Raja Rani Temple Bhubaneswar

Introduction to Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is a city in Odisha with over two thousand years of history. It is also a popular tourist destination in India. Kalinga Nagari, Mandira Malini Nagari, and Toshali are the other names of Bhubaneswar. Many historical attractions and other places in the temple city are worth exploring. The Raja Rani Temple is popular with many romantic carvings of women and couples. That's why it is locally called Raja Rani temple or a love temple. It lies towards the northeast of Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains it.

Legend of Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar

The temple was built during the Somavamsi rule in the 11th Century CE. They ruled the region between the 9th and 12th centuries. Indreswara temple was the earlier name for Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar. It was in a dilapidated state, but it was renovated in 1903. Even after all these years, it continues to hold a prestigious spot among the holy places in Bhubaneswar.

The Architecture of Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar

The Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar, displays the Kalinga style of temple architecture. It is built on a three-molded platform in Pancharatha style. Red and golden sandstone construction is a feature of the temple. It is an embodiment of architectural stylishness and elegance.

The temple has two sections - the Jagamohana (assembly hall) and the Vimana (main sanctum). The Jagamohana has a roof with a pyramidal shape; the Vimana has a curvilinear spire (Shikhara) that rises to a height of 59 feet.

Devotees can see an image of a lion on top of the entrance of the Jagamohana. It is believed to be guarding the door. At the entrance, three images of Naga and Nagin depict the King and Queen of the land at that time.

Above the entrance door, visitors can see the sculpted Navagraha. An image of Lakulisa is below it. Lakulisa is considered to be the founder of Shaivism. Chanda and Prachanda are two small Shaiva doorkeepers whose images are carved on both sides of the entrance door.

Three panels are on the main temple's facade, showing Shiva dancing with his consort Parvati while some attendants play musical instruments in the background. A carving depicting the holy matrimony between Shiva and Parvati is on the western side, just below the central niche of the temple. The stone images of women playing with birds and enjoying nature are also worth seeing. A beautiful garden is part of the temple.

The main attraction of Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar, is the sculpture of the Ashtadikpalas, the eight temple guards who protect the temple from different directions. The eight guardians are Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Ishana. They are the protectors of this ancient Hindu temple.

Pilgrims can see various sculptures on the temple walls. The Vimana depicts Shiva, Parvati, and Nataraja images. The temple does not have a specific presiding deity. But, most of the sculptures and images are of Shiva and Parvati; it gives pilgrims a clue that both may be the temple's main deities.

Festivals in the Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar

The Music festival here began in 2003 with the support and guidance of the Bhubaneswar Music Circle (BMC). Since then, the Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha has been conducting Raja Rani Music Festival at the temple every year between the 18th and 20th of January. Famous musicians from different parts of the country perform during the three-day festival. Hindustani, Carnatic, and Odissi styles of classical music enthrall the audience.

Benefits of Worshipping at Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar

As the temple has no specific presiding deity and is mainly visited by tourists, worship or prayers have no importance here.