Rajarani Mandir, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, IN

Deity: The speciality is that it has no deity
Location: Bhubaneshwar, Orissa
Built in: 11th Century
Best time to Visit: October to April

Rajarani Temple, in Bhubaneshwar, is notable for the absence of a presiding deity. The 11th century temple derived its name from the red-gold sandstone used for its construction, a stone known locally as Rajarani. No pujas are performed here.

The sculptural images of the temple are elegant and lively, especially the beautiful female figures which can be seen in amorous dalliance, as well as engaged in such activities as holding children, looking in mirrors, and playing with pet birds. On the lower register of the deul, on the corner projections, are found the famous 'Guardians of the Eight Directions', watching over (and radiating the temple's power to) the eight cardinal points. Fabulously ornate, the temple tower is famous for the artistic spires.

Like Mukteshwara Temple, Rajarani Temple stands on a raised platform. Its spire is decorated with clusters of turrets (replication of the spire itself) emerging form the rib of the spire. The Jagamohana (porch) though demonstrating a pyramidal structure is yet to take on as a complete structure of its own. It bears signs of repair in 1903 when it collapsed into ruins.

The square sanctum is typically of the later temples built at Puri and Bhubaneswar white the gateway (torana) guarded by two pillars draped in snakes is plain to the extent that it appears to be incomplete as against the ornate deul of the Rajarani Temple that also marks the advent of colossal spires. The sculptures adorning the walls of the deul are alive and energetic. Especially attractive are the sculptures of women in dance poses that hint at the practice of Odissi dance. There is no other temple of this kind in the entire state of Orissa.

You too can study the evolution of Kalinga School of architecture or simply marvel at the sculptures vertically elongated as compared to the prior horizontal depictions. Rajarani temple has also been ornamented with marvellous artistic sculptural carvings and stands enclosed within a beautiful garden.

Festival:
Rajarani Music Festival held against the backdrop of the 11th century Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is such an evening of concerts: it’s relaxing, entertaining and uplifting. The city has a large assemblage of celebrated temples of which the Rajarani Temple is one of the most conspicuous. The temple is famous for its ornate deul or compass and the statues of eight Dipalakas guarding the eight cardinal directions of the temple. The musical evenings are resplendent with excellent performances by the great maestros of Indian classical music creating an allegory of darbari gayans (musical performances in an Indian king’s court) of age old histories.

To show case the glorious tradition of Indian classical music, the Rajarani Music Festival was conceived to be organized by the Department of Tourism in association with organizations like Orissa Sangeet Natak Academi, Bhubaneswar Music Circle, NALCO and the Union Ministry of Tourism. Eminent instrumentalists and vocalists of India have rendered scintillating performance in this festival over the years. The festival has been an attraction not only to the music lovers but also to the tourists in general.

Tourist Attraction:
Lingaraj Temple
The Parasuramesvera Temple
Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves
Orissa State Museum
Handicrafts Museum
Mukteswar, Siddheswar and Kedargauri Temples
Dhauli
Dhaulagiri Hills
Nandan Kanan
Atri sulphur spring
Yogini Temple

How to reach:
by Air: There are regular flights, the airport are very close to town. The Indian Airline office is on Raj Path, by the bus stand.
by Rail: Bhubaneswar is on the main Calcutta to Madras line so all the main trains stopping here.
by Road: The best way to get from Bhubaneswar to Puri is on one of the Canter minibuses that leave from the old and new bus stand in the center of town.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

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