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BHUBNESHWAR |
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FACTS & FIGURES |
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Area |
65.03 Sq. Km |
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Language |
Oriya, Hindi & Englsh |
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Best Time To Visit |
October To April |
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STD Code |
0674 |
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Introduction |
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The capital of the East Indian state of Orissa, Bhubaneswar extends from latitude
20°15' North to longitude 85°52' East. An important city of the temple triangle
of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar has direct air, road, and rail connection with the other
major cities of India. |
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Built in 650 AD, Parashurameshwara Temple is one of the best examples of
the Orissa style of temple architecture. This temple followed very rigid parameters
set by the ritualistic books. The temple has some exquisite carvings and sculpture.
Vaital Deul (800 AD) has a double-storied wagon roof, which in turn is an
influence of the Buddhist cave architecture. The interior of the temple has the
image of Chamunda (an incarnation of Goddess Kali).
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Mukteshwar Temple |
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Mukteshwar Temple (7th-8th century AD) is one of the most ornated
temples in the Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities testify the influence
of Hindu, Buddha, and Jain style of architecture. The carvings on the roof are specially
striking.
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The Rajarani Temple (1100 AD), which derives its name from the stone known
as the Rajarani, was built earlier in comparison to the impressive Lingaraja. Set
amongst picturesque paddy fields, the relatively small Rajarani temple is noted
for its fascinating female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses
and moods.
Brahmeswara Temple (1050 AD) is situated around a kilometer east of the main
road. The temple stands in a courtyard flanked by four smaller temples.
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Lingaraja Temple |
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The 10th- or 11th-century Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar has been described
as "the truest fusion of dream and reality." A rare masterpiece, the Lingaraja temple
has been rated one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India by Ferguson,
the noted art critic and historian. Every inch of the surface of the 55-m-high Lingaraja
temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture and architecture fused elegantly
to create a perfect harmony. Devout pilgrims, who wish to go to the Jagannath temple
at Puri, must first offer worship at the Lingaraja temple. |
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The Orissa State Museum is one of the best places to explore sculptures,
stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze-age tools, rare copper plates, palm-leaf manuscripts,
paintings, anthropological specimens, and musical instruments.
The Handicrafts Museum at Secretariat Road has a good collection of folk
paintings, horn toys, brass castings, and sculptures.
The Tribal Museum deals with the various aspects of the tribal life and culture
in Orissa.
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Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves (7 km) are two of the most
important sites in the archeological history of India. There are 15 caves in the
Udaygiri, out of which Hathigumpha (elephant cave) is the most important.
A 117-line inscription on the walls of the cave relates the exploits of the King
Kharvela who ruled Orissa from 168 to 153 AD. Khandgiri, on the other hand, gives
a hilltop view of the city of Bhubaneswar, and most of the caves inside have a definite
Jain influence.
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Built in 3rd century BC, Dauli has Ashoka's rock edict. It was from here that king
Ashok set out to spread Buddhism. Situated here is also a white stupa (pillar) on
top of a hill. It was built in collaboration with Japanese Buddhists and can be
seen from miles.
Situated at a distance of 25 km from Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan has a very
wide range of animals and reptiles. The main attractions include gorillas, crocodiles,
and white tigers.
Atri Springs (42 km) has sulfur springs and the famous Hatakeshwara Temple.
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The Sun Temple at Konark (65 km) is a magnificent 13th-century
temple visualized as the chariot of the Sun God, as he glides through the firmament
from dawn to dusk. The ruins have sculptures detailing every aspect of human life.
The city also has a beautiful beach.
Puri, situated at a distance of 60 km from Bhubaneswar, is a great temple
town. The drive is excellent and provides a very good opportunity to view the rural
Orissa.
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HOW TO REACH |
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Air :
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Bhubaneswar is connected to the cities of Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam,
Hyderabad, and Raipur through regular flights. Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar
is the only major airport in the state.
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Rail :
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Bhubaneswar is directly connected by rail with Calcutta, Puri, Madras, Delhi, Bombay,
Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Trivandrum.
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Road :
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it is linked with Bhubaneswar and Berhampur, Chilka, Cuttack, Konark, Paradip, Puri,
Rourkela, Sambalpur and other places. Interstate bus services operate daily between
Calcutta and Puri via Bhubaneswar and Tatanagar (Jamshedpur).
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