Bhubaneswar was made the capital of Orissa in 1948, a year after India got independence from the British rule. This city, which is more than 2000 years old, was the erstwhile capital of the Kalinga empire. Its name is derived from the word Tribhubaneswar, which means the Lord of the Three Worlds- Shiva. Popularly known as 'The Temple City of India', Bhubaneswar is adorned with hundreds of ancient shrines. It is a perfect mix of the old and the new – with beautiful temples showcasing the region's historical legacy on one hand and imposing buildings, industries and shopping arcades portraying its urban developments on the other.
The Lingaraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, depicts the Kalinga style of architecture. It enshrines a sacred Lingam, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.
Brahmeswar Temple
The Brahmeswar Temple boasts of exquisite architecture, characteristic of sandstone walls, wooden carvings and intricate sculptures,. This Shiva temple, built during the 9th century, is the first of its kind to use iron beams in its architecture.
Mukteswar Temple
The Mukteswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered to be one of the jewels of Orissa. This temple's most prominent feature is the arched gateway called torana, which dates back to 900 AD.
Rajarani Temple
The Rajarani Temple, preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is famous for famous its sculptural splendour. This shrine gets its name from a yellowish sandstone – called Rajarania, which is used in its construction.
Bindu Sarovar/ Bindu Sagar Lake
Located in proximity to many prominent temples, the Bindu Sarovar is believed to contain water from all the scared rivers and streams of the country. This water body is also known as the Bindu Sagar Lake.
Odisha State Museum
Odisha State Museum was set up in 1932 with the contribution of two professors from the Ravenshaw College. It houses a rare collection of tribal musical instruments, paintings and idols made of wood, brass and bronze.
Rock Edict of Ashoka
The Rock Edict, located near Dhauli, are the inscriptions on pillars by the erstwhile ruler of Kalinga – Ashoka. In this edict, he wrote about his desire to rule the kingdom according to the principles of Buddhism.
Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves
Displaying Jain rock-cut architecture, the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves are built on their namesake twin hills. Believed to be built during the rule of the king Kharavela, these multi-storey structures were used by Jain monks as their residence.
Parsurameswara Temple
Believed to be established around the mid 7th century, Parsurameswara Temple is one of the oldest shrines of Bhubaneswar. The beehive-shaped tower, along with a porch in front of the temple, depicts the early developments in Orissa's architectural style.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park has gained international recognition for the breeding of endangered species like black panthers and white tigers. It encompasses the State Botanical Garden, which is set amidst the sylvan surroundings of deciduous forests.
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