Bhubaneshwar

Built in the 10th Century, it is a rare masterpiece and an example of ancient Hindu style of architecture that is covered by expound carvings. It represents the high point of the Orissan style, where both sculpture and architecture have evolved in perfect harmony. Its grandeur lies in its towering 55-m high deul (spire) with dramatic vertical ribs and in the consummate artistry with which each sculpture and embellishment is executed. The temple’s large courtyard has more than 100 small shrines. The main diety here is Shiva as Tribhuvaneswar (`Lord of Three Worlds’).

Situated about 7 kilometers from the Bhubaneshwar city it is one of the major tourist spots in Bhubaneshwar. Located just off the highway that runs from Bhubaneshwar to Kolkata, the twin hills of Udaigiri ('Sunrise Hill') and Khandagiri (`Broken Hill’) were honeycombed to make retreats for Jain monks in the 1st century BC.  The hills rise suddenly from the flat surrounding plains and are separated from each other by highway. An important archaeological site in the Indian history, the inscription on the walls of 15 caves of Udaygiri, tells the tale of King Kharvela, the ruler Orissa from 168 to 153 AD. From Bhubaneshwar, Udaigiri is the hill on the right and is best explored first as it has the more interesting caves. The Hathigumpha, an elephant cave, is the major cave. From the caves of Khandgiri one can view the whole Bhubaneshwar city. Khandagiri, are caves with carvings of scared Jain symbols. Ananta Caveserpents on the arches above the doorways, is the most important and has superb ornamentation and livelt friezes, including one of boys chasing lions, bulls and other animals. 

Built in the 7th Century AD, it is an example of embellished temple in Bhubaneswar reflecting the Jain, Hindu and Buddhist mode of architecture. The jagamohana of this late 10th century temple is now a pidha deul with decorated ceiling, carved into a lotus with eight petals. One of the jewels of Orissan temple architecture, it is notable for its exquisite sculptures and elegant proportions. It’s beautiful torana is decorated with langorously reclining female figures. The new, more elaborate style has absence of dopichha lions, squat figures supporting the amla, the recessed sections but now rounded sharp edges and corners got predominant.