Located in Bhubaneswar, Odhisha, Rajarani Temple is an 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was known as Indreswara and locally the temple is known as a "love temple because of the erotic carvings of women and couples in the temple. The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called "Rajarani". The temple is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Location Odisha, Khurda, Bhubaneswar

Architecture

The temple of Rajarani is mainly famous for its artwork. Presently, the temple is maintained by the Archeology Survey of India. Resemblance of Kandariya Mahadeva temple of Khajuraho is noticed in this Odishi Temple. Locally, the temple is known as the "Love Temple" because of the erotic sculptures engraved on the temple walls. Like other temples in Odisha, inspired from the ancient Kalinga architecture is divided into the deul or the Vimana or the Jagamohana.

The temple has the panchanga bada or the 5 major divisions such as the talajangha, bandhana, pabhaga, baranda and uparajangha. The pabhaga or the lowermost section also has 5 decorative mouldings such as the patta, kani, khura, kumbha and basanta.

Sculptures of Hindu deities from the puranas, epics are engraved on the exteriors and the sanctum walls. Besides images of Naga, Nagis, erotic women called nanyikas, etc are found on the walls of the Rajarani temple.

Culture

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha is famous for its thousand-year-old cultural legacy. The city once housed more than 7,000 shrines built in the last 2000 years. The Lingaraj Temple, Jaleshwar temple, Paschimesvara etc are some of the century old temples of Bhubaneswar. Today the city is balancing the responsibility of enshrining the old heritage shrines as well as giving space to the modern cultural aspects. The city is now an important tech hub of the East.

Bhubaneswar is the perfect example of the Indo-Aryan culture, at the same time the place has also accredited the existence of the Adivasis (natives) alongside. Their art, architecture and handicrafts project the enthusiasm the people have towards creative art and some of the Kala are century old.

The Odissi Dance is one of the finest classical dances in India. Though, it belongs to the Northern India's Hindustani Classical music, but still the dance and the music associated with it is exclusive par excellence.

Visitors to Bhubaneswar can explore the State Museum in Bhubaneswar that enshrines the reminiscences of the valorous past of Kalinga (the ancient name of Odisha).

Darsan Info

The temple premise remains open from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Indian citizens have to pay Rs 5.00 per head. Children below 15 years can enter for free. Foreign travelers have to pay $2/head.

Darsan Dresscode

Nothing Specific

Temple Rituals

The Shiva Lingum is daily bathed with milk, water, ghee and sandal paste. The deity is offered with regular aarti, clothes, flowers, sweets, incense and candles.

Additional Info
 

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