Visit to Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar : Part II

Shanti Stupa at Dhaulagiri

Christmas 2010 was action packed day for me. On 25th morning first visited Dhaulagiri followed by a visit to Udayagiri and Khandagiri, which are  reminiscent of influence of Buddhism and Jainism in Orissa. 

Dhauli hill (9 Kilometer from Bhubaneshwar) holds the distinction of being the place where Emperor Ashoka renounced war and embraced Buddhism. One can visit Emperor Asoka pillar - Shanti Stupa (a monument dedicated to world peace) at Dhaulagiri. 


Udayagiri and Khandagiri (5 Kilometer from Bhubaneshwar) face each other across the road. They have a number of carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out as huge residential blocks for the Jain monks. Generally caves are single storied but one could see a few of them in Udayagiri as double storied also.  One require little bit of stamina to climb the small hill ( Udayagiri and Khandagiri), but it is worth to put that little effort if you are physically fit. If you are above 60 years or have trouble in walking in unpaved paths, better avoid this place. 

Lingaraj Temple

Lingaraj Temple

Once back to Bhubaneswar, in the evening visited Lingaraj temple and Sri Tridandi Gaudiya Math (which is near the Lingaraj temple on the Kapilswar Road). The temple of Lingaraja, the biggest of all at Bhubaneswar is more than 1000 years old, dating back in its present form to the last decade of the eleventh century, though there is evidence that parts of the temple have been there since sixth century AD. In the elegance of its proportions and the richness of its surface-treatment, it is one of the most finished and refined manifestation of temple architecture in India



On Dec 26th morning visited few more temples in Bhubaneswar. Though the list below seems endless, one could visit most of it  in a short time as they are  located very close to each other. It was so close that we ended up in walking to all the temples rather than useing the vehicle, which we have hired for the purpose.

Parasurameswar Temple Carvings

* 7th century, Parasurameswar Temple, small but lavishly decorated temple.  One visit to this temple makes you wonder about the skills and effort one must has put to create such a master piece.


* Brahmeshwar Temple is a fine specimen of innovative and mature Orissan style of temple building. The sculptural details stands testimony of the expert workmanship of the Orissan artists of the era.

Parasurameswar Temple

* 10th century Mukteswar & Siddheshvara Temples.


* Kedar Gouri Temple – Dedicated to Lord Siva (who is also called the Kedareswar) and Goddess Gouri. The temple is situated within the same premises next to the Mukteswar Temple


* 11th century Rajarani Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.


* 12th century  Ananta Vasudeva Temple, only important Vaishnava temple standing in Bhubaneswar, Unfortunately, much of the carvings has worn out due to the softness of the stone.

Mukteswar Temple

Will share my Konark (the Sun Temple) experience in Part III.