Sunday, May 12, 2013

Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar

Rajarani Temple in the middle of well maintained gardens is located in Bhubaneswar. It is an 11th century Saiva temple. This temple was built using dull red and turbid yellow sandstone. 



This temple is built on pnahcratha style on a raised platform with two structures; a central shrine with the curvilinear spire over its roof raising up to a height of 18 m and a viewing hall with a pyramidal roof. 



At the entrance of the temple on either side there are round thick columns entwined by naga (snake). Other interesting sculptures are saiva dwarapalas on the entrance door jambs and sculpture of Lakulisa on the lintel of entrance above which is the architrave of Navagrahas.



The best preserved sculpture of the temple are the standing astadikpalas clad in diaphanous drapery on the central facade of the tower.



Scenes of marriage of Siva, Nataraja, Parvati are the cult images present in the temple. There are tall slender sophisticated nayikas gracing the walls of the sanctum depicted in various roles and moods. The scroll motifs are the foliages, creepers and vines.

42 comments:

Saru Singhal said...

Beautiful temple and lovely pictures.

P.N. Subramanian said...

The carvings are a treat to the eye.

genie said...

Now, this is one I really like. Wish I looked as good as the sculptures. They all have a bit of a wiggle in their steps :-) genie

Teamgsquare said...

Amazing temple .

http://joshidaniel.com/ said...

nice and cool details :)

Jeevan said...

Marvelous sculptural details! Beautiful capture on the temple.

R Niranjan Das said...

Beautiful architectures. Nice post!

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/05/haziness.html

Lowell said...

This temple is most interesting and somewhat different than many you've shown. I like the snakes winding about the door posts and also the diaphanous "drapery." :)

The Mukhtiars said...

awesome shot

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Masterful workmanship displayed here!

Mary in Blue and Red

Karen said...

Amazing architecture and carvings!

Unknown said...

Beautiful carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Al said...

Truly amazing carvings, that must take such skill.

Anna said...

So beautiful, Rajesh!
Great pictures... love it.
Warm greetings from Holland,
Anna :))

Leovi said...

Yes, a magnificent piece of architecture and fine sculptures!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

This has a different look and feel from other temples you've posted..I hadn't seen that rounded shape before. But the carvings are as intricate and beautiful as they always are. I just marvel!

Marisol@TravelingSolemates said...

What a beautiful temple. The sratues and wall cavings are so exquisite. Lovely photos.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful detail!

LifeRamblings said...

beautiful temple. the carvings are exquisite.

Lucy Corrander Now in Halifax! said...

Amazingly impressive. Never fail to be overwhelmed by the skill and intensity of work that have gone into buildings like this.

Gerald (SK14) said...

the nayikas are lovely

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful photos, Rajesh! Thanks for sharing your world. Have a happy day!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous temple! The statues and carvings are amazing.

Randi said...

Wonderful shots! Such an interesting post! Thank you for sharing!!!

The Mukhtiars said...

Beautiful pictures

Pearl said...

wonderful that it is preserved. it gives home for people that they'd respect the past.

Marleen said...

This must be an unforgettable place to visit. Thanks for sharing!

Roger Owen Green said...

that is a RIGHTEOUS structure!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Reader Wil said...

Very beautiful. Almost unbelievable to understand that human hands can make this.

chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.com said...

The craftmanship is amazing!

Anonymous said...

it's beautiful.

George said...

The carvings in this temple are beautifully detailed. I like the first picture of the temple itself as well.

Nanka said...

Bhubaneshwar and Orissa have a charm about their temples and typically shaped!!
My Post is here.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this sculptural marvel.

Panchali said...

Amazing carvings, Rajesh. I have been there...so enjoyed looking at them once again !! Superb..

Joy said...

The sandstone gives the sculptures a real warmth. They are in remarkable condition considering the softness of the stone.

Unknown said...

in my hometown bhubaneswar is this lovely piece of architecture...well captured rajesh...would have loved a few more pics..

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous I love temples and I would absolutely love to visit =)

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I always am in awe with the architects of the past.

Manav Singhi said...

Nice Clicks.

Unknown said...

Amazing photos :) Addedin my travel wishlist.

Anita Sabat said...

Lovely you covered this, Rajesh!
This is another architectural wonder of the Temple City of Bhubaneswar.