Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa in India, is also known as the City of Temples because it houses more than 400 temples, among which some date back even to the seventh century. An important place for the Hindus, the city acquires its name from Lord Shiva who as Tribhubaneswar or the Lord of the Worlds presides over the place. The temples in Bhubaneswar bear witness to the power of the ancient dynasties such as Shailodbhavas, Bhauma Karas, Somavamshis and Eastern Ganges and are located in the older southern part of the city. The chief attractions in this city are the Lingaraj Temple, the Bindu Sagar Lake, Orissa State Museum, Mukteshwar Temple and the caves of Udaigiri and Khandagiri.
The Lingaraj Temple built in the 12th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva showcases the highest point in the evolution of Orissan temple architecture that easily blends sculpture and architectural design. This temple is 55 m tall and has a huge granite statue of Lord Shiva, which is bathed everyday with water, milk and bhang or marijuana. The temple has almost 150 smaller shrines in its courtyard. The Bindu Sagar Lake is believed to contain water from every sacred river in India. The Orissa State Museum has a large collection of palm leaf manuscripts, coins, Jain and Buddhist sculptures, traditional jewellery, musical instruments and other handicrafts. The Mukteshwar Temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures of women, exquisitely carved niches and architectural beauty.
The Jain monastic caves of Udaigiri and Khandagiri are located in twin hills of the same name and date back to the 1st century BC, when they served as retreats for the monks belonging to the Jain religion. Udaigiri has 18 caves and Khandagiri has 15 caves. Most of the caves were built so low making it impossible to stand upright in them and symbolise the practice of self-mortification and asceticism.
The Lingaraj Temple built in the 12th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva showcases the highest point in the evolution of Orissan temple architecture that easily blends sculpture and architectural design. This temple is 55 m tall and has a huge granite statue of Lord Shiva, which is bathed everyday with water, milk and bhang or marijuana. The temple has almost 150 smaller shrines in its courtyard. The Bindu Sagar Lake is believed to contain water from every sacred river in India. The Orissa State Museum has a large collection of palm leaf manuscripts, coins, Jain and Buddhist sculptures, traditional jewellery, musical instruments and other handicrafts. The Mukteshwar Temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures of women, exquisitely carved niches and architectural beauty.
The Jain monastic caves of Udaigiri and Khandagiri are located in twin hills of the same name and date back to the 1st century BC, when they served as retreats for the monks belonging to the Jain religion. Udaigiri has 18 caves and Khandagiri has 15 caves. Most of the caves were built so low making it impossible to stand upright in them and symbolise the practice of self-mortification and asceticism.
