and Restaurants | |
| There is no dearth of five star class multi cuisine restaurants and eateries in Bhubaneshwar city. Hotel Mayfair Lagoon, Hotel Trident Hilton, Hotel Swosti Plaza, Hotel Kalinga Asok, Ginger Hotel, Homewood Suites, The New Marrion Hotel, The Crown, Triumph Residency, The Royale Mid Town Hotel, the Garden Inn, Hotel Shismo and the Hilton Garden Inn have air conditioned restaurants dishing out the very best of ethnic as well as international cuisine. |
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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..................
The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar dates back to the 11th Century A.D. It is one of the grandest (147 ft. / 46 meter high) Temples in eastern India. The tower of the Temple curves gracefully inwards, with its impressive dimensions and aesthetic decorative ornamentation, this Temple ranks high among the Architectural masterpieces of India. The image of Ganesh, Kartickeya and Parvati in this Temple are remarkable for their fine craftsmanship and imposing structures. The Temple is adorned with frescoes of armed procession pageantry, miscellaneous scenes, images of Hindu deities and graceful Female figures. Majestic in conception, the Lingaraj Temple is a world of its own with 64 secondary Temples clustered around the central spine and is known as the Temple of orissa.
The Temple is surrounded by a massive boundary wall 520 ft. long and 456 ft. broad. The wall is pierced by three gates on the north, south and east. The gate is guarded by two stone lions and capped by a pyramidal roof.
Lingaraj, the God in the Temple is represented by a LINGA, a natural black stone, 8 ft, in diameter. Such a representation of Lingaraj is called Swayambhu, a natural Linga.
Best time to visit Lingaraja Temple -
Bhubaneswar can be visited throughout the year, but the ideal time, especially for visitors from colder climes, would be from October to March.
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