Bhubaneshwar - Introduction to city Bhubaneshwar - In Orissa

The day breaks at Bhubaneswar to scores of temple bells proclaiming the advent of the Sun God. The temple shikharas (spires) assume a favourable visibility and human zeal becomes pronounced. The business of the day progresses with religious fervour. Such is the significance of temples in this town that almost the entire life revolves around them. The town lives for its temples, and the temples by the town.

Against this multi-hued tapestry of history and the backdrop of the soaring sandstone spires stands Bhubaneswar, the capital of the eastern state of Orissa. The place is mythical as well as historical. It is here that King Ashoka embraced Buddhism and non-violence. An important city of the temple triangle of Orissa, Bhubaneswar has direct air, road, and rail connections with other major cities of India.

Bhubaneswar derives its name from the Sanskrit word Tribhuvaneswara, another name for Lord Shiva. The area around Bhubaneswar constituted the famed kingdom of Kalinga, which was conquered after a bloody battle by Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor. Appalled at the carnage, Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Around the 1st century BC, under the rule of Kharavela, Orissa regained its lost glory and Bhubaneswar again became the centre of activities. During this period, monastery caves were constructed, of which Khandagiri and Udaygiri are the most important.

By the 7th century, Hinduism supplemented Jainism, and Ganga and Kesari kingdoms did a lot for the development of Orissan culture. Most of the kings who ruled Orissa constructed beautiful temples. For a better part of its history, Bhubaneswar remained under the influence of Afghans, Marathas, and the British (till 1947).

Sightseeing: Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Once a magnetic centre of Shaivism, Bhubaneswar was home to some 7,000 temples dedicated to different deities, of which about 500 survive to this day. Some notable temples include:

• Lingaraja Temple: The most imposing temple of Orissa with fine chlorite images of Ganesha, Parvati, and Skanda.
• Rajarani Temple: Known for its fascinating female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses.
• Mukteshwara Temple: Features a captivating array of voluptuous female figures and famished ascetics, dwarfs, and animals.
• Parashumeshwara Temple: One of the earliest extant temples of Orissa, symbolizing chaste and elegant sculpture.
• Brahmeswara Temple: Another important temple to visit.
• Ashokan Rock Edicts: Located on the Dhauli Hills, these edicts are significant historical artifacts.

Excursions: Places Nearby Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is part of the famed Golden Triangle circuit of Orissa along with Puri and Konark. It is generally visited in combination with these two places. Nearby attractions include:

• Puri: One of the four holy dhams of Hinduism and the hallowed seat of Lord Jagannath, famous for its beach and casuarina-fringed beaches.
• Konark (65 km): Houses the renowned Sun Temple with fine carvings covering almost every inch of the outer surface.
• Atri (42 km): Known for its hot sulphur springs and a temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar.
• Khandagiri and Udaygiri: Famous archaeological sites with fine specimens of rock-cut temples, located northwest of Bhubaneswar.
• Nandankanan (20 km): Features a zoo and is known for its white tigers in their natural setting.
• Pipli (20 km): Famous for its appliqué work done with bright colors into a range of items.
• Chilika Lake (121 km): The largest brackish water lake in Asia.
• Gopalpur-on-Sea (180 km): Known for its beautiful beach resort.

• Area: 124.74 sq. km
• Population: 4,11,542 (1991)
• Altitude: 45 m above sea level
• Languages: Oriya, Hindi, and English
• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• STD Code: 0674