Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Temples of Orissa
Orissa State - one of the major pilgrimage centers of Hindus is embellished
with the numerous temple shrines. Temple culture is the most prevailing feature
that pounds the visitor entering the holy state of Orissa. These shrines and
temples erected all over the state tells downright about the influence of Orissa
religion in temple architecture, crafts, textiles and also the entire spectrum
of day to day activities.
The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark, the highly sanctified Jagannath Temple
at Puri and Bhubaneswar temples displays some of the rare specimen of temple
architecture that has the impact of religious intensity, which is stunning
beyond belief. Orissa's Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark makes a
perfect pilgrimage tour that gives its visitor an outstanding vision of the
Orissa religion, its temple heritage and rich culture.
Orissa Temples
Lingaraj Temple
Deities : Lingaraja - Shiva
Lingaraj Temple is the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple structure has a massive height of 180 feet and is surrounded by a
seven feet thick colossal wall. According to archaeological expert the temple is
one of the foremost heritage site of the east.
Amidst the temple complex are the three-temple structure of Jagamohana,
Natamandir and Bhogamandapa, the spacious courtyard of the temple is throng with
numerous shrines almost 100 in number. The plenitude of sculptural work in the
temple dating back to 1014 AD is just magnificent and attracts lot of tourist
all the year round.
Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Deities : Lord Vishnu, The temple dates back to the 13th century and is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It also enshrines images of Krishna, Balarama and
Subhadra. It is located on the eastern bank of the Bindu Sarovar Lake. The main
temple structure stands on an even platform - unique in itself, as it is the
first of its kind. The images of Jagamohana, the Natamandira and the
Bhogamandapa are placed in the three other main structure complexes.
Mukteswara Temple
Deities : Shiva , Dating back to 10th century, the Mukteswara temple is
considered to be the main specimen of Orissan architecture where the sculpture
and architecture are in complete harmony with each another. The temple rises up
to a height of 35 feet is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jagamohana temple
showcasing the diamond shaped latticed windows and exquisite interior works with
the plethora of sculptural all over the walls are just breathtaking. Literally
every inch of temple surface is carved out leaving its visitors absolutely
mesmerize. A massive gateway thronged with carved images and modeling is other
attractions of the shrine.
Rajarani Temple
Rajarani temple at Bhubaneswar is also one of the most notable monuments of
the place. Dating back to AD 1100 the Rajarani Temple set amidst the most scenic
splendor of paddy fields. The temple derives its name from the stone known as
the Rajarani, the sculptures and images at the temple site distinguish it from
rest of the temples in Bhubaneswar. Here women are portrayed in a stunning
variety of amorous poses and moods reminding one of the temples of Khajuraho.
Brahmeswar Temple
Brahmeswar, displays venerable architectural style and a perfect creativity
of artists. Here the characteristic of Orissan architecture is fully exercised.
Brahmeswar temple is among the earliest temples where iron beams were used in
its construction. It is also called a pancha-ratha temple with five coat
plasters that give the structure almost a rounded appearance.
Jagannath Temple
Deities: Jagannath, Subhadra, Balabhadra
Puri is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Orissa and in
India. The Jagannath Temple is the loftiest religious edifice of Orissa also
known as the White Pagoda that dates back to the 12th century. According to
inscriptions found, the Chodaganga ruler had began the construction of this
massive structure and later on Ananagabhimadev III one of his successor added
the Jagamohan temple to its complex.
Jagannath temple with a massive height of 215 feet 8 inches is huge and
strong and stands on a high platform consisting of about 22 huge steps. The
architecture splendor of the temple is beyond description, it is typical of
ancient Hindu architecture. Puri City is also famous for its chariot festival or
the Rath Yatra, which attracts thousands of pilgrims as well as tourist
worldwide.
Konark Temple
Deities : Surya , The Sun Temple at Konark with its bizarre location on the
windy sands of the Bay of Bengal fringed with palm trees is just awe-inspiring.
The temple dates back to 13th century and is dedicated to god Surya or Sun God.
. This temple massive in scale, is considered to be the masterpiece of Orissan
architecture. In its original form the temple was 235 feet high. The uniqueness
of the temple lies in its structure, it is constructed in a chariot form drawn
by twelve pairs of huge wheels and seven spirited horses.
The temple is profusely sculptured with exquisite figures and images
showcasing the Kalingan style of art. The erotic sculptures, human beings
indulging in diverse day to day activities, huge animal figures like elephants,
beasts and birds, life size images of maidens dancing on musical instruments in
erotic forms brings an elegance and charm to the Konark temple and creates a
dream land for its visitors.
Leaning Temple
Deities: Bimaleswar, Located about 32 km from Sambalpur, on the bank of the
River Mahanadi, the famous Leaning temple is dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar. It
has a picturesque environ surrounded the pristine blue water of tranquil river
that is a home to numerous fish species, but be cautious you cannot touch them
since popular belief has it that the fishes belong to Lord. Bimaleswar. The
place makes an excellent tourist spot and every year thousands of visitors make
their day here.
The temple number doesn't ends here infect there are countless shrines in the
temple city of Orissa that are equally famous and unique.--Satrughaneswar Temple
- Bhubaneswar Swarnajaleswar Temple - BhubaneswarSari Deul Temple - Bhubaneswar
Yameswar Temple - Bhubaneswar Yogini Temple - Bhubaneswar and much more.
