Temples of Orissa
Orissa State - one of the major
pilgrimage centers of Hindus is embellished with the numerous temple
shrines. Temple culture is the most prevailing feature that pounds the
visitor entering the holy state of Orissa. These shrines and temples
erected all over the state tells downright about the influence of
Orissa religion in temple architecture, crafts, textiles and also the
entire spectrum of day to day activities.
The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark, the highly sanctified Jagannath
Temple at Puri and Bhubaneswar temples displays some of the rare
specimen of temple architecture that has the impact of religious
intensity, which is stunning beyond belief. Orissa's Golden Triangle
of Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark makes a perfect pilgrimage tour that gives
its visitor an outstanding vision of the Orissa religion, its temple
heritage and rich culture.
¤ Some of the Stunning Temples At Orissa
Lingaraj Temple
Deities : Lingaraja -Shiva
Lingaraj Temple is the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The temple structure has a massive height of 180 feet and
is surrounded by a seven feet thick colossal wall. According to
archaeological expert the temple is one of the foremost heritage site
of the east.
Amidst the temple complex are the three-temple structure of
Jagamohana, Natamandir and Bhogamandapa, the spacious courtyard of the
temple is throng with numerous shrines almost 100 in number. The
plenitude of sculptural work in the temple dating back to 1014 AD is
just magnificent and attracts lot of tourist all the year round.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Deities : Lord Vishnu, The temple dates back to the 13th
century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It also enshrines images of
Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra. It is located on the eastern bank of
the Bindu Sarovar Lake. The main temple structure stands on an even
platform - unique in itself, as it is the first of its kind. The
images of Jagamohana, the Natamandira and the Bhogamandapa are placed
in the three other main structure complexes.
Mukteswara Temple
Deities : Shiva , Dating back to 10th century, the Mukteswara
temple is considered to be the main specimen of Orissan architecture
where the sculpture and architecture are in complete harmony with each
another. The temple rises up to a height of 35 feet is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. The Jagamohana temple showcasing the diamond shaped
latticed windows and exquisite interior works with the plethora of
sculptural all over the walls are just breathtaking. Literally every
inch of temple surface is carved out leaving its visitors absolutely
mesmerize. A massive gateway thronged with carved images and modeling
is other attractions of the shrine.
Rajarani Temple
Rajarani temple at Bhubaneswar is also one of the most notable
monuments of the place. Dating back to AD 1100 the Rajarani Temple set
amidst the most scenic splendor of paddy fields. The temple derives
its name from the stone known as the Rajarani, the sculptures and
images at the temple site distinguish it from rest of the temples in
Bhubaneswar. Here women are portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous
poses and moods reminding one of the temples of Khajuraho.
Brahmeswar Temple
Brahmeswar, displays venerable architectural style and a perfect
creativity of artists. Here the characteristic of Orissan architecture
is fully exercised. Brahmeswar temple is among the earliest temples
where iron beams were used in its construction. It is also called a
pancha-ratha temple with five coat plasters that give the structure
almost a rounded appearance.
 Jagannath
Temple
Deities: Jagannath, Subhadra, Balabhadra
Puri is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Orissa and
in India. The Jagannath Temple is the loftiest religious edifice of
Orissa also known as the White Pagoda that dates back to the 12th
century. According to inscriptions found, the Chodaganga ruler had
began the construction of this massive structure and later on
Ananagabhimadev III one of his successor added the Jagamohan temple to
its complex.
Jagannath temple with a massive height of 215 feet 8 inches is huge
and strong and stands on a high platform consisting of about 22 huge
steps. The architecture splendor of the temple is beyond description,
it is typical of ancient Hindu architecture. Puri City is also famous
for its chariot festival or the Rath Yatra, which attracts thousands
of pilgrims as well as tourist worldwide.
Konark Temple
Deities : Surya , The Sun Temple at Konark with its bizarre
location on the windy sands of the Bay of Bengal fringed with palm
trees is just awe-inspiring. The temple dates back to 13th century and
is dedicated to god Surya or Sun God. . This temple massive in scale,
is considered to be the masterpiece of Orissan architecture. In its
original form the temple was 235 feet high. The uniqueness of the
temple lies in its structure, it is constructed in a chariot form
drawn by twelve pairs of huge wheels and seven spirited horses.
The temple is profusely sculptured with exquisite figures and images
showcasing the Kalingan style of art. The erotic sculptures, human
beings indulging in diverse day to day activities, huge animal figures
like elephants, beasts and birds, life size images of maidens dancing
on musical instruments in erotic forms brings an elegance and charm to
the Konark temple and creates a dream land for its visitors.
Leaning Temple
Deities: Bimaleswar, Located about 32 km from Sambalpur, on
the bank of the River Mahanadi, the famous Leaning temple is dedicated
to Lord Bimaleswar. It has a picturesque environ surrounded the
pristine blue water of tranquil river that is a home to numerous fish
species, but be cautious you cannot touch them since popular belief
has it that the fishes belong to Lord. Bimaleswar. The place makes an
excellent tourist spot and every year thousands of visitors make their
day here.
The temple number doesn't ends here infect there are countless
shrines in the temple city of Orissa that are equally famous and
unique.--Satrughaneswar Temple - Bhubaneswar Swarnajaleswar Temple -
BhubaneswarSari Deul Temple - Bhubaneswar Yameswar Temple -
Bhubaneswar Yogini Temple - Bhubaneswar and much more.
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