About the City
The great city - Bhubaneswar was capital of the Kesaris (Lion) dynasty of Orissa 474-950. It is reputed to have once had 7,000 temples; it now has about 30 temples, of which the Lingaraja, built in AD 1000, is one of the finest Hindu temples in India. Nearby are the Buddhist and Jain cave temples of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, which contain magnificent carvings. One of the most complete edicts of Emperor Asoka is carved in rock 8 km/5 mi to the south of the town.

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, has to its credit a huge total of 500 temples even today. Known as the 'Temple City of India', it was once home to around 7,000 such shrines. A dozen out of 500 reflect the brilliance of the Orissan style of architecture. What is most interesting is the fact that these temples, dominating the city skyline, are located within reasonable walking distance from one another.

Climate Check
Summers are hot with temperature reaching a maximum of 40 degrees centigrade. Winters, however, are pleasant with temperature hovering around 16 degrees. October to March is the ideal time to visit this city of temples.

Attractions Around
Lingaraj Temple
The 54-metre-high spire of the temple dominates the Bhubaneswar landscape. Dedicated to Lord Lingaraj (Shiva), the temple is set in a walled compound, with the Lingaraj being surrounded by many smaller shrines. During February/ March, the Shivratri festival is celebrated here with great fervour, pulling in thousands of pilgrims from all across the country.

Parsuramesvera Temple
The Parsurameswara Temple, one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar, has a history dating back to the 7th century. The temple occupies a position close to the main Bhubaneswar-Puri road. This best preserved ancient temple has elaborate bas reliefs of elephant/ horse processions and Shiva images.

Rajarani Temple
Set in the midst of well-laid-out gardens, the Rajarani Temple presents some erotic carvings of women and couples. The temple is counted among some of the best temples of the city. However, this 11th century temple is no longer in use for worship.

Mukteswar Temple
Lying close to the Prsuramesvera Temple, this 10th century temple is like a gem in the rich tapestry of Orissan architectural history. Particularly interesting are the beautiful carvings of dwarfs. Figures of female warriors, maids, elephants and monkeys can be observed on the walls of the temple. A large green temple tank within the premises of the temple is yet another attraction here.