RAJARANI TEMPLE
Dates Back : 11th Century
A Combination Of Grace & Elegance
The Rajarani temple, dating back to the 11th century, is set in open
paddy fields, and the entire structure exudes grace and elegance. The name
of the temple has been the subject of much debate. The most likely
explanation is that the name is related to the lovely red-and- gold
sandstone used in its construction, a stone, which is known locally as
'Rajarani'.
The
debate is complicated by the fact that the names of all the Hindu temples
in Bhubaneswar
dedicated to the God Shiva end in the suffix 'Eswar' for e.g.
'Parasurameswara'
and 'Mukteswara' temples,
while those of the non-'Shaivite' temples are derived from their presiding
deities e.g. 'Parvati' temple.
One major scholar has argued that the name Rajarani was only applied to
the temple at a later date because of the sandstone, and that originally
this is the Shiva shrine referred to in early texts as 'Indreswara'. This
seems the most likely conclusion.
The Jagmohana & The Duel
The 'Jagmohana' (porch) is extremely plain, and was evidently repaired in
1903 after having fallen down in ruins. The 'Deul' (tower), on the other
hand, is spectacularly ornate, and is famous for the aesthetic concept of
miniature temple spires clustered around the main tower. The sculptural
images of the temple are elegant and lively, especially the beautiful
female figures, which can be seen in amorous dalliance, as well as engaged
in such activities as holding children, looking in mirrors, and playing
with pet birds.
On the lower register of the 'Deul', on the corner projections, are found
the famous "Guardians of the Eight Directions", watching over
the eight cardinal points. Beginning from the left of the entrance to the
'Deul' and proceeding in a clockwise direction, they are:
Indra - East, chief of the 33 Vedic nature deities
Agni - Southeast, Vedic God of fire
Yama - South, God of death
Nirriti - Southwest, deity related to suffering
Varuna - West, a Vedic deity of the ocean
Vayu - Northwest, wind God
Kubera - North, lord of wealth, shown here with a wish-fulfilling
tree
Ishana - Northeast, a form of Shiva.
Know more about this Package !!!
279/A, Masjid Moth, South Extention - II
New Delhi - 110 049 (INDIA)
Tel : +91-11-4164 3999 / 2626 2004
Fax : +91-11-2625 9695
Email : info@indiainfoweb.com
Home | Attractions | Destinations | Hotels | Tour Packages | Travel Agents | Help DeskDisclaimer | Privacy Policy | Old Site | Feedback / Contact Us
Copyright © 2007 India Infoweb. All Rights Reserved.