Rajarani Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.

• By train

  The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar.

• By road

  The temple is within Bhubaneswar city and easy to reach by road.

Rules to know

• Photography of a protected monument is allowed.
• A camera stand or artificial lights need written permission from an archaeological officer.
• Vehicles may be parked only in the areas reserved for parking.

Why devotees come here

Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. It is believed to be devoted to Shiva, though its sanctum has no deity image. It is built of red and yellow sandstone.

Rajarani Temple is believed to be devoted to Shiva, but its sanctum has no deity image. The iconography suggests a Shaivite origin. The shrine is called Raja Rani because of the yellow and red sandstone it is made of. A local belief links it to a king and queen, but historians do not accept this. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains it as a ticketed monument.

The temple was once believed to have been known as Indreshvara. Historians date it to the mid-11th century from its sculptural style. Fergusson believed construction began in 1105 CE. Dating by style gives the mid-11th century, so the exact year is not settled.

The central shrine is called the vimana, or sanctum. Its curvilinear spire, the bada, rises 18 metres (59 feet) over the roof. The temple is adorned with finely detailed figures of celestial maidens and the guardians of the eight directions, along with ornate decorative motifs.

Festivals

• Every year, 18 to 20 JanuaryRajarani Music Festival

  A three-day festival at the temple. Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi classical music are given equal importance.

Tips for your visit

• Cultural events are held at the temple when they are scheduled.
• Unlike most temples, Rajarani has no presiding deity, and the temple is adorned with carvings of celestial maidens and guardians of the eight directions.

Questions people ask