RAJARANI TEMPLE
Location : Bhubaneswar, Orissa
Dates Back : 11th Century

A Combination Of Grace & Elegance
The Rajarani temple, dating back to the 11th century, is set in open paddy
fields, and the entire structure exudes grace and elegance. The name of the
temple has been the subject of much debate. The most likely explanation is that
the name is related to the lovely red-and- gold sandstone used in its
construction, a stone, which is known locally as 'Rajarani'.

The debate is complicated by the fact that the names of all the Hindu temples
in Bhubaneswar dedicated to the God Shiva end in the suffix 'Eswar' for e.g.
'Parasurameswara' and 'Mukteswara' temples, while those of the non-'Shaivite'
temples are derived from their presiding deities e.g. 'Parvati' temple.

One major scholar has argued that the name Rajarani was only applied to the
temple at a later date because of the sandstone, and that originally this is
the Shiva shrine referred to in early texts as 'Indreswara'. This seems the
most likely conclusion.

The Jagmohana & The Duel
The 'Jagmohana' (porch) is extremely plain, and was evidently repaired in 1903
after having fallen down in ruins. The 'Deul' (tower), on the other hand, is
spectacularly ornate, and is famous for the aesthetic concept of miniature
temple spires clustered around the main tower. The sculptural images of the
temple are elegant and lively, especially the beautiful female figures, which
can be seen in amorous dalliance, as well as engaged in such activities as
holding children, looking in mirrors, and playing with pet birds.

On the lower register of the 'Deul', on the corner projections, are found the
famous "Guardians of the Eight Directions", watching over the eight cardinal
points. Beginning from the left of the entrance to the 'Deul' and proceeding in
a clockwise direction, they are:

Indra - East, chief of the 33 Vedic nature deities
Agni - Southeast, Vedic God of fire
Yama - South, God of death
Nirriti - Southwest, deity related to suffering
Varuna - West, a Vedic deity of the ocean
Vayu - Northwest, wind God
Kubera - North, lord of wealth, shown here with a wish-fulfilling tree
Ishana - Northeast, a form of Shiva.