Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha,
is an Indian city commonly known as the “Temple City of India“.
The word Bhubaneshwar literally means the ‘God’s World’ and the city exhibits
temple architecture down the centuries. A famous tourist spot due to the
presence of hundreds of ancient temples in
its premises, this city prserves its past while progressing into the future.
The cultural tradition of this city is rich and incomparable in the Indian
subcontinent makes it a popular tourist destination in India.
The religious city dates back to two thousand years and is named
after Tribhubaneswar, which is Lord Shiva’s Sanskrit name. Most of the temples
in Bhubaneshwar are dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, Bhubaneshwar was
counted among Lord Shiva’s much-loved places where he spent most of his time.
Most of the temples in the city were built during 8th and 12th centuries AD
when Saivism (worship of Lord Shiva) ruled the religious scene.
The Orissan style of temple building in Bhubaneshwar flourished
ever since its outset till its entire completion extending over a time span of
more than 1,000 years. The city is a confluence of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain
tradition and brags some of the exquisite Kalinga temples. The temples of this
city boast of the Kalinga architecture as the city is the ancient capital of
the Kalinga Empire. Together with Puri and Konark, Bhubaneshwar forms the
Swarna Tribhuja (“Golden Triangle“) which is the
country’s most visited places.
Below are some of the famous temples in Bhubaneshwar which
contributed in earning the city the name ‘Temple City of India’:
1. Lingaraj Temple
2. Rajarani Temple
3. Ananta Vasudeva Temple
4. Muktesvara Temple
5. Brahmeshwar Temple
6. Yogini Temple
7. Bhringesvara Siva Temple
8. Bharateswar Temple
9. Aisanyesvara Siva Temple
10. Akhadachandi Temple
