Know why Bhubaneswar is called city of temples (watch pics)

Bhubaneswar: The capital of the eastern state of Odisha, Bhubaneswar has a history that stretches back to over 2000 years. It was the ancient capital of Kalinga, and Dhauli near Bhubaneswar is the place where the famous battle was fought between Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga army, after which Ashoka followed Buddhism. Bhubaneshwar, the 'city of temples', named after Tribhuvaneswar, 'Lord of Three Worlds', still preserves over 500 of India's finest temples, around which the religious life of the city revolves. Near Bhubaneswar are the famous Udaygiri and Khandigiri caves from the Jain period, which house the most ancient Indian theatre preserved till this day.The word Bhubaneswar in its literal sense means the 'God's World' which showcases the walk down centuries of temple architecture.Mythological references and the epigraphic sources describe the area as Ekamra Kshetra and Saiva Pitha. In 1936, when Odisha became a separate province, carved out of Bengal and Bihar, Cuttack was its capital. A new capital was built in Bhubaneswar in 1956. Together with Puri and Konark, Bhubaneswar forms the 'golden triangle', one of the most visited tourist destinations in East India, for its proud possession of magnificent sculpture and majestic architectural heritage.Here are some of the world famous temples of Bhubaneswar: 1. Lingaraj Temple Lingaraj Temple is believed to be the oldest and largest temple of Bhubaneshwar. The term 'Lingaraj' suggests 'The king of Lingas', where 'Linga' is the phallic form of Lord Shiva. In the 11th century, Lingaraj Temple was built by the King Jajati Keshari, who belonged to Soma dynasty. It is said that when the King shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar, he started the construction of Lingaraj Temple. 2. Raja Rani Temple The Rajarani Temple was built between the 10th an 11th century from reddish gold sandstone known as Rajarani in the local parlance. It is also said that the temple was initially known as Indreswara Temple devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva though the temple oddly lacks a presiding deity. The temple is famous for its famous wall carvings. 3. Mukteswara Temple Mukteswara Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is considered as the most complex Lord amongst the Hindu Gods. The term 'Mukteswara' suggests "Lord who gives freedom through Yoga" and this fact is further empowered by the sculptural images embraced in the temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Mukteswara, the entire temple is imprinted with figures of ascetics in different poses of meditation.4. Parsurameswar Temple The enshrining deity is a broken Lingam within a circular Yonipitha at the centre of the sanctum, which is 1.07 metres below the present ground level. It is a living temple and now under the care and maintenance of Purveswara Temple Development Association of that locality. According to local tradition, the presiding deity is known as Purvesvara as it is situated towards the east of Lingaraj. 5. Kedar Gouri Temple Kedar Gouri temple is one of the eight Ashtashambhu temples, situated next to Mukteswar Temple. Lord Shiva, locally referred as 'Kedareshwar' is the presiding deity of this temple. 6. Brahmeswar Temple The temple was erected at the end of the 9th century AD, and is richly carved inside and out. This temple can be dated with fair accuracy by the use of inscriptions that were originally on the temple. They are now lost, but records of them preserve the information that it was built around 1058 AD. The temple was built in the 18th reignal year of the Somavanshi king Udyotakesari by his mother Kolavati Devi. This corresponds to 1058 AD. 7. Vaital Deul Temple One of the oldest temples (late 8th century), Vaital Deul Temple's striking feature is the shape of its sanctuary tower. The semi-cylindrical shape of its roof-a leading example of khakhara order of temples-bears an affinity to the Dravidian gopuram of the South India temples. 8. Rameshwar Deula Legend goes that when Rama was returning from Lanka after victory over Ravana, Goddess Sita asked him to worship Shiva here.So Lord Rama built a Lingam for that purpose. Traditionally during Ashokashtami, which falls one day beforeo Rama Navami in Chaitra , Lord Lingaraja comes to this temple by a large chariot called 'Rukuna Rath and stays here for four days. Historically the temple dates back to 9th century.9. Yameshwar Temple The main Vimana is of Rekha Deula, Jagamohana is of Pidha Deula. Many portions of the temple are destroyed by natural calamities as the temple is built by sandstone. The outer Prakara is built of laterite. The icons around the temple include many motifs like serpents, amorous images, animals, Dikpalas etc. The inner Garbhagriha houses Shivalinga. The building time of the temple is late 12th century during the Eastern Ganga dynasty.