Rajarani Temple

Rajarani temple was constructed between the 10th and the 11th century. The Rajarani temple is one of the architectural splendors in Orissa and is made up of reddish gold sandstone, known as 'rajarani'. Legends believe that the temple had been the shrine of Lord Shiva, which was called Indreswara Temple.

Posited amid the paddy fields, the Rajarani Temple at Orissa is constructed on a raised platform. The architecture of the temple features clusters of turrets, a square sanctum and beautiful sculptures. The square sanctum of the temple is reminiscent of the later temple built in Puri. The Rajarani temple, situated in Old Bhubaneswar, is one of the best specimens of Kalinga architecture.

The Rajarani temple in Orissa is adorned with beautiful sculptures depicting dance postures. The sculptures celebrates womanhood and therefore, one can come across the images of women that shown to dance or playing with birds. In the Rajarani temple of Orissa, one can also find 'Guardians of the Eight Directions'.The 'guardians' of the temple include Indra, Agni, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Yama and Ishana. The eight guardians deities are the incarnations of the Hindu god of rain, fire, suffering, ocean, wind, wealth, death and of Lord Shiva. The guardian deities project in eight directions from the base of the temple: one can find the deities around the porch, deul and the torana.