Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the Sate of Odisha is also known as the temple city of India. This city is the capital city of the ancient Kalinga, the land of fighters who gave stiff competition to Ashoka, the great in the Kalinga war in 260BCE. Though this city is one of the planned cities of the modern India, it has been the capitals for many kings hailing from many dynasties who ruled Kalinga in different times. The name Bhubaneswar itself is derived from "Tribhubaneswar", wich is the name of Lord Shiva. So the Supreme God of the city is Lord Shiva. You will find temples in each and every corner of the city. Everyone knows the mighty temple like Lingaraja Temple when anyone talks about the temple city Bhubaneswar. Besides Lingaraj temple there are so many small but beautiful temples are present in the city. Let’s look at some of the most beautiful small temples of Bhubaneswar so that you won't miss the chance to visit those temples in your next visit to the city.
Built in sometime between 8th to 10th Century AD by the rulers of Ganga dynasty, this temple houses a giant 9 feet Shiva Linga. The surrounding of the temple is well maintained for visitors with free entry to the temple.
The name Bramheswar is the combination of two terms i.e. Bramha and Ishwar which means the God of Lord Bramha. Built in between 1000-1100 century AD by Somavamsi king Udyotakesari this temple houses the Lingam of Lord Shiva. This temple is built with the Kalingan style architecture of Temple building, the inner wall of the temple is engraved with various art and crafts unlike other temples where the art and crafts are being seen only on the outer walls of the temple.
This Shiva temple is the temple built for the "Ishwar of Megha" which literally means the God of the Rain. This ancient temple is built in the 12th Century AD. The outer wall of the temple is nicely engraved with a lot of art works. This is a living temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped even today.
This 10th Century temple of Bhubaneswar is one of the few well-maintained temples of the city. In the middle of lush green Lawn, the main temple is sorrounded by number of small temples. This temple is believed to be built by Somavanshi King Yajati I.
This temple is considered to be the oldest existing temple of the city built around 650 AD. Though the Presiding God of this temple is Lord Shiva, this temple is a combination of the Shiva and Shakti. The outer wall of the temple is engraved with the idols of Lord Parsuram (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Indra (the king of Gods), Surya and many more Gods. This temlpe adjacent to the Mukteswar temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Bhubaneswar.
Rajarani Temple is built in the 11th Century is the most scenic temple of the city. This temple symbolises Love due to the erotic carvings of women and couples. Currently there are no Gods present inside the temple but it is believed that this temple was also dedicated to lord Shiva. The temple was built using a type of stone called "Rajarani stone" hence taking the name Rajarani temple.
As per Hindu belief Shiva is incomplete without Shakti and this ruined temple is dedicated to Shakti the wife of Lord Shiva. Situated about a distance of 10 KMs from the city center near Hirapur. 56 idols of Shakti, made up of black granite stones on a circular wall are worshiped in this temple. This temple is believed to be built in the 9th Century AD by queen Hira Devi of Bramha dynasty.
