Called as the land of temples, Orissa houses several temples with delineation
of religious architecture and, Rajarani temple is one among them. It
is situated towards the north-east of Lingaraj temple. Also known as 'love
temple', Raja Rani temple has aesthetically endearing, sculpted with graceful
feminine figures. It is famous for its ornate deul (tower), decorated
with some of the most impressive Orissan temples sculptures. The name
is related to the beautiful red and golden sandstone used in its construction,
locally known as Rajarani.
Built between the 10th and 11th century, it was earlier
known as Indreshwara Temple, which was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The richly
illustrated themes from Shiva and Paravati's lives indicates that it might
have been a Shaivitie temple.
In 1903, the temple was renovated after it was
dilapidated. Set amidst in an open paddy fields and surrounded by blooming
flowers, the temple looks grace and elegant. One of the best example of
Kalinga architecture, it is an embodiment of architectural stylishness
and beauty. Each day hundreds of people visit the temple. One of the noticeable
thing about the temple is that the temple has no deity so no one offers
prayers here.
The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has
clusters of turrets, a sanctum and beautiful sculptures. Its interior
and exterior surfaces are so recessed that it appears circular. The square
sanctum is reminiscent of the later temple built in Puri. The temple has
various marvelous sculptures adorning the walls of the deul which are
alive and energetic. The magnificent Jagmohan (porch) is raised above
a three molded platform. It is extremely plain, and was repaired in 1903
after having fallen down in ruins. The deul stands diagonal to the severely
plain jagamohana. The lower portion of the deul is spectacularly ornate
which is occupied by sculptures of eight Dikpals standing from the entrance
in a clockwise order. This the most striking feature of Raja Rani temple.
The sculptures of Dikpalas (the Guardians of the Eight Directions-Yama
(South), Nritti (southwest), Varuna (west), Kubera (north), Ishana (northeast)
and Indra (east) ) project from the base of the temple to eight different
directions. Of these the Agni and the Varuna are most impressive.
The other major attractions of the temple are the wonderful
carvings of the female figures illustrated in amorous poses and moods
such as women in dance poses, women carrying children, holding branches
of trees, looking in mirror, taking off her anklet, playing with
birds and nature etc. There are naked smiling nymphs, embracing couples,
elephants and lions in high relief on the projecting pagas of the uparajangha.
Timings: 6 am-6 pm, open all days
Entry fee : Indians Rs 5, Foreigners Rs 100
Still camera: Free, Video Rs 25
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