Bhubaneshwar

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Overview		Tourist Attraction		How to Reach

Introduction Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe'), the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years. The new Bhubaneswar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneswar makes an ideal tourist destination. Best Time to travel October to March Lingaraj Temple This temple is dedicated to Shiva as Lord Lingaraj. Lingaraja Temple represents the peak of achievement in Orissas middle period. The 54m spire of the temple dominates the Bhubaneswar landscape. Set in a walled compound, the Lingaraj is surrounded by many smaller shrines. The Lingaraj compound has another outstanding temple, dedicated to Parvati. Open only to Hindus, the Lingaraj temple is the site of a major Shivaratri festival in February-March, On the night preceding the new moon thousands of pilgrims light lamps in a nightlong ceremony of devotion. The Parasuramesvera Temple A 7th century Shiva Temple, classical in style,one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar. Located close to the main Bhubaneswar to Puri Road, on the same side as the Lingaraj Temple, the Grove of the Perfect Beings is a cluster of about 20 smaller temples. It's the best preserved of all Bhubaneswar's ancient temples and has finely detailed bas-reliefs of elephant and horse processions and Siva images. Rajarani Temple Rajarani is a 'love temple', covered with coyly erotic carvings of women and couples. This 11th century Raja Rani temple is aesthetically endearing, sculpted with graceful feminine figures. It is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. It's one of the best of the Bhubaneswar temples and is famous fro its ornate deul (sanctuary), decorated with some of the most impressive Orissan temples sculptures. This temple is no longer used for worship. Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves Twin hills honey-combed with Jain caves that reveal the sculptural art of the 2nd century BC makes an interesting study of the life and times of Jain ascetics. The coarse -grained sandstone which forms Khandagiri and Udayagiri rises nearly 40m above the surrounding lateritic and infertile plain. Khandagiri has 19 caves and Udaigiri has 44 caves. Mukteswar, Siddheswar and Kedargauri Temples Not far from the Parsuarameswar is the small 10th century Mukteswar Mandir, the Gem of Orissan architecture. The carvings of dwarfs are particularly striking. In front of the temple there is a beautiful arched architrave clearly showing a Buddhist influence. The walls are covered with figures of female warriors, erotic scenes, elephants, maidens and monkeys in various comic scenes.. The large green temple tank makes a perfect swimming pool. The later Siddheswar Mandir is in the same compound. Although plainer than the Mukteswar, it has a fine Ganesh figure. Kedargauri Mandir is one the older temples at Bhubaneswar, but it has been substantially rebuilt Museums Orissa State Museum A rich collection of sculpture, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, armours , rare palm-leaf manuscripts, bronze age tools, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens and traditional folk and musical instruments are displayed in the museum. Open 1000 -1700. Closed Monday and Government Holidays. Handicrafts Museum A large collection of Orissan handicrafts, among them stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree are worth seing. Open 1000-1700 except Sunday. Introduction Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe'), the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years. The new Bhubaneswar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneswar makes an ideal tourist destination. Best Time to travel October to March How To Reach Air Bhubaneswar Airport is 3 km from the city centre and almost all the major cities are connected from here. Road Bhubaneshwar is well connected by motorable roads through out the year. The national highway no.5 touches this capital city. There are regular interstate bus services from the nearby towns and cities. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and local bus services are available. The old bus stand in Unit II (off Rajpath) is mainly used for local services. Rail The station is in the heart of the city. The Indian railway provides train services from every corner of the nation. Super fast trains connect this capital city with other cities in India.