The historic city Bhubaneshwar is India’s Temple City and the pride of Orissa. Since 1948, Bhubaneshwar has served as Orissa’s capital. Cuttack was once the capital of Orissa. As a result, the name “twin cities” refers to both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Additionally, it is the state’s biggest city. The country is blessed with an illustrious history, art, and culture. The economic and theological epicentre is the splendour of sculptures in pre-medieval Hindu temples. The city’s modern construction fits well with its old architecture. This prominent city is rapidly growing as an information technology powerhouse.
Visitable locations
Bhubaneshwar boasts a variety of tourist attractions, however the city is particularly well-known for its Temples. The city previously had over 2000 temples, earning it the moniker “Temple City of India.” Bhubaneswar’s abundance of temples makes it a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination. Bhubaneswar, along with two other temple cities in eastern India, Puri and Konark, completes the sacred Golden Triangle. These temples are constructed in the renowned Orissa or Kalinga architectural style. They exemplify the cultural symbols associated with Oriya customs. Bhubaneshwar’s most visited temples include the following:
Temple of Lingaraj
Bhubaneswar’s 11th-century Lingaraja temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an excellent example of a dream becoming a reality. The temple is built on a 55-meter-tall carved surface. Hindus believe that one should visit the Bhubaneshwar Lingaraj Temple before visiting the Puri Jagannath Temple. Foreigners are not permitted to enter; they may only enjoy the view from a footpath.
Temple of Mukteshwara
This temple, erected in the tenth century, is notable because it exemplifies the transition between early and later Kalinga architecture. The wonderful building is highlighted by the ornate and spectacular arched doorway torana. This magnificent work of art has sculptures that are so lifelike that they convey the sculptor’s attention.
Other well-known temples include Ananta Vasudeva, Brahmeswar, Bharateswar, Bhaskareswar Temple, Brahma, Rajarani, Chandana Temple, Chitrakarini, Daiteswar, Kedareswar Temple, Gosagareswar Temple, Kainchi Temple, Kotitirtheswar, Laxmaneswar Temple, Makarewswar, Markandeswar Mandir, Kedareswar Temple, Ram
Baya Baba Matha, Ram Mandir, Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, and ISKCON temple are some of the newly constructed holy locations in Bhubaneshwar.
Interestingly, a little Shiva shrine known as Traffic Mahadev serves as a road barrier.
Apart from temples, Bhubaneshwar’s other attractions include the following:
Udayagiri & Khandagiri
The presence of an old Jain monastery on the twin slopes of Khandagiri and Udayagiri is artistic. These caverns are time capsules. The Rani Gufa and Hati Gufa are two significant caverns.
Bhubaneshwar Parks
Cacti Park is a must-see for its diverse collection of cacti. Biju Patanaik Park, Buddha Jayanti Park, I.G. Park, Gandhi Park, Subash Bose Park, and Forest Park are more parks in the city.
Dhauli Giri
Dhauli Giri is a hill located around 8 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. It transports you to the kalingan war period, when Ashoka the Great launched an atrocious campaign against Kalinga. Following this conflict, Ashoka converted to Buddhism. Asoka’s rock edicts and Shanti Stupa are the hill’s primary attractions.
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