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Odisha Part 7: The Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar gets its name from the stone used to build it - the red and yellow sandstone used here is locally called Rajarani. This temple was once known as the Indreshwara temple, which is mentioned in the Ekamra Purana, which tells us about the temples of Bhubaneshwar, which was then known as Ekamra Kshetra. Today, the temple stands in a well-maintained lawn, and is the only ticketed monument within the city. The temple is built in the typical Kalinga style, with the tall curvilinear shikara over the garbagruha , and a jagamohana connected to it. The temple is believed to date back to the 11 th century, and is most well known for its sculptures. The entrance to the temple has two pillars with a Naga couple protecting the sanctum, holding garlands in their hands. The base of the pillar shows 3 lions standing over 3 elephants, a typical motif in temples of this region during this period. On the other side of the pillar is a horse and rider, and the two mo...
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Mariamman Teppakulam, Madurai



This temple is built in the centre of a tank next to the Mariamman Temple at Madurai. Called the Mariamman Teppakulam, this is where the annual float festival (Theppotsavam in Tamil) takes place. 

One of the largest temple tanks in southern India, this one measures about 1100 ft by 950 ft. The island at the centre has a garden with a temple enshrining Lord Ganesha. It was built in the 17th century, and is connected to the river Vaigai by underground channels! Unfortunately today, neither the river nor the tank has any water! The Teppotsavam or float festival is celebrated in the month of Jan/Feb, when the main deities of Madurai - Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are brought here in a grand procession and taken in a float around the temple. 

For more information, click here. 

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