As per ancient Sanskrit texts, the appropriate site for a temple is near water and gardens, where lotus and flowers bloom, where swans, ducks and other birds are heard, where animals rest without fear of injury or harm. These harmonious places were recommended in these texts with the explanation that such are the places where Gods play, and thus the best site for Hindu temples.
Witness this manifestation in Odisha and Chhattisgarh where clusters of temples –big and small stand in timless charm.
LORD LINGARAJ TEMPLE
This temple is considered as the epitome of Odishan architecture. It dominates the city of Bhubaneswar and its soaring spire dominates the landscape for miles. If one could see only one temple in Odisha this would undoubtedly be the choice. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva it has many intriguing features and shows the infiltration of rising Vaishnavism or the worship of Vishnu into a purely Siva temple. The temple is surrounded by massive stonewall and the portal to go inside is also a work of art. A viewing gallery has been specially built for non-Hindus.
MUKTESWAR TEMPLE
The term gem becomes hackneyed while talking about the temples of Bhubaneswar. But certaintly Mukteswar is a gem. The first thing to draw one’s attention is its elegant and superb arch gate. It appears as if it has been finished by jewelers and not sculptors. Such is the delicacy and intricacies of its details! But the temple is also important as the first example of development of a style which ultimately led to the gigantic monumental temples of Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar, Jagannath at Puri or unique Sun Temple at Konark. This temple is open to non-Hindus.
PARSURAMESWAR TEMPLE
The marks a distinct stamp of evolutionary progress in the Odishan temple architecture. The temple facing east consists of a Deula and a Jagamohan. The Jagamohan is a pidha temple and the arrangement of the pidhas is having resemblance to those of the Mukteswar. The facets of the temple have been relieved with floral motifs of great beauty. The Rajarani Temple was constructed in the beginning (1006-1023 AD) of the 11th century. The name is believed to be derived from a particular variety of sand-stone called Rajarani as of which the temple is made. Its magnificent sculptures are similar to that of the Mukteswar and the Lingaraj. It is situated in a large garden, liked by the visitors because of the setting sun forms a dramatic backdrop to the chiseled lines of the temple.
LORD JAGANNATH TEMPLE
Lord Jagannath literally means the Lord of the Universe resides in Srimandir at Puri. The temple of Jagannath built on an elevated ground about twenty feet above the level of the surrounding area, presents an imposing sight and can be seen from miles away. The height of the main temple or Vimana above the road level is 214.8ft. It is a fine specimen of the Pancharatha style of Odishan temple architecture.The images of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and the emblem, Sudershana are installed in the inner sanctuary of the temple on a raised platform called Ratnavedi or the jeweled platform.
KONARK SUN TEMPLE
Konark - The Epic In Stone - is the site of one of the most spectacular examples of religious architiecture in the world. It is the third link in the Orissan Golden Triangle. Built by King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal divine chariot, carrying the Sun God- Surya, across the heavens. Rightly listed as a World Heritage Monument, the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of the world. Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘here the language of stone surpasses the language of man’ . It is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.The massive structure in solitary splendor surrounded by drifting sand is located three kilometers from the sea, but originally it was reported to be closer for which it was used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the ‘Black Pagoda’.
64 YOGINI TEMPLE
On the outskirts of Bhubaneswar is a small, circular temple, the Yogini Temple, dating to the early ninth century. It is hypaethral (open to the sky), and belongs to a genre of architecture completely apart from the major Odishan school. The temple's circular wall, which is barely 2 meter high, contains 64 niches within its inner circumference. All except one of these contain an image of a Yogini Goddess. Some of the Goddesses are portrayed with sensual bodies and jewelled bodices, others with horrific shrunken features, still others with animal heads. Even today, standing in the deserted temple with bright sunshine pouring in, one senses a strange emanation from the temple, and this feeling is in keeping with its original purpose. Active between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, the cults responsible for these temples worshipped Yogini Goddesses in expectation of the direct acquisition of supernatural powers. TheYoginis were thought to be able to confer on their devotees the power to become microscopic or gigantic in size, to control the body and mind of oneself and of others, to fly, become invisible, and myriad other useful abilities. Worship seems to have centered on the repetition of the names of the Goddesses.
BHORAMDEO TEMPLE
Fondly referred to as the 'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh', the Bhoramdeo Temple is considered as the most delicately designed architectural marvel in Chhattisgarh. It is located amidst the picturesque backdrop of Maikal mountains. This ancient structure was constructed in the 11th century. Built by King Ranchandra of the Nag dynasty, the temple is situated at Kawardha in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh. The architectural features with erotic sculptures is a distinctive feature which is similar to the Khajuraho temple and the Konarak Sun Temple. Excuisite stone carvings of various designs, motifs, figures and images engraved on the exterior walls deserve special mention.
LAXMAN TEMPLE
Located at Sirpur, this is one of the finest brick-made temples in India. Built in the 7th century, the Laxman temple is situated on the eastern bank of Mahanadi river. It is one of the most decorated heritage site in Chhattisgarh tourism map. The place is a popular destination for the history and heritage enthusiasts due to its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various mythological characters. The traditional Indian erotic art form is distinctly evident in the sculptures and carvings found at the site. There is a museum inside the temple complex which houses some valuable artifacts recovered during excavations.
RAJIV LOCHAN TEMPLE
Rajim is probably the holiest place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern bank of Mahanadi river, just below its junction with Pairi and Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, it is often classified as Prayag of Chattisgarh. Rajim is famous for its fine group of temples of which the most famous is Rajivlochan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The twelve pillars of the temple have figures of Hindu gods and goddesses like Durga with eight arms, the Ganga and Yamuna, Rama, Varaha (boar), Narasimha (Man-cum-Lion) etc sculptured on them.Lord Vishnu in the Rajiv Lochan temple is dressed up in different phases of life, at different phases of the day.He is dressed like a child in the morning, a youth in the afternoon and as an old man in the evening.