Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century CE Hindu temple located in the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, India. The temple is a perfect example of Rekha Deula style under Kalinga Architecture.
The shrine is called Raja Rani because of the fact that it is made of yellow and red sandstone. These two colors are locally called ‘Raja Rani’. It is locally known as a “love temple” because of the erotic carvings of women and men and couples in the temple. Since there is no images of any deity inside the sanctum, some believe it to be Lord Shiva Temple and some believe it as Lord Vishnu Temple.
Rajarani temple was originally called as Indreshvara after its imperial patron Indraratha Mahabhavagupta III (1000 1020 A.D.).
Temple Structure
Rajarani Temple is a specimen of Kalinga Panchratha style.
Rajarani Temple stands on a raised platform. The Odia temples have two parts namely the sanctum (deul) and the other is the place from where pilgrims view the sanctum (called jagamohana). The jagamohana (porch), though demonstrating a pyramidal structure, takes on the status of a complete structure on its own. This part was repaired in the early 1900.
The vimana is square in plan, and the walls are variegated by ressaults (called rathas or pagas). Amalaka (also called mastaka), a stone disk with ridges on the rim, is placed over the bada (tower) of the temple.
Temple is ornamented with multiple sculptures and art pieces all around it’s outer walls. Dikpalas (guardians of directions), Naga-Nagin on the pillars are primary features along with many other sculptures.
The Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha organizes a Rajarani music festival at the temple every year from 18 to 20 January.
