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| Orissa Tourism |
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Bhubaneswar:
Bhubaneswar, the 'Cathedral City' was once the
capital of an ancient kingdom. Today this hustling
centre for commerce and religious activity is
Orissa's modern capital. Having merged its intriguing
past so uniquely with its modern aspirations,
it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle
that incorporates the holy city of Puri and Konark,
for the tourists that flock to pay their homage
to the religious, cultural and natural wonders
that abound here. |
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The striking features of the city are the numerous temples
and shrines that seem to be all around you. Bhubaneswar's
skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular
engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage.
The imposing spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet
beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink transluscence
of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire
feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-cultural
permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight
into the ancient cultural strength of Orissa and are
well-worth exploring at greater length.
At
least four of Bhubaneswar's temples must be on the tourist's
agenda, to get a feel of the dynamic artistry and development
of their indigenous perfection.
The
temples have after all stood testimony to the area's
history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the
Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani temples
are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural
beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance
their presence. An interesting variation figures in
the Vaital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj
is closed to non-Hindus, ic can be viewed from the viewing
platform constructed alongside.
The
State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection
of archaeological artefacts, weapons and local arts
and crafts and insights into Orissa's natural and tribal
history. The museum has world's largest collection of
palm-leaf paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum
with its authentic tribal dwellings, created by the
tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird's eye
view of the State's tribal heritage. The Regional Plant
Resource Centre (RPRC) has about 500 acres of plantations,
tissue culture and experimental laboratory and a huge
lake where migratory birds make their home. The two
unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the
largest rose garden in the country (an area of 20 acres)
and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in
Asia.
Bhubaneswar
is a shopper's delight. Sarees woven by the master weavers
in silk and cotton are available in the private shops
and government emporia. You can also pick up all kinds
of artefacts and jewellery produced in different parts
of the State. The I landloom Weavers Co-operative is
worth a visit. Bhubaneswar has excellent air and rail
linkages with most major cities in the country. |
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Puri:
The holy city of Puri, 60 km from Bhubaneswar,
is one of the four holiest points of pilgrimage
for Hindus. The reigning deity of the city, Lord
Jagannath, whose temple was built way back in
the 12th century, is not only of great religious
significance to the people of Orissa but is revered
by thousands of pilgrims who seek His blessings
from every part of the country. This
intense veneration of Jagannath, or the Lord of the
Universe, reaches its zenith during the annual rites
of the Rath Yatra in the months of June-July, when the
images of Lord Jagannath, His sister Subhadra and brother
Balbhadra are transported through the Grand Road (Bada
Danda ) of Puri in traditionally decorated massive chariots
that are dragged by thousands of devotees to the Gundicha
Ghar where they sojourn for a week. The process is repeated
when they are returned amidst intense religious fervour
to the temple. |
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Though
the temple is closed to non-Hindus, the activities
of the Jagannath Temple are so immense that they create
enough colour and interest for tourists to participate
in the bazar element of the proceedings outside the
temple precincts.
The
other important feature of the town is its beautiful
beach which, for centuries, has offered pleasure to
both pilgrims and swimmers. This picturesque beach
is one of the most delightful white beaches in the
country and is becoming a pleasure haunt for tourists
from all over the globe. Though the surf here is pretty
exciting, the undercurrent can be a bit tricky, so
tread carefully...
The
areas both within and outside Puri offer excellent
shopping and the nearby artist villages of Pipli (for
the famous applique work), Raghurajpur (for pata and
palm-leaf paintings) and BalakatKfor bell-metal work)
bring shoppers directly in contact with the craftsmen
at work. It can be quite an experience. |
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Konark:
This crowning piece of Orissan Architecture and
Sculpture, built in the 13th century A.D., the
golden era of Orissan art, is a poetry in stone
and a world heritage monument. The Mukh'ashala,
or entrance hall continues to interest both devotees
and visitors. The walls of this magnificent ruin
have exquisite sculptures covering many aspects
of life. Scenes
of love and war, trade and court transactions, hunting,
catching of elephants, teaching of sages, amorous dalliances,
dancers and mythicalfigures- all vie for attention on
the panels and niches of this immortal work of art. |
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Surasundaris,
heavenly damsels, freestanding, larger-than-life monoblock
female statues playing the cymbals, drums, flutes or
trumpets, adorn the top of the temple. Beautifully-carved
couples engaged in myriad modes of amorous union, with
their incomparable charms, are also attractions for
connoisseurs of art as well as ordinary visitors.
Everyday
the Sun God risesfrom the lap of the blue ocean close
by and casts his first gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum
and then circles the temple during the course of the
day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the
Morning Sun, the Mid- day Sun and the Setting Sun. The
colossal figures of the war elephants holding aloft
a dazed soldier or the lions guarding the entrance to.the
temple or the enraged war-horses trampling i hooves
afqllen warrior- the la-stfittill as the emblem of the
State- are a testimony of Orissa's war time glory. And
above all, the twenty four giant wheels of this temple-chariot,
symbolising the divisions of time with their intricate
carvings on the spokes and the axleheads, the seven
caparisoned horses representing seven colours of the
Sun, the Nabagraha or Nine- 'planet panel are living
pieces of the glory of Orissa's past, frozen for a moment
on the shores of time. Konark is a many splendoured
gem of Orissan art. Its beauty is not for description
in words. It is to be seen, enjoyed and savoured, not
once but again and again, for it is truly a thing of
beauty, a joy for ever. |
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