Toshali Sands

Konark: Cover Story

Bhubaneswar is a precious relic of our rich cultural and spiritual past Bhubaneswar- the place where legandary’s king underwent a complete change of heart-after witnesseing the untold sufferings and miseries of Kalinga war. The place where he swore that henceforth compassion and love woulod be his weapons to conquer the world and not sword. The place where he realized the futility of war. Hence Bhubaneswar is the place in history where love and compassion scored over the war.

A feat which is not mean achievement in itself. The ancient name of Bhubaneswar was Ekamanakhestra. Mythology has it that Bhubaneswar was the health resort of Lord Shiva. In terms of sacredness it is next to Varanasi. Bhubanewsar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the “Temple City of India”. Being the seat of Tribubanewsar of “Lord Lingaraj’, Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage center. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Origins of these beautiful temples date back to the region of the local King Jajaki Keshari who brought over ten thousand Brahmins from Oudh in his quest to build temples. A task which they accomplished beautifully in exquisite marvels of sandstones. Thus began Bhubaneswar’s temple odyssey. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered form its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years. This city is home to a scintillating array of ancient temples dating back a period between 7th Century A.D. to 13th century A.D. In a chronic order the temples of Bhubaneswar file past in this manner. The temples of Laxmanswar, Satrughaneswar and Baratewswar (6th century A.D.) Parsuramewar and Swarnajaleswar (7th century A.D.) Vaital (8th century A.D), Mukteswar (10th century A.D.) Brahmeswar, Rajarani and Lingarja (11th century A.D.) and Ananta Vasudev (13th Century A.D.)

In fact it is said that at one time over 7000 temple crowded around the holy Bindu Sagar Tank of Bhubaneswar alone. Today only 5000 have survived the ravages of time. The temples of Orissa are built in an identical pattern. They have four sections namely, Biman, Jagmohan, Natmandir and Bhogmandap. Natmanid is for religious dances. Jagmohan is the entrance to the main temple and finally Biman is the innermost place where the deity is installed. Enclosed by an elaborately carved and engraved boundary wall. These temples easily house smaller shrines to numerous deities, bathing tanks, handicrafts outlets etc. the imperious finger of creativity traces a familiar line linking up the common heritage that hinds them together, even as the newer concepts enhances their traditional beauty.

Lingaraja temple with its enchanting splendor dominates the Bhubaneswar skyline. King Jajati Keshari had planned to build this temple, but after his death his ambition was realized by Lalat Keshari. Narasingh Dev, the architect of Konark’s Sun Temple designed Lingaraja temple. Dedicated of Lord Shiva, Lingaraja temple has Svyambhu-the iamge of partly Shiva party Vishnu as its presiding seity. Lingamurti or the phallic image, present in the temple in various hues, is carved our of granite. Lingaraja temple is decorated by excellent workmanship of sandstone. Atually Lingaraja is a cluster of over hundred and fifty shrines. The temple boasts of a Natmandir, the Bhog Mandap and a splendid Jagamohan. Two storied roof at Jagmohan stands on few pillars. There are eight dikpals-figures of guardians in all overs on the outer wall of the temple. On the north stands Kuber, on the east Indra. South has Yama. Agni is the sentinel of south east. South west has Nritri and West has Barun. The decorative motifs status of gods and goddesses carved on the walls are exquisite.

Bindu Sarober lies to the south of Lingaraja temple. According to Puranas, it was a favourite spot of Parvati. Once she during her stay here she encountered two demons Kritti and Bas who wanted to marry her. Parvati agreed to do so on the conditions that they should lift her on their shoulders. As their luck would have it they wee crushed under her weight in their quest to do so. After the incident Parvati felt tired and thirsty. Lord appeared at this stage and commanded every stream, river and lake to contribute drops of water. Thus the place was named Bindu (drop) Sarober (lake). The water of the lake is considered very sacred and those who bath here are know to consecrate themselves. Even idols from Lingaraja temple are bathed here once every year.

The Mukteswara temple of Bhubaneswar is regarded as one of the most delightful expressions of Kalinga school of architecture. It is also clled the Gem of Orissan Architecture. Mukteswara temple is a captivating confluence of old and new styles of Kalinga school of architecture. Panchatantra fables form the genesis of ornate carvings of this temple . Magnificient arched gateway leads to temples’ interior which has excellent craftsmanship reflecting the combination of Hindu, Buddhist and join features. Parsuraeswar temple stands just opposite the Mukteswara temple which is devoted to Kartik, the son of Lord Shiva. Tales from Ramayana and Mahabharata are portrayed in brilliantly in carvings on the walls of Parsurameswara temple. Processions of elephant and horses are carved brillianlty on the lattices on the windows. Local however vouch that Kedar-Gouri temple is the oldest in the town. The predominant diety here is goddes Durga astride her high image of lord Hanuman in the temple. As you enter the temple. As you enter the temple, don’t forget to savour the water of Dudhganga situated towards the left of the temple. It is believed that the water of Dudhganag has curative powers. Disseswara temple is situated in the vicinity of Mukteswara temple. This temple has a magnificent image of lord Hanuman in the temple. As you enter the temple, don’t forget to savour the water of Dudhganga situated towards the left of the temple. It is believed that the water of Dudhganga has curative powers. Siddeswara temple is situated in the vicinity of Mukteswara temple. This temple has a magnificient image of lord Genesha which is the main deity of the temple.

Rani temple. Its unconventional name is perhaps derived from the history of its origins. It is believed that king Udayata keshari built this temple to honour the wishes of this mother. Raja Rani temple has fascinating image of men and women in froicking modes. The manner in which the women are displayed in playful postures like learing against the trees and creepers is absolutely riveting. The pillars of the temple are deconrated superbly. Although there are images of gods and goddesses but there is no deity in the temple. Raja Rani temple is an elegant example of great finesse in temple art and architecture. The sensuous beauty of the architecture. The sensuous beauty of the female form and the sweetness of flowers and fruits are enhanced by the artists dextrous skill. Lack of a temple deity and celebration of the female from are some of the intriguing aspect of this temple.

The Majestic Vaital temple is another glorious manifestation of eighth century Kalinga school of architecture albeit with a subtle difference. The difference lies in the unique shape of its Duel which is rectangular in shape - a striking contrast from the usual style. Otherwise it has all the hallmarks of its architectural pedigree. Its external surface is embellished in exactly the same manner as that other temples. As are the other regular features like Duel and Jagmohan. The temple is dedicated to goddess Chamunda. Vaital temple was the seat of Tantrik worship as is evidnet from the image of Chamunda enthroned atop a corpse in the inner sanctum of the temple. Vaital temple provides a thrilling insight into the erotic sculpture of Orissa art.

There are countless temples in Bhubaneswar and it is not possible for a tourist to visit the entire lot of the temples. But visit to Bhubaneswar is not complete without a trip to Bhubaneswar temple. The entire temple is replete with sculptures-figures of dancing beauties and image in intimate postures. The canopy of Jagamohan is shaped like a louts here. Brahmeswar temple appears to be identical to Lingaraja.

Bhubaneswar is the place where time seems to have standstill. A visit to the city has a hypnotic effects especially the magnificient temples and their haunting legacies - their intricate and dextrous carvings plus their historical mornings - All these facts combine to make Bhubaneswar an irresistrible part of any torusits agenda. Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international chartered flights landing here soon.

SHOPPING
If you want to shop till you stop Bhubaneswar has many Market-Complexes which offer you, simply, everything from the latest clothes to design ware and crystal.