Rajarani Temple

Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar

• Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
• Built: 11th century CE
• Deity: Shiva
• Architecture: Kalinga style
• Significance: One of the Pancha Maha Deulas (five great temples) of Bhubaneswar

The Rajarani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It was built in the 11th century CE and is one of the Pancha Maha Deulas (five great temples) of Bhubaneswar. The temple is a fine example of the Kalinga style of architecture.

The Rajarani Temple is a square structure with a spire rising to a height of 55 feet. The walls of the temple are decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and plants. The main entrance to the temple is on the east side and is flanked by two large guardian figures. The interior of the temple is divided into three chambers, the sanctum sanctorum, the antechamber, and the ardha mandapa. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shiva lingam, the symbol of Shiva.

The Rajarani Temple is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most visited temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Key features of the Rajarani Temple:

• The temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture.
• The temple is a square structure with a spire rising to a height of 55 feet.
• The walls of the temple are decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and plants.
• The main entrance to the temple is on the east side and is flanked by two large guardian figures.
• The interior of the temple is divided into three chambers, the sanctum sanctorum, the antechamber, and the ardha mandapa.
• The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shiva lingam, the symbol of Shiva.

Significance of the Rajarani Temple:

The Rajarani Temple is one of the Pancha Maha Deulas (five great temples) of Bhubaneswar. The other four temples are the Lingaraja Temple, the Jagannath Temple, the Mukteswar Temple, and the Vaital Temple. The Pancha Maha Deulas are considered to be the most important temples in Bhubaneswar and are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

The Rajarani Temple is also significant because it is one of the few temples in Bhubaneswar that has not been significantly damaged by time or by natural disasters. The temple is in excellent condition and is a beautiful example of Kalinga architecture.

Visiting the Rajarani Temple:

The Rajarani Temple is located in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar. The temple is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the temple is free.

The best time to visit the Rajarani Temple is during the morning or evening hours. The temple is less crowded during these times and you will have more time to explore the temple and take pictures.

The Rajarani Temple is a beautiful and historic temple that is well worth a visit. If you are in Bhubaneswar, be sure to add the Rajarani Temple to your list of places to visit.

Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar

• Architecture
• Built in the 11th century CE, the Rajarani Temple is a fine example of Odishan architecture.
• The temple is constructed of sandstone and is square in plan, with a porch on each of the four sides.
• The main shrine is dedicated to Shiva, and the porch on the east side leads to the sanctum sanctorum, which houses a lingam.
• The other three porches lead to smaller shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Surya, and Ganesha.
• The temple is decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and plants.
• History
• The Rajarani Temple was built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty, which ruled Odisha from the 11th to the 15th centuries CE.
• The temple was commissioned by King Narasimha I, and it is named after his queen, Rajarani.
• The temple was damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century, but it has since been restored.
• Significance
• The Rajarani Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Odisha.
• The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, and it is also a popular tourist attraction.
• The temple is a fine example of Odishan architecture, and it is a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Images

<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/RajaraniTempleBhubaneswar.jpg/220px-RajaraniTempleBhubaneswar.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Image of the Rajarani Temple

<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/RajaraniTemplecarvings.jpg/220px-RajaraniTemplecarvings.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Image of the carvings on the Rajarani Temple