In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Rajarani Temple stands in the old town, 2 km from the city center. This temple, with no deity inside, shines with Kalinga art. Its stone carvings and quiet yard draw art lovers and travelers. Known as the “Love Temple” for its romantic figures, it holds a sacred charm. If you wish to see this old gem, here is a simple guide on its story, look, events, and how to visit.
Fun Fact: The name “Rajarani” comes from the red and gold sandstone, called “rajarani” stone by locals, glowing like a king and queen.
Mythological Importance
Rajarani carries ancient legend and tales. One legend says it was built for Shiva and Parvati, whose love is carved in the stones. Another tale, from local lore, tells of a Somavanshi king who made it for his queen, etching couples to show their bond. Some say the temple was linked to Indra, the rain god, as its carvings of clouds and nymphs suggest fertility and love. Locals believe the temple’s yard has a holy feel, bringing peace. Though empty of idols, it is tied to Shiva’s grace, making it a place of divine love.
Historical Overview
The temple began in the 11th century, under Somavanshi kings. Bhubaneswar was a holy city, old texts say. A stone from 1000 CE near the temple hints at a sacred site, per Odisha Tourism. King Indraratha likely built it, carvings suggest. In the 1400s, Ganga kings added paths, temple logs note. By the 1700s, it had no worship but stood grand. In the 1800s, local chiefs kept it safe. After 1947, Odisha’s leaders took over. Now, the Archaeological Survey of India cares for it. From 2005 to 2015, they fixed walls but kept the old look. Odia poets like Banamali sang of its beauty, spreading its name. Today, it draws thousands to Bhubaneswar’s sacred land.
The temple’s past is rich. Some say it was a Shaiva shrine, but no lingam remains, as per Travel India. Others think it was a royal retreat, its art showing court life. In the 1900s, British scholars studied its carvings, calling it a Kalinga gem. Recent digs found pottery from 1000 CE, proving its age. The temple’s quiet beauty has lasted, making it a UNESCO hopeful.
Architecture of Rajarani Temple
Rajarani Temple, on 2 acres, shows Kalinga art in every stone. The tower, or deul, from 1000 CE, is 55 feet high. It has carvings of couples, dancers, and gods, in red and gold sandstone. A small porch leads to the empty sanctum, under a stepped roof, its stones warm and pure, lit by sunlight. The sanctum’s walls, worn by time, hold faint etchings of nymphs and lions, a Kalinga mark.
Small niches hold statues of guardians, like dikpalas. The northern niche shows Varuna with a noose, for water. The southern niche has Yama with a staff, for justice. These figures guard the temple’s spirit. The hall, or jagamohana, has pillars with lotus and vine carvings, pure Kalinga style. The pillars, tall and slim, seem to dance, as per Incredible India.
The temple, originally believed to be known as Indreshvara, is locally referred to as a “love temple” due to its erotic carvings depicting men, women, and couples in intimate poses. Constructed in the pancharatha style, the temple stands on a raised platform and features two main structures: the vimana (sanctum) with a curvilinear spire (bada) that rises to approximately 18 meters (59 feet), and a jagamohana (viewing hall) topped with a pyramidal roof.
Built from locally sourced red and yellow sandstone known as “Rajarani”, the temple is notable for its warm, earthy tones. Interestingly, the sanctum is empty, containing no deity image, which means it is not directly tied to any particular sect of Hinduism. However, based on the architectural elements and niches found throughout the structure, it is generally associated with Shaivism.
In Bhubaneswar’s old town, you reach the temple by Rajarani road. Stone paths, worn by feet, pass a garden with old trees. The temple yard, with rough stone, feels calm. Neem and banyan trees give shade. A small tank, fed by a spring, sits nearby, its edges carved with flowers, a Kalinga touch. Low walls have niches for nymphs, dancing with grace. Some carvings show musicians, playing flutes, adding joy.
Rituals and Festivals
Rajarani has no daily worship, as no deity lives inside. But it hosts big events. The Rajarani Music Festival, in January, fills the yard with classical music, like Odissi songs and sitar tunes, per Odisha Tourism. Deepavali, in October or November, sees lamps lit around the temple. Local groups hold dance shows in March, with Bharatanatyam and Odissi under the stars.
The temple office sells tickets for events, ₹100-500. A stall gives free sweets during festivals. Visitors can join evening walks on full moon nights, feeling the temple’s calm. The music festival, started in 2003, draws artists from India, making it a cultural hub, Incredible India says.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open daily, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners. Photos are fine everywhere.
Clothing: Wear simple clothes covering shoulders and knees. No rituals need special dress.
How to Get There:
Air: Biju Patnaik Airport, 4 km away, is closest. Taxis take 10 minutes, ₹150-250.
Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 3 km away, connects to Kolkata (7 hours) or Delhi (24 hours). Autos cost ₹50-100.
Road: Baramunda Bus Stand, 6 km away, links to Puri (1.5 hours). Autos from city center cost ₹30-50.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, 20-30°C, is cool. Weekdays are quiet. The music festival in January is busy, so book early.
Nearby Attractions:
Mukteshwar Temple, 1 km away, is a Shiva shrine.
Lingaraj Temple, 2 km away, is a grand Harihara site.
Dhauli Stupa, 8 km away, is a Buddhist peace spot.
Nandankanan Zoo, 15 km away, has white tigers.
Khandagiri Caves, 7 km away, are old Jain sites.
