Rajarani Temple

The Raja Rani Temple is a prominent 11th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha's capital. It is known locally as the 'love temple' because it features some sensual sculptures of ladies and couples. Because there are no pictures inside the shrine, the temple is not linked with any one Hindu group. This is possibly where the temple's allure comes from: it belongs to no one sect and is available to all people, regardless of the deity they worship and revere. The sculpted sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the temple walls, on the other hand, clearly suggest that the temple is associated with Shaivism. It was built during the 11th and 12th centuries, according to historians, although the precise date has yet to be determined. The architecture of other temples in central India is said to have evolved from the Rajarani Temple, with the Khajuraho temples and the Totesvara Mahadeo temple in Kadawa being the most noteworthy examples. The Archaeological Survey of India now maintains the Rajarani Temple as a ticketed site, which means that guests must acquire a ticket to access the temple. The Raja Rani Temple has a unique appeal that sets it apart from the numerous temples that can be seen all across Bhubaneswar, which has come to be regarded as Orissa's temple city.

Tankapani Rd, near BOI ATM, KedarGouriVihar, Rajarani Colony, Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

History

The temple is believed to be from the mid-eleventh century, based on its sculptural architectural style. Brown dates the temple to the 11th–12th centuries, putting it alongside Anant Vasudev Temple. S. K. Saraswati conducted another study of Orissa temples in 1953 and came up with a similar date. Between Lingaraj Temple and Mukteswara Temple, Panigrahi, who undertook a complete research of Orissan temples, assigns an indeterminate date. According to Fergusson, the temple's construction began about 1105. The temple, according to George Michell, was erected at the same period as Lingaraja Temple. Rajarani Temple was built at the same time as Puri's Jagannath Temple. This temple influenced the design of subsequent temples in central India. The Khajuraho temples and Kadawa's Totesvara Mahadeo temple are outstanding examples in this type. Scholars think the temple was erected by Somavamsi monarchs who came from Central India to Orissa at the time, based on the architecture. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains Rajarani temple as a ticketed monument.

Tankapani Rd, near BOI ATM, KedarGouriVihar, Rajarani Colony, Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

Architecture

Rajarani temple temple plan, scale 50 feet to 1 inch. The sanctum (deul or vimana) and the spot from which pilgrims see the sanctum are the two sections of Orissan temples (called jagamohana). The early deul temples lacked the jagamohana, as found in some of Bhubaneswar's oldest temples, but later temples included two additional structures: the nata-mandapa (festival hall) and the bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). The vimana's design is square, and the walls are adorned with ressaults (called rathas or pagas). The amalaka (also known as mastaka) is a stone disc with ridges on the rim that is put above the temple's bada (tower). Rajarani Temple is built on a high platform.The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone and is locally called as "Rajarani".

Vimana

It has a pancharatha plan with a curvilinear superstructure (rekha shikhara) that stands 18 metres tall (55 feet). Unlike other temples in Bhubaneswar, the vimana (tower) is encircled by a cluster of tiny towers with double crowning components and appears spherical, similar to the towers of Khajuraho temples. The temple is supported on a three-moulded plinth. In contrast to other temples, the bada has five sections instead of the normal three. From the bottom, the vimana rises to a height of 17.98 metres (59.0 feet).From the interior, the vimana (sanctum) is 10.25 ft (3.12 m)10.25 ft (3.12 m), while from the outside, it is 31 ft (9.4 m)29 ft (8.8 m). Its spire is adorned with clusters of turrets that emerge from the rib of the spire (a duplication of the spire itself). The temple is divided into five sections called panchangabada: pabhaga, talajangha, bandhana, uparajangha, and baranda. The pabhaga, or bottom section, features five ornate mouldings: khura, kumbha, patta, kani, and basanta. The temple's superstructure (gandi) contains a number of small turrets (angashikharas). A fluted disc-shaped architectural component known as an amalaka crowns the superstructure, and a vase (kalasa) lies upon it.

Jagamohana

In the doorjambs of the jagamohana, there are nagins and guardian deities, with vimana in the backdrop.
Despite displaying a pyramidal form, the jagamohana (porch) has yet to achieve the status of a full construction on its own. It shows indications of the repairs made after it collapsed into ruins in 1903. The inside of the jagamohana is 17.83 ft (5.43 m)*17.83 ft (5.43 m) and the exterior is 36 ft (11 m)*36 ft (11 m). The interior and tiered (pidha) jagamohana are unadorned, presumably left unfinished. The jagamohana's plan is square, as opposed to the rectangular ones found in older temples.

Sculptures

Niche dedicated to Ganesh.

The sculptures have a richness to them that the Mukteswara Temple sculptures lacked. On the left, circular strong columns intertwined with naga surround the somewhat protruding entryway. The Guardians of the Eight Directions protrude in eight directions from the temple's base, beginning at the entry and moving clockwise around the porch and deul to the torana (entrance). Naga-nagisthambha, saivadwarapalas on the entry doorjambs, and lakulisa on the entry lintel, above which is the Navagrahas architrave, are among the other notable sculptures. The standing astadikpalas on the central façade of Kanika, seen on the jangha, are the best-preserved sculptures of the temple.Varuna's picture is complete, with noteworthy body adornment, coiffure, and face expression. The cult pictures at the temple depict scenes from Shiva's marriage to Nataraja and Parvati. Tall, slender, sophisticated nayikas adorn the sanctum's walls, depicted in various roles and moods in amorous dalliance with actions such as turning their head away from an emaciated ascetic, fondling her child, holding a branch of tree, attending to her toilet, looking into mirror, removing her anklet, caressing her pet bird, and playing instrument. On the protruding sections of the uparajangha, there are also sexual (mithuna) images carved in high relief.Vyala, jagrata, and gajakranta are among the numerous ornamental motifs carved. The scroll motifs include foliage, creepers, and vines (vanalata), each with rich foliage that is not attached to any stalk or vine. It's a Hindu shrine.

Religious significance

A sculpture on the walls of the sanctum

The historian M. M. Ganguly examined the Khuraprista (upper plinth), which is carved like a lotus with its petals, and described the temple as possibly dedicated to Vishnu. The names of most Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar end with "Iswara" like Parasurameswara, Brahmesvara and Mitresvara. But Rajarani Temple bears a peculiar nameand contains no images of any deity inside the sanctum. There are certain features of the temple which indicates a Saivite origin such as the presence of Saiva doorkeepers: Prachanda and Chanda, Dvarapla with jatamukha, and a garland of skulls reaching up toand a snake. K. C. Panigrahi believes that, based on the Ekamra Purana, the temple was originally called Indrevara and that it was positioned to the east of Siddheswara Temple. M. M. Ganguly, a historian, analysed the Khuraprista (top plinth), which is carved in the shape of a lotus with petals, and concluded that the temple was perhaps devoted to Vishnu. Most Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar have names that finish in "Iswara," such as Parasurameswara, Brahmesvara, and Mitresvara. However, Rajarani Temple has an unusual name and no representations of any god in the shrine. The presence of Saiva doorkeepers Prachanda and Chanda, Dvarapla with jatamukha, and a garland of skulls extending up to and a serpent are some of the temple's elements that indicate a Saivite heritage. According to K. C. Panigrahi, the temple was previously known as Indreva, according to the Ekamra Purana.The lintel of the jagamohana contains a depiction of Lakulisha, the founder of the Pasupatha sect of Saivism, in a sitting position with yogamuthra and his pupils. On both sides of the Lakulisha pictures are depictions of eight bearded ascetics. Three panels on the main temple's front depict pictures of Shiva dancing with his spouse Parvathi while surrounded by attendants playing musical instruments. On the western side, below the centre niche, is a sculpture showing Shiva and Parvathi's marriage.The appearance of Naga and Nagini at the entryway led to a local idea that the temple is related with the monarch (Raja) and queen (Rani), giving to the name Rajarani, though historians disagree.

Deity

Shiva

Religious Activities

Daily Routine

7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Celebration/Festivals

RajaRani Music Festival: The Rajarani Music Festival, which takes place in the picturesque courtyard of Bhubaneswar's Rajarani Temple, is one such occasion to showcase the diversity and creativity of Indian classical music. The air is filled with lovely chimes during evening concerts by outstanding maestros of Indian Classical music. The city features a significant number of well-known temples, with the Rajarani Temple being one of the most prominent. It is notable for the lack of any governing god. The Rajarani Music Festival was developed by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with groups such as Orissa Sangeet Natak to highlight the great history of Indian classical music.During the three-day event, musicians from all around the country play. During the month of January, this celebration takes place. During this time, devotees from all over the world come to the temple.

Visitor Guide

By Air: Biju Patnaik Airport is around 6 km from the temple. There are different flights that comes from Hyderabad, Nagpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Varanasi.

By Train: The nearest railhead is Bhubaneswar railway station which is 6 Km from the temple. The Rajdhani express departs from Delhi one day a week on Friday to Bhubaneswar. The Puri-New Delhi Express is a good train to Delhi. The Coromandel Express is also a good train that is going to Chennai. There are also direct trains to Delhi, Agra, Remuna and Varanasi. The city of Bhubaneswar is on the main Kolkata to Chennai line so all the important train stop here.

By Road: Bermunda Bus stand in Bhubaneswar is the nearest bus stand. One can also travel from Puri buses to Pipli and then get another bus to Konark.

Nearby Temples

Nearby Tourist Places

Lingaraj Temple:

The Lingaraja temple is supposed to have been erected originally by YayatiKesari, who moved his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar in the 7th century. It has a spire that is around 180 feet tall. In the enormous temple complex, there are also more than 64 minor shrines. Sculptures depicting gods and goddesses, kings and queens, dancing girls, hunters, and musicians adorn them splendidly. According to legend, Shiva revealed to Parvati that he preferred Bhubaneshwar or Ekamrathirtha to Benares. The temple compound is exclusive to Hindus alone. Every day, a total of 22 worship sessions are conducted. An picture of Lingaraja is brought to the Jalamandir in the cen once a year.

Mukteshwar Temple:

Lord Shiva is honoured in Mukteshwar Mandir. The name Mukteswara means "Lord who grants liberation via Yoga," which is correct. The temple's magnificent Torana, an elaborate arched doorway, is symbolic of Buddhism's impact in Orissa. It was founded in the year 950 AD. On the temple, you'll discover ascetics in different meditation stances, as well as Hindu mythological characters, folk stories from the Panchatantra (five volumes of animal fables), and Jain munis (monks/nuns). The temple is surrounded by an octagonal compound wall that is modelled on the lines of ancient constructions.

Brahmeshwar Temple:

This temple was built in the year The temple, which was built in the 9th century, has elaborate interiors as well as exteriors. During the Somavamsi king's 18th reign year, King Udyotakesari's mother Kolavati Devi erected the temple. The Brahmeswara Temple is known for its beautiful sculptures, which can be found on the temple's tower and porch. On the western front, there are a number of tantric-related pictures. Shiva and other gods are also depicted in their terrifying forms.

Yogini Temple:

According to Hindu mythology, there are 64 yoginis. A yogini is a Great Goddess's attendant. Tamtrik practises are more or less tied to the cult. In Orissa, there is a shrine devoted to the 64 yoginis. Yogini Temple, also known as Chausati Yogini temple (Chausati – 64) or Mahamaya Temple, is one of India's four Yogini temples and the second of its type in Orissa. It is composed of black chlorite stone. A large number of followers flocked to this location to worship the Goddesses in the hopes of gaining magical abilities.

KedarGouri Temple:

Kedargauri Mandir, also known as Kedar Gauri Temple, is a historic temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kedareswar) and Goddess Gouri (KedarGouri). Kedargauri Mandir, also known as Kedar Gauri Temple, is a historic temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kedareswar) and Goddess Gouri (KedarGouri). During the Shital Sasthi celebration, Lord Lingaraj (Shiva) is carried in a spectacular procession from the Lingaraj temple to the KedarGouri temple, where he marries Devi Parvati.

VaitalDeul Temple:

VaitalDeul Temple, a Tantric temple near Bindu Sarovara, was erected in the 8th century. Goddess Chamunda, commonly known as the Tantric version of Goddess Durga, is the principal deity worshipped in the temple. Chamunda Devi is represented with a gleaming crimson tongue erupting from her mouth and a garland of skulls around her neck. The temple also has an image of Arjuna driving his chariot. Winter is the greatest season to visit VaitalDeul Temple, which runs from October to March.

Rameshwar Deula:

The Rameshwar temple is a historic temple that dates from the 12th century A.D. According to legend, when Rama returned from Lanka after defeating Ravana, Goddess Sita requested that he worship Shiva here. As a result, Ramachandra constructed a Linga for that function. The temple was built in the 9th century and is historically significant. Within the sanctuary, there is also a Durga figure that is adored. The vimana, or top section of the temple, faces east, while the jagamohana, or detached section of the temple, faces west.

Yameshwar Temple:

A modest temple constructed of soft sandstone. Yameshwar Temple, also known as Jameshwar Temple, is an ancient Shiva temple dedicated to Yama. It is located inJameshwar Patna, Bhubaneswar, near Bharati Math. The temple is surrounded by a wide courtyard with an imposing compound wall. The lingas were previously housed in the sunken recesses. Different deities oversee various aspects of the dhama. Maricika (east), Vimala (west), Ardhasini (north), Kalaratri (south), Bata mangala (southeast), Lambha (northeast), Candarupa (southwest), and Sarvamangala (southwest) are the eight Durga forms set in the eight directions (northwest).