 |
| The Rajarani temple, Bhubhaneshwar, Orissa |
The temple gets its name as it was built by red and yellow sandstone locally named as “Rajarani”. The temple was mainly devoted to Lord Shiva and hence also called as the Indreswara temple. It is also known as the “Love temple”, as it is entirely contains many feminine sculptures and sculptures of sensual couples. The temple is built in the 11th century and is located amidst beautiful paddy fields and amidst colorful blooming flower gardens in Old Bhubhaneshwar.
The amazing high-relief sculptures all around the walls of the temple is a real treat to see. The temple is well constructed on a raised platform. The sculptures of dikpalas (Gods guarding the eight directions - Indra, Agni, Nirriti, Varuna, Vaayu, Kubera, Yama and Ishana) and dancing deities engraved on the walls are the main highlights of the temple. The cluster of architectural tall towers reminds the Khajuraho temples. The pyramidal Jagamohana (porch) and the square sanctum appears ruined with ages.
The temple is a best example of the Kalinga architecture. Its graceful sculptures remains long in the minds of art lovers.
No comments:
Post a Comment