Rajarani Temple

Rajarani temple, located at the rich cultural city of Bhubaneswar, is a great example of architectural marvels and cultural history. Rajarani temple located at Bhubaneswar is also known as the “Love temple” or as “Khajuraho Temple of the East”.

The temple is a example of beauty of Kalinga architectural styles from 11^th century. The mixture of unique carvings, beautiful sculptures and a scenic beauty makes the Rajarani temple one of the beautiful temples of Bhubaneswar.

The most unique feature of the temple is its intricate and detailed carvings drawn and surrounded all over the outer wall of the temple. The temple doesn’t have any idol or any photos of any particular deity. But it is said that the Rajarani temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.

Beside this the temple consists lots of various sculptures and carvings of various aspects and points of human life and related emotions of people. It is believed that these sculptures are showcase of feelings of love, sensuality, and emotions. Because of this temple is called “Love Temple”. The sculptures of couples are drawn to symbolize love and unity of souls.

The temple is a showcase of Nagra style architectures as the temple consists beautiful carvings, sculptures, ornaments and soaring spires. Vimana or the main hall of the temple is surrounded by “Rekha Deulas” and “Pidha Deulas”, which are beautiful stone carved towers.

The name of the temple “Rajarani” came from local word, which means yellow stones, which are used to built the temple. The walls of the temple are covered by sculptures of dancers, musicians, mythological scenes of Mahadev and Parvati. The temple is also cover by green and scenic beauty of Bhubaneswar. 

Rajarani Temple history

Rajarani temple of Bhubaneswar is said to be constructed in 10^th or 11^th century by kings of Somavansi dynasty. Though the purpose of the construction of the temple is not known. The time period is also was the reign of the Kalinga dynasty, when Odisha was gaining popularity for its architectural art and beauty.

It is said that the temple earlier known as “Indreswara” temple. There are various thoughts about the name. it is said that he name was derived from the “Indra Ratha”. Also it is said that the word “Indreswara” is basically mean “Lord Shiva”. For which though there are no idol of any deity but it is believed that the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. But after some times the temple called as “Rajarani temple” because of the red and yellow sandstones. These sandstones locally know as “Rajarani”.

Facts about Rajarani Temple

• The temple is made in Pancha Ratha style. In which there is a raised platforms which have two structures. Those are, a shrine located at the center known as Vimana with a curvilinear spire or Bada, which spread over the roofs. The height of Vimana is 59ft or 18 meters. And a prayer hall or a jagamohana, which has a pyramid roof.
• The temple is made of red and yellow sandstones. The name Rajarani came from the word “Rajarania” which locally means the yellow sand stones by which the total temple was built.
• It is believed that the temple was built at the same time of Lingaraja temple and Puri Jagannath Temple. Also it is said that the temple which were belongs to central India, the architectural styles of those temples were copied or similar to the Rajarani temple of Bhubaneswar.
• As there are lots of carvings of couple showing love and their feelings and emotions, this temple is also known as the “Love temple” of Bhubaneswar.
• Mukteswara and Lingaraja temple are located near this temple.
• The temple is divided into five sections: talajangha, uparajangha, pabhaga, bandhana and baranda. Pabhaga is the lowest section. It has five mouldings, which are basanta, khura, , patta, kumbha and kani.
• Prachanda and Chanda, two Shaiva Dwarapalakas are present in the temple.
• Standing astadikpalas is the most unique and beautiful sculpture of the temple, located at canter of the Kanika. It is the located at the jangha portion of the bada. These located on a lotus with down mounted.
• Varuna is the unique one in between the Dikpalas. Its facial expression and ornaments make it remarkable.
• There are also some clay images drawn in the temple. Some of them are Nataraj, marriage scenes of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.
• Sculptures of Astadikpalas are the major highlight of the temple. These are the eight guardians or the protectors who protects the temple from different angles. Indra, Yama, Agni, Varuna, Nirriti, Vayuu, Ishana and Kuber are the eight protectors of this temple.
• Every year, in the months of January and festival Rajarani music festival held in the temple. Which gather various artists and signer across the city as well as all over the India. It is a three days music festival, which organized to show the various culture of India. Classical songs are the major highlight of this festival.

Best time to visit

The temple remains open everyday throughout the year. But because of the hot summer of Odisha, it is difficult to visit during April to June. It is better to visit the temple in between October to March.

Read More about famous Temples In Odisha

Rajarani temple tickets

The temple remains open everyday of the week. The temple opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 7:30 PM in evening. But it is preferred to visit between 9:00 AM to 2:00 Pm. To enter in the temple, for Indian entry fee is Rs. 5. And for foreigners entry fee is Rs. 250.

How to Reach

Rajarani temple is located at Bhubaneswar. The temple can be reached by bus, air and train.

By Air: At a distance of 4 km from the temple Biju Patnaik International airport is located. From the airport buses, cars and taxis are available to the temple, which takes only 11 minutes to reach the temple. From the airport lots of domestic and international flights travel to various of city.

By train: At a distance of 3.9km Bhubaneswar railway station is located. From the station auto, cars are available to the temple. The station is well connected with other cities of India.

By bus: Baramunda bus stop is the major bus stop of Odisha, located at Bhubaneswar. From the bus stop various of buses travel daily to various cities. Also buses from the railway station are also available, which takes 30-35 minutes. Also Kedar Gauri bus stop is the nearest bus stop of the temple. 

FAQ

Why is Rajarani Temple famous?

The temple is thought to have been known as Indreswara at first. The sexual carvings of ladies and couples at the temple have earned it the nickname “love temple” among locals.

 Which God is Worshipped in Rajarani Temple?

The temple presently is bereft of any presiding god, yet there are clues in the architecture that it was once dedicated to Lord Shiva.

What is the timing of Rajarani Temple Bhubaneswar?

The temple grounds are open to the public from 6.30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Why there is no God in Rajarani Temple?

Inside the sanctum, there are no images or idols, and the temple is not affiliated with a specific Hindu God, yet it is generically characterized as Saivite due to sculptures on its vimana. It is a historical tourist attraction in Orissa.

What are the features of Rajarani Temple?

This temple, which faces east, has a sanctuary with a height of 17.9m and a porch (jagamohana) erected over a platform of three mouldings. It is pancharatha in plan with a curvilinear superstructure (rekha sikhara), evocative of Khajuraho’s Kandariya Mahadeva temple.

What is the history of Rajarani Temple in Odisha?

The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is an 11th-century masterpiece dubbed as the “love temple” by locals. The temple is built using “Rajarani” sandstone, which is red and yellow in color. It is claimed that the temple was formerly Lord Shiva’s dwelling and was known as Indreshwar Temple.