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To see and do in Bhubaneswar

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Travel Guide » Asia » India » Bhubaneswar
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Bhubaneswar
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(Orissa)


Temple Town

The gentle twirl of the Odissi dancers in bright coloured costumes, the temple bells and sound of arti's going off every now and then Welcome to serene and tantalizing Bhubaneswar, the temple metropolis of India! Here more than anywhere else in India temple sculptures speak subtly and upfront of eroticism. These bold works of art from the past make one stand in awe at the culture of our ancestors and the tales of our Gods. Experience the old world charm as it exists in a modern town with all its bustle and noise. Come explore.
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To See & Do
Must See, Must Do
  • 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'.

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Historical
  Sisupalgarh About two kms from the Lingaraj Temple lie the ruins of Sisupalgarh. The ruins of the fortified city dating back to 3-4th century BC, speaks of a civilisation with its roots, deep in myths and history. Walk among the ruins, it is sure to take you back in time.

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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.

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Religious Places
  Bhubaneswar, during its pre independence days, had more than 7000 temples, of which about 500 are still functioning. We take you through a trip of the major temples in the city. Lingaraj Mandir Dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Hindu triology, this 54m high temple is part of a complex of more than 150 small shrines, some of which are more than 1400 years old. The main gate is guarded by two mustachioed yellow lions! And sets the rituals here apart from the rest of India is that the idol of Lord Shiva, in the main temple is bathed daily according to rituals in water, milk and bhang, a local brew which is slightly narcotic! The temple was closely associated with arts and dance forms, and it had a natyagriha for the dancers, which are decked up with intricate carvings. The flip side is that the temple is closed to those who are non Hindu's. But do not be deterred by that. There is a viewing platform built almost around the temple, and you can see the sights from slightly afar! Parasurameswar Mandir Dating back to AD 650, the temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. It is engulfed by about 20 other smaller temples. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Vaital Mandir Tantric to the core, with symbols of human sacrifice and steeped in some unique temple sculptures, talking loudly of eroticism, this 8th century temple is a double storied wagon roof structure influenced by Buddhist cave architecture. It is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi (Kali) who, beneath her robes wears a necklace of skulls! One of the most interesting aspect here is a motif with sun god, Surya, which some believe became the blue print for the famous Sun temple in Konark. Rajarani Mandir Set in an open paddy field, this temple is no longer a temple in the strict sense of the word. Worship here, is long since stopped, but you can enter and see the sculptures. Beyond the well kept garden, you are in for a surprise. The walls are aesthetically done up with subtle carvings of women and couples, many hinging on eroticism. May be this is why many people call it a love temple! They charge an entrance fee for non Hindus. The other major temples are the Mukteswara Mandir, dating back to the 10th century. It has been considered by researchers as a transition point between the early and later phases of the Kalinga school of temple architecture. The Siddheswar Mandir in the same compound is famous for the elephant faced god Ganesha's idol. The Kedaragauri Mandir too forms part of this complex. The temples are a perfect blend of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist styles of architecture. All these temples too sport subtle images of eroticism. The ISKON temple and the Ram Mandir, though comparatively new, have many visitors.

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Festivals
  Ashokashtami The annual festival at Lingaraja Mandir, when the deity is taken for a ceremonial dip at the Bindu Sagar Lake. The procession is taken in huge Ratha or chariot, the wheels of which are kept on display outside the Mandir. Sivarathri (February) Bhubaneswar is home to Shivite school of Hinduism. And for the temples in this city Sivarathri is very special. Lit lamps deck the entire city and a long vigil is kept. Dussehra (October) is special here. It is a festival for the youth in the state and is also celebrated as Kumarotsav.
 
 
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