Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Capital of Orissa, is known for its splendid Buddhist and Hindu temples. "Bhubaneswar" means the "abode of God" or "master of the universe". Appropriately enough, it is called "The city of temples" : bhubaneswar city once boasted over 7,000 temples, though in modern times that number has decreased to a still impressive 500. Most famous is the Lingaraj Temple, featuring an ornately carved spire that is 40 meters high. It is the temple of Shiva, the destroyer. Others include the 10th century Mukteshwar Temple and 11th century Raja Rani Temple.

Lingaraj Temple: The great temple of Bhubaneswar is off limits to all non-Hindus. Close to the wall, on the northern side, is a viewing platform originally erected for Lord Curzon during the days of the Raj. Tribhuvaneswar is said to be bathed daily with water, milk and bhang (hashish). The temple compound is about 150 metres square and dominated by the 40 metre high temple tower.

Bindusagar: The 'Ocean Drop' tank is just north of the great temple and is said to contain water from every holy stream, pool and tank in India. Consequently when it comes to washing away sin this is the tank which washes whitest. There are a number of temples and shrines scattered around the tank, several of them with towers in imitation of the Lingaraj Temple's. In the centre of the tank is a water pavilion where, once a year, the Lingaraj Temple's deity is brought to be ritually bathed.

Siddharanya: Qose to the main Bhubaneswar-Puri road, on the same side as the Lingaraj Temple, the 'Grove of the Perfect Beings' is a cluster of about 20 smaller temples, including some of the most important in Bhubaneswar. Right by the road the small, 11 metres high, Muktes-war Temple is finely detailed with some excellent carving but unfortunately much of it is defaced. The dwarves are particularly nice. The Mukteswar features an arched torana, a gateway showing clear Buddhist influence.

Raj Rani: Across the road and about a 1 metres to the right the Raj Ran alone in a green field. It's one latest of the Bhubaneswar Ternf particularly finely sited. Stai nymphs, embracing couples, eli and lions fill the niches and d the pillars.

Brahmeswar: About a km east of the main road, Brahmeswar Temple stands in a yard flanked by four smaller streets. The temple from the 9th century. Close by a other temples which are not so great interest. The Bhaskareswar unusual 'stepped' design in order to accommodate an unusually large (three metre) lingam it once contained. The Megheswar is in a courtyard and its shrine entrance is topped by a figure. Beside it there is a tank.

Dhauli Edicts: About eight km south of Bhubaneswar, to the right of the Pun road, King Ashoka carved his famous edicts into a rock five metres by three metres. The famous Buddhist emperor related the horrors he experienced in the Kalinga wars, which he won, and his subsequent conversion to Buddhism. These 13 inscriptions are still remarkably clear after over 2000 years and the site is also marked by a new Peace Pagoda.