About Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, known as the Temple City of India, is also the capital city of
Orissa. There are more than 2000 temples in Bhubaneswar. The Lingaraja
Temple, built in 11th century and the Shanti Stupa, built by Ashoka, are
well known pieces of culture in Bhubaneswar. Beside these, Khandigiri and
Udaygiri are Jain pilgrimages 8 km away from Bhubaneswar. Moreover, there
are lots of other temples (Konark's sun temple, 60 km from Bhubaneswar) and
other artistic architectures scattered here and there in Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar is a perfect combination of the new and old culture. The
thousands year old temples and the modern planned buildings match perfectly
to give a mixed look to the capital city of Orissa. The city has a religious
bent and the temples give a pilgrim look to the city. The temples of Orissan
style also present the great artistic culture of the ancient Buddhist kings
as well as the Hindus.
From the historical perspective, Bhubaneswar has an importance. The great
Kalinga war took place here between Emperor Asoka and Kalinga. The war
transofrmed Asoka to seek the shelter of Buddhism. Asoka inscriptions still
stand testimony for this. Modern Bhubaneswar is well planned city with wide
roads, gardens and parks. The city plan was made by a German town planner
Otto H. Koenigsberger. Bhubaneswar is a popular tourist destination in East
India and people from over the world comes to see the beauty of temples and
ruins of erstwhile rulers. Over the last few decades city grows rapidly and
its main revenue comes from industry and tourism.
Bindusagar Lake- One of the popular tourist attractions of
Bhubaneswar it lies north of Lingaraja temples and rapidly growing
popularity as a picnic spot. 1300 ft in length and 700 ft in width, the bank
of river is embellished with beautiful stones and serene ambiance. Most of
the Bhubaneswar’s temples surround the lake.
Lingaraj Temple- The temple is most revered in Bhubaneswar and
dedicated to Lord Shiv. The beautiful sculptures carved on the spire. The
Lingaraj temple is approximately 54.8 meters high and enshrines a huge
statue of Shiv made up of granites. The idol is 8 feet tall and placed on a
high platform. Everyday there is a ritual of bathing the idol with water,
milk and bhang( a herbal hallucination drug).
Rajarani Temple- Made up of red and gold sandstone, the temple is
most renowned temple for its beauty. The wall of temple carved with
figurines. The temple is dedicated to lord Brahma. The temple was built
during the 11th century.
Mukteshwar Temple – The architecture of temple makes it a
popular one. Blend of ancient and modern designing, the temple is most
prominent one in Bhubaneswar. Influence of Buddhism clearly visible in
temple architecture. The temple carving shows different monks in a
meditative pose. The temple is also known as the ‘ Gem of Orissa
architecture’.
Orissa State Museum - The museum was built during the year of 1932.
The gallery of museum shows the ancient cultural traditions of the state. It
has a collections of copper plates,coins, stone inscriptions and sculptures.
Some of the rare manuscript written in palm leaves are preserve here. In
addition to that rare bronze instruments and musical instrument adorned the
museum.
Not To Overlook-Excursions From Bhubaneswar
Nandankanan National Park - Renowned as ‘mythical garden of
gods’ the place is an extraordinary combination of flora and fauna. It
is a home of various animals ranging from the rare white tigers, reptiles
and snakes to rare birds. There is a boating facility in the lake and for
kids there is a toy train. The place is renowned for its serene environment.
Dhauli Hills- The Dhauli hills are situated 8 km from Bhubaneswar
city. It is the most visited Buddhist pilgrims destination in India. famous
Shanti Stupa(peace pagoda) is the major attraction. The stupa was built by
Indian wtih the help of Japanese. There are exotic stone panels in the
stupa, visitor mainly come to see the reclining Buddha.
Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves- These twins caves are renowned for
exotic carved sculptures on the walls. The caves are on the hill top and can
be only reached by steep path, on the right there is another cave known as
Ananta cave, which has some beautiful carved figures of women and elephants.
These caves are said to be built around 2nd century BC by great Jain king
Kharavela. These caves are historically important to know the megalithic
record of rulers like Chetis’, Kudepasiri, and Vadulka, whicha re
engraved on the walls and pillars of the caves.
Sun Temple- Konark sun temple is located in the Konark and famous
toruist spot as it is a world heritage site. The whole of temple has been
built in the form of gigantic chariot that has 24 wheels, which is nearly 10
feet in diameter. The chariot was drawn by seven horses. The wall of temples
are beautifully carved by figures and different animal sculptures.
Location- Bhubaneswar is an East Indian city and lies between
21-degree latitude North and 86 degree longitude east. It has an altitude of
25.9 meters above the sea level.
Climate- Bhubaneswar is hot during summers. The temperatures range
from 29degree to 40 degrees Celsius while in winter in ranges from 16 degree
to 28 degree Celsius. The average rainfall is around 1450 mm.
How To Reach?
By Air- Bhubaneshwar is well connected by air to Delhi, Chennai,
Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by
Indian Airlines and many private flights.
By Rail- There are major trains are connected to different major
cities of India.
By Road- Bhubaneswar is linked with other major cities like Kolkata,
Delhi, Mumbai and other by national highway.
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