Rajarani Temple

Founded In: Eleventh century
Dedicated to: Lord Brahma

Rajarani temple is one of the most renowned temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa. It is made from the wonderful red and gold sandstone, which is locally known as Rajarani and this is what gives the temple its name of 'Raja Rani'. The major attractions of the temple consist of the elaborately carved figurines. Rajarani temple of Bhubaneshwar is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The origin of this temple can be dated back to the eleventh century.

It is an epitome of elegance and grace. The sculptural images adorning its façade and interiors are simply outstanding. Females are portrayed in different postures, like holding the child in their arms, holding mirror in their hand, etc. There is no other temple of this kind in the entire state of Orissa. Rajarani temple has also been ornamented with marvelous artistic sculptural carvings and stands enclosed within a beautiful garden.

Architecture:
The jagmohana (porch) is enormously plain, and was evidently repaired in 1903 after having fallen down in ruins. The deul (tower), on the other hand, is spectacularly elaborate, and is celebrated for the aesthetic concept of miniature temple spires clustered around the main tower. 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. On the lower register of the deul, on the corner projections, are found the famous `Guardians of the Eight Directions`, watching over (and radiating the temple`s power to) the eight cardinal points. Beginning from the left of the entrance to the deul and proceeding in a clockwise direction, they are: 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).

Festivals:


Rajarani Music Festival conducted against the backdrop of the 11th century Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is an evening of concerts. It is soothing, entertaining and inspirational. The city comprises of a massive throng of celebrated temples of which the Rajarani Temple is one of the most conspicuous.

The musical evenings are magnificent with exceptional performances by the great maestros of Indian classical music creating a metaphor of darbari gayans (musical performances in an Indian king`s court) of age-old histories.

At present, as the capital of an emergent Orissa, Bhubaneswar is a modern city with broad avenues, beautiful parks, attractive shopping centres, excellent hotels and restaurants with finger-licking food.

Orissa vis-a-vis India has a great tradition of classical music, instrumental as well as vocal, which fascinate a lot of domestic and international tourists.