Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital city, is known as the Temple City of India since it has over 500 temples. The city boasts a rich cultural legacy.

The name Bhubaneswar derives from the Sanskrit phrase “Tri Bhubaneswar,” which is one of Lord Shiva’s names. Lord Shiva is one of the most respected deities in Orissa, with countless temples dedicated to him. Because of various other local attractions, the city is a famous tourist destination in Orissa.

History of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar’s history spans over 2,000 years, with the city serving as a key trading and commerce centre in antiquity. The city was part of the Kalinga Empire, a powerful and affluent state that had a considerable impact on Indian history.

The Kalinga War fought between the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom, was a watershed moment in Bhubaneswar’s history.

The devastation inflicted by the conflict generated turmoil in the heart of Ashoka, the victorious monarch. He turned from Chanda Ashok to Dharma Ashok, adopted Buddhism, and dedicated his life to promoting peace and humanity around the world.

after the Kalinga war. Kharavela was a patron of architecture, religion, and economics. During his reign, various temples were built, and trade routes were developed to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sumatra, Bali, and other countries.

Kharavela embraced Jainism. That is why the majority of the structural designs in this region appear to be inspired by Jain architecture. Some of the outstanding examples of Chedi-era structural work include the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, as well as the Hathigumpha inscription. In the ensuing years, the city earned a huge known for its uncountable temples and was soubriqueted as ‘the temple city’.

The British East India Company took control of the area in the 18th century. With the entire territory in the hands of the English, the state of Orissa, also known as Odisha, underwent some administrative changes. Cuttack became the capital of Orissa after it became a distinct entity in 1936.

The capital was moved to Bhubaneswar in 1948, shortly after India gained independence from the British. Otto H. Konigsberger, a German architect, was commissioned to design the new city of Bhubaneswar. On April 13, 1948, the new city was formally named the new capital of Orissa.

Tourism In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar offers a fascinating blend of old heritage and modern allure. From majestic temples such as Lingaraj and Mukteshwar to markets and gastronomic pleasures, the city provides a variety of experiences and opportunities to learn about Odisha’s rich culture.

Top Visiting Places in Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple: The Temple is one of the oldest and greatest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is Bhubaneswar’s most visible landmark and one of the most popular destinations to visit.

The Lingaraja Temple, dedicated to Harihara, a combination of Vishnu and Shiva, was built in the 11th century CE by King Jajati Keshari of the Somavanshi dynasty. He began building the temple while moving his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar. However, historians believe the temple may have existed since the sixth century CE. The Jagannath religion is supposed to have grown as the construction of the Lingaraj Temple neared completion. This idea is further strengthened by the fact that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped here.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple: The Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in The City, situated on the eastern bank of the Bindu Sarovar. The Ananta Vasudeva Temple, which dates back to the 13th century AD, houses the full idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu was worshipped at the current location of the Ananta Vasudeva Temple. The new temple was built in the 13th century by Queen Chandrika, Anangabhima III’s daughter, during the reign of King Bhanudeva. The Marathas, who extended their dominion up to the Mahanadi River, were in charge of repairing the Vishnu Temple at Bhubaneswar in the late 17th century.

Parasurameswara Temple: This temple is one of India’s oldest existing temples. Parasurameswar temple was built between the seventh and eighth centuries AD. The temple was erected in the Nagara style and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple exemplifies the artisans’ stone carving mastery and is embellished with the most intricately carved sculptures.

Mukteshwar Temple: This temple, completed in the tenth century, is regarded as the pinnacle of Odishan architecture. The temple’s renowned arched gateway distinguishes it from Odisha’s other important temples.

Brahmeswara Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built in the ninth century AD and is an excellent example of Kalinga style architecture. The temple complex includes a primary shrine surrounded by four similar shrines. The doors are beautiful, with stone carvings of the nine planets of Indian astronomy.

Vaital Temple: Built in the eighth century, Vaital Deul exemplifies grace and charm. Vaital Deul is a fascinating study because to its fine figurine carvings and strong tantric influences on the temple. The temple is open from morning till late at night.

Bindu Sagar: One of Odisha’s most auspicious lakes, Bindu Sarovara is located near the shrine of Lingaraj. This holy attraction, also known as Bindu Sagar, is a must-see for pilgrims visiting the Lingaraj Temple.

Dhauli Giri (Shanti Stupa): also known as the Peace Pagoda, is a Buddhist edifice created in 1972 by the Japan Buddhist Sangh and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh. It was erected on the opposite hill of Dhauli Giri by Indo-Japanese collaboration. The stupa is domed on top with mushroom-like constructions and decorated with speaking stone panels. The primary stone panels depict a reclining Buddha, an elephant procession, a bodhi tree, and Buddha’s footprints bearing the Chakra (wheel). The panels also feature a sleeping beauty fanned by female attendants, a horseback parade, and Emperor Ashoka renouncing war by presenting his sword to Lord Buddha at Dhauli Giri.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri: The Caves are magnificent examples of Odisha tourism. Around 6 kilometres east of Bhubaneswar, the twin caves rise abruptly from the coastal plain. These caves, which are both natural and man-made, are made up of small blocks that mendicants utilized for meditation. Udayagiri has 18 caverns, whilst Khandagiri has 15. Ranigumpha, a double-story monastery in the Udayagiri section of the cave, is the most significant of these caves. Certain blocks in these caverns include Brahmi inscriptions.

Yogini Temple: The Yogini Temple has 64 Yoginis. The temple is a must-see tourist destination in Bhubaneswar. This temple at Hirapur, erected in the 9th to 10th century AD, is dedicated to Yoginis, the great Goddess’ attendant. The temple holds great significance among Tantra practitioners since it is one of only four Yogini temples in the country dedicated to the esoteric worship of Tantra. The temple wall is etched with depictions of 64 Yoginis, as well as the presiding deity, Mahamaya.

Raja Rani Temple: This 11th-century temple is well-known for its carved figures and multiple layers of projections that rise to form an 18-meter-high tower. The temple’s main features include a spire reminiscent of Khajuraho temples, a square sanctuary, and interior and external surfaces. Fine sculptures of dikpalas, or guardians of the eight directions, carved surrounding the shrine are significant features of the temple.

Weather and Climate Of Bhubaneswar

Winter: March through June During the winter, the average low temperature falls to 7 degrees Celsius, and the afternoons are nice and relaxing.

Summer: The afternoons are scorching hot and humid from March to June, reaching 45°C. However, evenings are generally lovely and cool enough to get out and enjoy the city.

Monsoon season: From July to September, the average temperature ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

During the winter, between October and March. These months provide cool weather, which is ideal for exploring.

Population of Bhubaneswar

The current predicted population of Bhubaneswar city in 2024 is 1,195,000, with the Bhubaneswar metro population estimated at 1,257,000. The current forecasts for The City are based on previous growth rates. According to preliminary Census India data, Bhubaneswar’s population in 2011 was 843,402. Although Bhubaneswar has a population of 843,402, the metropolitan population is 886,397.

Bhubaneswar Religion

Hinduism is the majority religion in Bhubaneswar, with 95.21% of the population following it. Islam is The City’s second most popular religion, accounting for around 3.29%. Christianity is followed by 0.92%.

Transportation In Bhubaneswar

Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Orissa’s only international airport, has Air India flights that connect the city to all major cities around the world. Furthermore, this airport’s domestic terminal serves multiple daily flights to different cities in Orissa. The city centre and the airport are five kilometres away. Book an airport taxi from Biju Patnaik International Airport to go to your hotel in the city.

Train: The Railway Station serves as the nation’s rail centre, connecting the capital to all major cities and the rest of the state. Several trains travel by this junction every day, including the Puri Express, Howrah Mail, Rajdhani Express, and Coromandel Express, which is approximately 5 kilometres from the city centre.

Road: The City Bus Station serves as the city’s major bus terminal, connecting it to adjacent cities via frequent bus services, notably those provided by the Orissa State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). Furthermore, the state and national highways offer great connectivity.