Rajarani Temple

Rajarani Temple, built in 11th century, is one of the prime tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar. It is also known as ‘Indreshwar Temple’ and ‘Temple of Love’. Its name is derived from the name of a variety of sandstone that is called “rajaraniya”. These sandstones are in color that happens to be a sober mix of dull red and yellow. One of the most endearing temples, built on a more human scale is the Rajrani Temple — standing by itself in the green rice fields. It is perhaps the most harmoniously proportioned temple in the city and so enchanting is its decoration that it has been suggested that some long dead Odishan king built it as a pleasure dome, not a prayer retreat. The exquisitely carved sculptures on the temple wall depicting the passionate moods and postures of lovely men and women are indescribable. The naked, smiling nymphs and the embracing couples sculptured on its walls give some support to this idea. The carvings on its outer walls are reminiscent of world renowned temples of Khajuraho.