Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar

The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is considered as a symbol of love and locally known as the ‘Love temple’ due to its intense carvings that depicts women and couples. The best thing about this temple is that it doesn’t represent any particular sect of Hinduism. It only displays the art of love and closeness between individuals. This temple was established in the 11th century in the Kalinga architecture style. The carvings of women are uniquely done and perhaps this brings out the real charm of the temple. If you want to feel the closeness of art and love, then visiting the Bhubaneswar Rajarani Temple will be perfect for you. The temple has a very beautiful carving of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shiva, hence, it is believed that the place has some connection with Shaivism.

Quick Glance

Rajarani Temple

Location: Tankapani Rd, Kedar Gouri Vihar, Rajarani Colony, Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

Architectural Style: Kalinga architecture

Deity: Shiva

Completed: In the 11th century

Timing: 6:30am – 7:00pm

Entry Fee: INR 200

History

Having a historical background will help you understand the temple in more details. This temple is said to be built between the 11th-12th centuries, it was known as the Indreswara Temple earlier. Only a few architectures have overcome the test of time, and the Bhubaneswar Rajarani Temple is one of them. Due to climatic change, and natural calamities over the years, the architecture went through some serious damage but has been taken care of with required renovation work in 1903.

Architecture

This temple is a famous symbol of love and art because it contains some the brilliant carvings of intimate postures from a couple’s special moments. These carvings are so amazingly done that it never fails to intrigue the researchers and historians. The use of gold kind of sandstone that was a little reddish in color makes the sculptures more beautiful as compared to any other sensuous carvings in India. This temple is built on a raised platform with two different structures. The two important structures to take care of are the Vimana also known as Sanctum, and the second one being the Jagamohana that has a Pyramidal roof.

The Vimana

The Vimana tower is greatly surrounded by a cluster of miniature towers along with the crowning element that doesn’t quite resemble the temples in Bhubaneswar but looks very similar to some of the intense carvings of the Khajuraho temple. The Vimana stands tall with a height of 17.98 meters (59.0 ft) from the bottom. The calculation that the researchers has done about the Vimana is 10.25 ft (3.12 m)*10.25 ft (3.12 m) from within and around 31 ft (9.4 m)*29 ft (8.8 m) from the exterior.

The beautiful Vimana has few other interesting features in the form of carvings and clusters of spires decorated with turrets rising from the rib of the spire. The portion of the temple has over five divisions known as the Pabhaga, bandhana, uparajangha, talajangha, and baranda. The structure of the Vimana is undoubtedly mesmerizing to look; you will love the artistic carvings of the place.

The Jagamohana

The Jagamohana portion of the temple is structured in a pyramidal style. This part of the temple has been largely repaired after being collapsed into ruins. It involved some of the new generation artisans to rebuild the historic Jagamohana once again. The Jagamohana measures 17.83ft (5.43m)*17.83ft (5.43m) from the inside and has a measure of around 36ft (11m)*36ft (11m) from the outside. This structure of Jagamohana is quite different as it is designed in square form and not rectangular like it uses to be for other temples in the early days.

Other Sculptures

Apart from these two structures, there are many other carvings and sculptures in the walls of this temple that gives an in-depth detail about the marriage scenes of Shiva, Nataraj, and Parvati. The scenes that are depicted into these carvings are quite sensuous because it is displayed in the form of tall and slim nayikas in different roles and moods. Some of them can also be found holding a branch of a tree, and other figures involved in their daily work like playing musical instruments, looking into the mirror, taking off an anklet and much more.

However, the main attraction and most impressive depiction have to be the ‘Guardian of the Eight Direction’ portrayed in the form of Agni, Indra, Yama, Varuna, Nirriti, Vayu, Kubera, and Ishana.

Festivals Celebrated

There is a famous festival associated with this temple and it is organized every year from 18th-20th January by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha. It was introduced in the year 2003 and used in improving the Music circle of this place. This festival is visited by numerous devotees and local people from the surrounding areas and consists of three form of music like Carnatic, Odissi, and Hindustani, all the three forms of music is given equal importance.

Temple Etiquettes

It’s important to understand some of the basic things about the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, having a brief idea about the temple etiquettes will help you to have a smooth visit to the love temple.

• Leave your footwear outside the temple if needed

• Keep away from carrying any leather items

• Follow the dress code if they have any

• Be respectful towards the artistic sculptures

• Accept the Prasad from the temple.

How to Reach the Temple?

This temple is well connected with most of the transportation routes. Here are some of the important details.

Through Air

You will be able to find most of the Indian airlines to and from Nagpur, Kolkata, Varanasi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. The required Airport is in a close distance from the temple area.

Through Railways

You will easily find your way through the railway station as the mainline of the Kolkata to Chennai line has a stop in Bhubaneswar. You will also find some of the other railways well-connected with the major cities.

Through Roadways

There are many public transports available from all the major transportation platform, you can hire a cab, get a taxi, or find a government bus to this famous temple. There are many other modes of transportation available for your convenience.

You will love the fine display of art and love in the form of perfect carvings and intricate structures depicting the sensuous side of the early times. Don’t forget to carry your camera to capture the brilliant artistry of this temple.