Places around Bhubaneswar
Lakes
Legends say that Goddess Parvati became thirsty, and the Lord, told all the water bodies to donate a drop of water. Biding to the Lord's desire, each water body across India gifted a drop making up the Bindhusagar, a small lake around which most of the temples sprang up in Bhubaneswar. A dip in this tank is said to wash away your sins.If you are here around the Dussehra festival, you might see a group of people gathering around to discuss general topics and otherwise - these are called Khati's. Be a part of it and be enlightened, enlighten the others! Walk around the rock cut temples at Udayagiri and Khandagiri.
Enjoy the cool breeze which speaks of bygone splendour as you sit on the stone paved side of the Bindusagar.
Conjure up images of dancers dancing in the halls of the natyagriha at Lingaraja temple.
Take a walk among the ruins at Sisupalagarh.
Watch the dancers twirl and turn at an Odissi performance.
Bhubaneswar is a link in India's weaving belt, so while you are here, do not forget to pick up the exquisite and traditional handloom sarees ikat sari ', ' orissa bomkai sari ', ' bandha ' and ' pasapalli'.
Khandagiri and Udayagiri (8 km)
The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udayagiri, about 8km from the city of Bhubaneswar contain varieties of rock-cut caves, built mainly for the jain monks around 1st ans 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.Udyagiri (Sunrise Hill, 10 km out of town) has a large number of caves, one carved as a tiger's head with the entrance through the mouth. This is badly eroded. Nearby is Khandagiri with more of the same and a Jain temple on top.
The rock-cut caves at the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri were the ancient Jain monasteries and are one of the most important Orissan historical monuments. The caves dating back to 2nd centry B.C, were carved out by the first known Orissian ruler, Kharavela. The famous HAthi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) and Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) here are adorned with early sculptural art depicting the life and times of Jain ascetics.
Rock cut-caves are seen on the hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The double-storeyed Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) is the largest cave with ornate carving and the Holi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) has the chronicle of King Kharavela carved on it.
Just 8 km west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict. The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga Empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves. As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udaygiri 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 Udaygiri, 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 Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached 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, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes. 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 plain. Khandagiri has 19 caves and Udaigiri has 44 caves.
Dhauli (8 km)
Surrounded by paddy fiel;ds, the Dhauli hill brings back memories of the historic ‘Kalinga war' which was fougnt here. It is in the city of Bhubaneswar that ‘Ashoka, the terrible', was transformed into ‘Ashoka, the compaqssionate', who championed the cause of Buddhism. On the foot of the hill, one can see the Rock Edicts of Ashoka and the orepart of a skillfully sculpted elephant hewn out of a huge rock.Dhauli has gained prominence due to theestablishment 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.
Dhauli (8 km from Bhubaneswar on the Puri road) has an Ashokan rock edict and, on the strength of this, a Japanese peace stupa. This looks like the set for a sci-fi film, not as attractive as the one at Rajgir.
The historic site is located on the Puri Konark highway, across Dhauli hill on the banks of river Daya. The 3rd century B.C Ashokan Rock Edicts, on the foot of the hill indicate that the great ‘Kalinga war' was fought here. The bloody war transformed emperor Ashoka, who renounced his blood thirsty campaign and embraced Buddhism. A Buddhist peace pagoda (shanty stupa) was established on the opposite hill in the early seventies by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.
Ashokan Rock Edict is situated at Dhauli. The sculpted elephant atop the edict signifies the Mauryan Emperor Ashok's conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory. This said to be the earliest rock-cut-sculpture in India.
On the Dhauligiri Hill, where the great Kalinga war was fought, stands a very modrn monument to world peace, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. This Magnificent Buddhist Temple was built by Indo-Japanese collaboration. Below the Dhauligiri hills, the river Daya flows peacefully.
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 hilltop.
Chilka Lake
Chilka Lake is an important wetland that attracts flocks of wild fowl in December and January. The lake, scarcely separated from the sea, covers around 1000 sq km.Hirapur
About 15km from Bhubaneswar, Hirapur has the 11thy century hypaethral temple of sixty four yoginis.Hirapur has the 11th century hypaethral temple of sixty-four Yoginis. It is second of its kind in Orissa and one of four such unique temples in India.
Atri (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.It is well known for the hot sulphur water spring and the temple of Lord Hatakeswar. The spring water is said to possess curative properties.
The Atri hot sulphur spring is believed to have medicinal properties. Arti is also famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar.
Nandankanan zoo (20 km)
Picturesquelycarved out of the Chandaka forest, Nandankanan is a biological park where animals are kept in their natural habital. It is about 20km from the main city. A centrally located lake divides the zoo from the Botanical Gardens. Tigers, Lions, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, European Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Gharials, Rosy Pelican, etc. are among the chief attractions of the zoo, which is famous for its White Tigers.The beautiful zoo carved out of the Chandaka forest is perhaps the finest in the country. The animals are kept in their natural habital and a centrally located divides the zoo from the Botanical Gardens. The zoo is famous for white tigers as well as migratory birds, which come here during winters. It also has the county's largest Lion Safari Park and white Tiger sagri with Ropeway and Toy Train.
Endowed with a natural lake, it is known for the white tigers and migratory birds which nest here during winter. It has also the country's largest Lion Safari Park and White Tiger Safari with Ropeway and Toy Train.
Cuttack (30 km)
Cuttack is said to be founded by Nripati Kesari (920-935) and is one of the oldest towns in Orissa. It lies at the head of the Mahanadi delta and is virtually an island surrounded by the great river and its tributrary, the Kathajuri. A stone embankment on the Kathajuri river, built in the 11th century by a king of Kesari dynasty is a marvel of engineering. A shrine of Kadam Rasul set in the heart of the town enshrines some holy relics of Prophet Mohammad, which were brought from Mecca. The runis of 14th century Barabati Fort are about 3kms. north of city centre.Pardeep (94 km)
It is a major sea port and a fine beach resort.Ratngiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri
These three hills have ruins of a remarkable Buddhist complex. Hienu-T'sang, the Chi9nese pilgrim found it to be the seat of a flourishing Buddhist University called "Puspagiri”". Extensive ruins of brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals and esoteric Buddhist images have been excavated from here. Ratnagiri is 70kms. Lalitgiri is 55kms. and Udayagiri is 60kms from Cuttack.Cactus Garden
Situated close to the ‘Ekamara Kanan' in Bhubaneswar, the Cactus Garden, with its huge collection of cactii should not be missed by tourists.The beautiful garden near ‘Ekamara Kanan' has a large collection of Cacti and is a worth visiting site.
Lingaraja Temple
The 11th century temple dedicated to Lord shiva, as Lingaraja is the culmination of Orissa style of temple architecture. The temple set in a walled compound is noted for its imposing 54 metres high spire, dominating the skyline of the town. Themain sanctum surrounded by about 150 subsidiary shrines has a unique hari hara lingam - half shiva and half Vishnu. A large number of devotees visit the shrine, especially during shivaratri festrival (Feb-Mar).Built in the 11th century, Lingaraj Temple's most distinctive features are its ornately carved tower and its spires that soar to a height of 54meters. Dedicated to Tribhuvaneshwar (Lord of the three worlds), also known as Bhubaneswar, it is one of the most prized examples of the temple architecture in the country. Here, Lord Tribhuvaneshwara is bathed daily with water, milk and bhang. There is a Parvati Temple too within the some precincts.
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.
Parasuramesvera Temple
The shiva temple built around 650 AD. in classical style is the city's oldest surviving temple. It is noted for the finely detailed bas-reliefs depicting elephant and horse processions and shiva images.The Temple built in the Kalinga school of architecture, was dedicated to Lord Shiva but there are images of Lord Vishnu, Yama, Surya and seven Mother goddesses. Lavishly decorated, it ahs exquisite friezes depicting animal life, human figures and floral motifs, coupled with impressive busts of Shiva.
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.
Svaranajaleswara Temple
This temple lies in the south of Parasurameswara temple, built in a similar fashion, only the motifs on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana.Mukteswar Temple
The small 10th century shrine regarded as the ‘Gem of Orissan architecture' bridges the early and later phases of the Kalinga school of architecture. In front of the shrine is a stunningly beautiful archway.The sculptural decoration of the Mukteswara is referred to as the “gem of Oriya architecture”. Richly sculpted, the temple offers pride of place to tales from the Panchatantra. The highlight of the temple, is the magnificent torana-the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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.Raja Rani Temple
The beautiful 11th century shrine amidst a well laid out garden is graced by erotic carvings and some of the finest Orissan temple sculptures.The Rajarani temple is famous for its ornate deul, or compass, decorated with some of the most impressive Oriya temple architecture. The temple is remarkable for the absence of any presiding deity. The temple's name is supposed to be derived from the red-gold sandstone used in building it-rajarani being the local name for the stone. The lower portion of the deul is populated by statues of eight Dipalakas, guarding the eight cardinal directions of the 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.
Vaital Temple
The temple built in 800 AD. was used mainly for tantric worship, which centre around shakti worship. A ‘fourfaced' linga with unusual carvings is set in front of the entrance to the sanctum. The first erotic sculptures known in Orissan art are found here.Vaital Deul is the shrine devoted to Chamunda (a trantric avatar of Goddess Kali) or Shakti.
The Vaital Temple (c. AD 800) belongs to the Khakhara order (a subdivision of the Kalinga school of architecture), which was used for shrines devoted to tantric cults. On the Vaital Temple, the outer surface of the vault is absolutely plain, in contrast with the heavy sculptural embellishment of every other existing Orissan temple tower. A brief look at the Vaital Temple will show an extremely accomplished style of sculptural decoration. A slightly closer look will reveal some of the darker facets of the sculpture's content, and the temple's nature. Tantric worship, which combined elements from certain sects of both Buddhism and Hinduism, centered on the worship of shakti, the female life force. The interior of the Vaital Temple's inner sanctum is almost completely dark. In front of the entrance to the sanctum is a 'four faced' linga adorned with unusual carvings. On the outer, eastern face of the tower there is an extremely fine image of the sun god, Surya, with a sensitive and beautiful face. The first erotic sculptures known in Orissan art are found here, in a sunken transitional panel on the super-structure.
Bindu Sagar
The legendary Bindu Sagar (Ocean Drop Tank) is believed to contain water from every holy stream, pool and tank in India. There is a water pavilion in the center of the tank.Handicrafts Museum
A rich variety of Orissa handicrafts - stone swculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree etc. are displayed here.A large collection of Orissan handicrafts, among them stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree are worth seeing. Open 1000-1700 except Sunday. 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.
Sisupalgarh
Just two km from the famed Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar lie the ruins of Sisupalgarh. Dating back to the third or fourth century BC, these ruins show that even at that early date there was a well-fortified city here, and establish the fact that the Orissan civilization has very ancient roots.Brahmeshwar Mandir
Known for its fine erotic sculptures, this 9th century Brahmeshwar temple is a smaller copy of the Lingaraj temple.Museums
Bhubaneswar also has three very interesting museums. The Orissan State Museum is centrally located and has a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, armory objects, rare palm leaf manuscripts, lilhic and Bronze Age implements, paintings traditional folk and musical instrument and other art objects. The Handicrafts Museum on the Secretarial Road houses a good collection of Orissan a handicraft. The Tribal Research Museum is another interesting place.It exhibits a fine collection of sculptures, 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 etc.
