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| Places around Bhubaneswar |
| Parashurameshwara Temple |
| Famous temple Parashurameshwara temple of Orissa is a perfect example of ancient architecture. One of the most preserved ancient temples of India Parashurameshvara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This one of the most visited tourist places of Bhubaneswar was built in 7th century. The temple included a curved tower over the sanctuary and an adjoining mandapa with two horizontal roof tiers. Being a Lord Shiva's temple but you will find images of Lord Vishnu, lord Surya, and Goddesses. |
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| Rajarani Temple |
| One of the most beautiful temples representing a unique experiment in the field of architecture in Orissa, Rajarani temple, most renowned temples in Bhubaneswar. Located in old Bhubaneshwar temple stands against the backdrop of green paddy (rice) fields, looking very alluring The wonderful red and gold sandstone, locally known as Rajarani and thus the temple gets the name. The major attractions of the temple consist of the elaborately carved figurines. Rajarani temple of Bhubaneshwar is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The temple, dating back to the eleventh century, is set in open paddy fields, and the entire structure exudes grace and elegance. |
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| In addition to these one can see beautiful nymphs, embracing coupler, lions, elephants decorating the pillars and walls. Yama in various forms and postures can be seen-it is both fascinating and intermidating for e.g.: Yama holding several heads and a sword over the lying figure of a dead man. It is an epitome of elegance and grace. The sculptural images of the temple are elegant and lively, especially the beautiful female figures which can be seen in amorous dalliance, as well as engaged in such activities as holding children, looking in mirrors, and playing with pet birds. |
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| The sculptural images adorning its façade and interiors are simply outstanding. Indra (east, chief of the 33 Vedic nature deities); Agni (south-east, Vedic God of fire); Yama (south, God of death); Nirriti (south-west, deity related to suffering); Varuna (west, a Vedic deity of the ocean); Vayu (north-west, wind God); Kubera (north, lord of wealth, shown here with a wish-fulfilling tree); and Ishana (north-east, a form of Shiva) are persent as said that these gods are there to guard the temple form eight directions. No other temple of this kind in the entire state of Orissa can been seen. Rajarani temple has also been ornamented with marvelous artistic sculptural carvings and stands enclosed within a beautiful garden. |
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| Orissa State Museum |
| Established in 1948, Orissa State Museum is located in Bhubaneswar. The origin of Orissa State Museum can be traced back to the year 1932. Professor N. C. Banerjee and Professor Ghanshyam Dash of Ravenshaw College laid foundation of the museum. The museum was started within the college premises only. It was later in 1938 that, the Government of Orissa formally declared it as the Orissa State Museum. The museum exhibits a rich collection of stone sculptures, archaeological objects, bronze images, coins, armory, natural history objects, art and craft objects, prehistoric objects, ethnological objects, copper plates, Bronze Age tools and the museum also houses age-old bronze tools and traditional & folk musical instruments. |
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| Orissa State Museum is renowned for its vast collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. One of the earliest palm-leaf manuscripts (1690) is of the Gita Govinda, a devotional poem written by Jayadeva in the 12th century. |
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| Orissa has one of India's oldest and most artistic traditions, ranging from Buddhism, Jainism to Hinduism, including the magnificent temples of Bhubaneshwar and the Sun Temple at Konark in the 13th century. There are several galleries devoted to sculptures from these temples. |
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| The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs on all days, except Mondays and public holidays.
Timings : 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
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| Udaygiri and khandagiri |
| The caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) both are the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters, commanding a unique position in the filed of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The origin of the rock cut caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri dates back to the 2nd century BC. Udaygiri caves are approximately 135 ft high and Khandagiri caves are 118 ft high. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain, about six km west of Bhubaneswar, separated by a highway. Stupendous carvings are the main attraction on the walls of the caves. The caves are reminiscent of influence of Buddhism and Jainism in Orissa. |
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| Some of the main caves in Udaygiri hill are Ranigumpha, Bajagharagumpha, Chota Hathigumpha, Alkapurigumpha, Jaya-vijayagumpha, Panasagumpha, Thakuranigumpha, Patalapurigumpha, Mancapurigumpha, Ganesagumpha, Jambesvaragumpha, Vyaghragumpha, Sarpagumpha, Hathigumpha, Dhanagharagumpha, Haridasagumpha, Jagammathgumpha and Rosaigumpha. |
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| And there are some of the caves in Khandagiri hills Tatowagumpha1, Tatowagumpha2, Anantagumpha, Tentuligumpha, Khandagirigumpha, Dhyanagumpha, Navamunigumpha, Barabhujigumpha, Trusulagumpha, Ambikagumpha, Lalatendukesarigumpha, Ekadasigumpha and some other important ones which are unnamed. |
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| Some other attraction around Bhubaneswar are Taptapani, Ekamra haat and Dhauli |
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