Rajarani Temple

About Rajarani Temple
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Rajarani Temple, Tankapani Road, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Open & Close:

Open on all days: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry Fees:

Foreigner - INR 250 per person Indian - INR 5 per person

Duration:

Approx 1 hr

Festivals:

Rajarani Music Festival in January

Rajarani Temple, built in 11th century, is one of the prime tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar. It is also known as ‘Indreshwar Temple’ and ‘Temple of Love’. Its name is derived from the name of a variety of sandstone that is called “rajaraniya”. These sandstones are in color that happens to be a sober mix of dull red and yellow. One of the most endearing temples, built on a more human scale is the Rajrani Temple — standing by itself in the green rice fields. It is perhaps the most harmoniously proportioned temple in the city and so enchanting is its decoration that it has been suggested that some long dead Odishan king built it as a pleasure dome, not a prayer retreat. The exquisitely carved sculptures on the temple wall depicting the passionate moods and postures of lovely men and women are indescribable. The naked, smiling nymphs and the embracing couples sculptured on its walls give some support to this idea. The carvings on its outer walls are reminiscent of world renowned temples of Khajuraho.

It is the latest in date and the most refined in its detail. With the Rajarani Temple at Bhubaneswar, we are as near to perfect baroque style as possible; not only is everything superbly organized, consciously aimed at moving you with its beauty, not only is the design as near perfection as possible, but this temple is fortunately, so situated, in the middle of fields, alone, that you can quietly commune with it, converse with it and become familiar with her half-hidden beauty. A very interesting aspect of the temple is that it doesn’t have any idol in the sanctum sanctorum but figures of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati on the platform suggest temple’s association with Shaivite sect. Though not a huge structure compared to Lingaraj Temple, but it offers an amazing illustration of architectural zenith of Kalinga style of temples. There are statues of ‘Dikpalas’ or the guardians of eight directions. These ‘Digpals’ are Indra (guardian of East direction), Agni (guardian of Southeast direction), Yama (guardian of South direction), Nirriti (guardian of Southwest direction), Varuna (guardian of West direction), Vayu (guardian of Northwest direction), Kuber (guardian of North direction) & Ishana (guardian of Northeast direction). Bereft of pestering ‘pandas’, entry of non-Hindu in Rajrani Temple is allowed. Maintained by Archaeological Survey of India, Rajarani Temple on Tankapani Road is a ticketed monument. Rajarani Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed event, is held in January.

Bhubaneswar Tour Packages

Splendid Odisha Tour

Splendid Odisha Tour

6 Nights / 7 Days
Destination : Bhubaneswar – Puri – (Konark) – (Chilika Lake) – Gopalpur – Bhubaneswar

Puri Konark Bhubaneswar Tour

Puri Konark Bhubaneswar Tour

5 Nights / 6 Days
Destination : Puri - Konark - Bhubaneswar

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