Rajarani Temple- History, Architecture, Ticket Price, Timings, and Much More!
The Rajarani Temple is among the revered and well-known shrines in the ‘Temple City’ of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This 11th-century temple is renowned for its superb architecture and adherence to the Kalinga temple architectural style. Lord Shiva is said to be the shrine’s intended devotee, however, there is no dominant deity at the site.
The red and yellow colored sandstone used to construct the temple is known as “Rajarani” in the local tongue. Rajarani Temple is the resultant name of the temple. Due to the numerous sculptures of lovely women and couples that have been placed on its walls, this temple is also known locally as the “Love Temple.“
The Rajarani Temple was constructed in the 11th century by Indraratha, a well-known Somavamsi dynasty king. According to historians, it was formerly known as the Indreswara Temple and was purportedly named after Indraratha. Another school of thought, however, contends that Lord Shiva is the source of the Indreswara’s name. There is a strong belief that this temple has ties to Shaivism even though it has no presiding deity.
The temple’s color, a mix of yellow and red sandstone, which is referred to as Rajarani locally, led to its later naming as Rajarani. The temple received rehabilitation and remodeling in 1903 because the building had become deteriorated by that point. Currently, the Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for maintaining the shrine.
The Rajarani Music Festival is held yearly in the months of January and February on the grounds of the temple by the government of Odisha’s Department of Tourism. In cooperation with the Bhubaneswar Music Circle, this festival was originally launched in 2003. This three-day cultural extravaganza features musicians from all around the nation and emphasizes the beauty of Hindustani, Odissi, and Carnatic classical music. 20,000 people attend this music festival throughout its three days.
Architecture Of Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Rajarani Temple was built in the traditional Kalinga style. The shrine, which is divided between the Jagamohana (the region from which worshippers can view the sanctum and the Vimana (the inner sanctum), is constructed in the Pancharatha style on a three-molded platform. The Vimana features a curvilinear spire (Shikhara) that rises to a height of 17.9 m, but the Jagamohana’s roof is shaped like a pyramid.
On the upper portion of the Jagamohana’s entryway, which is thought to be defending the door, is a picture of a lion. Additionally, there are representations of Naga and Nagin at the entrance, which are thought to be the king and queen of the realm at that time.
The Navagraha has been sculpted over the entrance door, and a picture of Lakulisa has been placed directly below it. Shaivism is thought to have been founded by Lakulisa. Two little Shaiva doorkeepers named Chanda and Prachanda can be seen in carvings on either side of the entrance door.
Beautiful engravings depicting the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati may be found on the shrine’s walls. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, as evidenced by the magnificent carvings and images on its walls and doors.
The temple’s base, from which sculptures emerge in eight directions, is one of its most intriguing and striking aspects. These are those of Kubera ( the god of wealth), Yama ( the god of death), Vayu (the god of wind), Indra (the god of rain), Agni ( the god of fire), Nirriti (the god of suffering), Varuna, and Ishana, (the god of the ocean). They are credited for guarding this historic Hindu shrine.
Things To Explore in Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
The Rajarani Temple’s magnificent architecture is the main attraction. It is absolutely worthwhile to explore the elaborately carved sculptures and the assortment of lovely motifs on the shrine’s walls and doors. Visitors to this well-known temple in Bhubaneswar should make an effort to attend the Rajarani Music Festival, an extravaganza of Indian classical music if they are there between January and February.
Visitors can travel to well-known local shrines close to the Rajarani Temple since Bhubaneswar is home to a multitude of temples. The Mukteswara Temple is one such magnificent venue of worship nearby and is about 800 m and a 10-minute walk away. Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Brahmeswara Temple, and Parshurameswara Temple are a few other nearby temples that are worthwhile a visit.
Ticket Price/ Entry Fees and Timings In Rajarani Temple
The entrance fee to this shrine is Rs. 5 for Indian citizens and Rs. 250 for foreigners. Children under the age of 15 are not subject to a fee. Public access to the temple grounds is available from 6.30 am to 7:30 pm.
How To reach Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar
Address- Rajarani Temple Bhubaneswar Address: Tankapani Rd, Near BOI ATM, Rajarani Colony, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751002, India
The temple is conveniently accessible from the railway station, bus stop, airport, and other areas of the city because it is situated in one of Bhubaneswar’s most prominent areas. Local buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws are frequently available in Bhubaneswar, making it simple to go to the temple.
The Rajarani Temple and the Biju Patnaik International Airport are separated by around 4 Kilometers. By cab or auto rickshaw, the journey to the shrine takes about 11 minutes. The distance is roughly 3.9 Kilometers from the Bhubaneswar train station, and it can be easily traveled in about 10 minutes by using an auto rickshaw or taxi service. Local buses need 30 to 35 minutes to travel from the train station to the temple.
The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is a really notable architectural marvel. The name of the temple, “Rajarani,” which means “the temple of love and beauty,” perfectly captures the magical atmosphere and artistic magnificence that mesmerizes tourists. The Rajarani Temple is a monument to the rich cultural legacy of Odisha, whether it be the well-carved figurines or the perfect mixture of many architectural forms. Visitors are in awe of the magnificent craftsmanship and the spiritual aura that surrounds this temple, which offers a riveting look into the magnificence and aesthetic sophistication of ancient Indian temple architecture.