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Lingaraj Temple
The Lingaraj Temple is an ancient shrine situated in the city of Bhuwaneshwar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the name suggests, the temple was built sometime in the 7th century by the King Jajati Keshari.Chandan Yatra or Sandalwood ceremony is another one of the main festivals of Lingaraj Temple.
Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, India. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state.
The temple in its present form dates back to the last decade of the eleventh century. There is evidence that part of the temple was built during the sixth century CE as mentioned in some of the seventh century Sanskrit texts. Fergusson believes that the temple might have been initiated by Lalat Indu Keshari who reigned from 615 to 657 CE. The Assembly hall (jagamohana), sanctum and temple tower were built during the eleventh century, while the Hall of offering (bhoga-mandapa) was built during the twelfth century. The natamandira was built by the wife of Salini between 1099 and 1104 CE. By the time the Lingaraja temple was completely constructed, the Jagannath (form of Vishnu) sect had been growing in the region, which historians believe, is evidenced by the co-existence of Vishnu and Shiva worship at the temple. The kings of Ganga dynasty were ardent followers of Vaishnavism, [shaivism] and [shaktism] and built the Jagannath Temple at Puri in the 12th century.
As per some accounts, the temple is believed to have been built by the Somavanshi king Yayati I (1025-1040), during the 11th century CE. Jajati Keshari shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was referred to as Ekamra Kshetra in the Brahma Purana, an ancient scripture. One of the Somavamsi queens donated a village to the temple and the Brahmins attached to the temple received generous grants. An inscription from the Saka year 1094 (1172 CE) indicates gifts of gold coins to the temple by Rajaraja II. Another inscription of Narasimha I from the 11th century indicates offer of beetel leaves as tambula to the presiding deity. Other stone inscriptions in the temple indicate royal grants from Chodaganga to the nearby village people.
K.C. Panigrahi mentions that Yayti I had no time to build the temple and it should have been initiated by his sons Ananta Kesari and Udyota Kesari (believed to be other names of Yayati II as well). The argument provided against the view is that is his weak successors could not have constructed such a magnificent structure.
Mukteswara Temple
Rajarani Temple
Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves
Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts
Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri Buddhist circuit
Lalitgiri, with its other name as Naltigiri, is the 1st century Buddhist complex in Orissa, which together with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri creates Puspagiri University which has a number of best sculptures of that age – like significant stupas and monasteries (viharas). As a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage, this ancient lush village Lalitgiri is a holy destination for a large number of Buddhism devotees. Numerous excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have related this region with the origin point of Buddhism. ASI has been conducting such excavations since 1985 to today.
Ratnagiri has been a historical and religious significance that make it an ideal destination to explore. The small yet religious town in Jajpur District of Odisha is known for a huge monastery that relates to Mahayana Sect along with famous kings like Ashoka and others from Gupta Dynasty. Apart from its strong historical backgroung, Ratnagiri is also known for the flow of main rivers of Odisha known as Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa.
Udayagiri, an Orissa Buddhist complex to form Pushpagiri University along with udayagiri and Lalitgiri, and bears a number of significant stupas and monasteries (viharas). Udayagiri was referred as ‘Madhavapura Mahavihara’ in the history, as per the epigraphical artifact found in the region. A number of excavations have been conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1958, which is still in continuity. The large excavation done 1997 to 2000 discovered the Udayagiri-2, the second part of Udayagiri. Several additional stupas and monasteries have been excavated here by ASI.
Explore the Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas
Buddhism in Orissa (ancient Kalinga) is as old as the religion itself. Pali texts refer to Buddha's association with Tapasu and Bhallika, two businessmen from Kalianga, who are said to be the first disciples of the Buddha. While Kapilvastu, Bodhgaya and Saranath are places associated with Lord Buddha's life, Orissa was more associated with his teachings. The Chinese Traveller Hieun T’sang records to have seen more than one hundred Buddist monasteries including excellent centers of learning :Pu-si-po-ki-li and Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li during his visit to Kalinga in 7th century AD.
After the bloody Kalinga war in 261 B.C in Orissa (ancient Kalinga), Buddhism was virtually reborn and history took a u-turn as Emperor Ashoka became instrumental in spreading the message of peace across the globe and Buddhism was exported to Sri Lanka, Far-Eastern and South East Asian countries. Buddhism in all its forms and schools like Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Kalachakrayana and Sahajayana flourished in Orissa in different periods almost unhindered from 3rd century B.C to 15th century AD. During the reign of Bhaumakara dynasty in Orissa (8th to 10th Century AD), Buddhism reached its zenith.
Magnificent monuments-Stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, colossal images of the Buddha and the Buddhist Pantheon and also a few of Emperor Ashoka built over centuries stand witness to the hoary past till today. Discovery of a golden casket containing the bone relics, probably of the Tathagata enhances the sanctity of the ancient land.
Modern Orissa is proud of carefully nurturing centuries old Buddhist Heritage spanning over 18 centuries spread through the length and breadth of the state
Though Buddhist sites lay scattered all over the State, Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri complex has the largest concentration of Buddhist remains in Orissa. These three places constitute the Buddhist Triangle of the region, popularly known as Diamond Triangle of Orissa.
In close proximity lie a few more sites, the most prominent among which is the recently excavated site at Langudi.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Dhauli Shanti Stupa
- Chandrabhaga Beach
- Chandrabhaga Beach
- Oddisha City
- Lingaraja Temple
- Lingaraja Temple
- Mukteswara Temple
- Mukteswara Temple
- Rajarani Temple
- Rajarani Temple
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
- Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts
- Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts
- Lalitgiri Ratnagiri Udayagiri Buddhist circuit
- Lalitgiri Ratnagiri Udayagiri Buddhist circuit
- Lalitgiri Ratnagiri Udayagiri Buddhist circuit
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Dhauli Shanti Stupa
