BHUBANESHWAR the capital of Orissa is also the right place to start a tour of the state from where you can move on to the other two angles of Orissa's Tourist Triangle.

SIGHTSEEING

LINGARAJ TEMPLE
The largest and the most interesting temple in the city is the 11th century Lingaraj Temple which exhibits the temple art of several centuries. Shiva is the presiding deity but almost all Hindu gods are represented here. It is set in a huge walled-in compound with dozens of votive shrines. Pilgrims flock to the neighbouring Bindu Sagar Lake as it is believed that water from all the sacred rivers of India is gathered and it is therefore a very purifying experience to have a dip in the lake. The compound of the temple measures 520 by 465 feet. Its curvilinear tower (vimana) rises to a height of 127 feet. The tower has been built without mortar. It is hollow inside and you can reach its top by an staircase.

MUKTESWAR TEMPLE
This 10th century gem of a temple is an important transition points between the early and later phases of 'The Kalinga School of Temple Architecture'. Many elements of the older order have been blended with new designs and conceptions. Many of the innovations etched here became essential features of all later temples. Richly sculpted, the temple offers pride of place to tales from the Panchatantra. The niches on the outer face of the compound wall include Buddhist, Jain as well as Hindu images, pointing to the synthesis which was so much a part of Orissan religious life. The temple gateway, an arched masterpiece, is worth a visit. Beautiful sculptures include elaborate scrolls, graceful female figures and excellent decorative details characterise the archway.

PARSURAMESWAR TEMPLE
Lavishly decorated, this small Shiva temple has friezes depicting amorous couples, animal life, human figures and floral motifs. Especially appealing are the ornate lattice windows and the busts of Shiva.

RAJ RANI TEMPLE
One of the most delightful temples built on a more human scale is the 11th century Raj Rani Temple - standing alone in the green rice fields. It is perhaps the most harmoniously planned temple. Its decorations are beautiful and enchanting - the naked smiling nymphs, the embracing couples etc. Here the feminine form is the subject of glorification and incredibly seductive. It has been suggested that some pleasure-loving king of Orissa may have built it more as his pleasure retreat than as a prayer hall. It is perhaps the latest in date and the most refined. About a kilometer to the east of The Lingaraj temple is the "Grove of the Perfect Being".

VAITAL TEMPLE
The Vaital Temple represents the Khakhora order of the Kalinga style of temple architecture devoted to Tantric cults. A very definite style of decoration through sculpture is evident. As is the practice in Tantric worship, elements from certain sects of Hinduism and Buddhism centered on the female life force Shakti has been combined. The presiding deity - the eight-armed Chamunda (Kali) represents Shakti. The first erotic sculptures of Orissan art are found here. In course of time, temple builders may have considered these images as an integral part of temple decoration and adapted them to their skills and techniques.

DHAULI EDICTS
The Kalinga war of the 3rd century BC was fought at Dhauli. Dhauli is on the way to Konark from Puri. It was the horror and suffering of this war which transformed the great King Ashoka and forced him to divert his mind from war to welfare of people and instead of conquest through war he started spiritual conquest. Ashoka had special rock edicts inscribed for people of Kalinga and these inscriptions have relief of an emerging elephant on the top. There are eleven sets of the fourteen rock edicts found within the Ashokan Empire. This serene place carrying the legacy of Buddha inspired people from Japan to establish a peace pagoda or Shanti Stupa here. Along with it is the Saddharma Vihar. There are also small rocks cut caves, a Hindu temple of early medieval period and a renovated Shiva temple. This temple is on top of a hill and is called Dhavalesvara. The sublime tranquility and meditative serenity along river Daya makes Dhauli a place worthy to visit.

SUN TEMPLE
One of the most stunning symbols of religious architecture, the Sun Temple is the crowning glory of Orissan temple art. Centuries of myth and legend shroud it's past. Built in the 13th century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot carrying the Sun God Surya and was pulled by seven horses. The 24 giant wheels of the chariot symbolize the division of time. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone with thousands of images including those of deities, heavenly damsels, human musicians, lovers, dancers, and different scenes from courtly life. Besides birds, animals and a plethora of intricate geometrical decorative designs adorn the walls. The temple was conceived to be a true microcosm of the world. This, however would not have been complete without depiction of the union of love. Hence, erotic art covers a major part of the temple area.

JAGANNATH TEMPLE
Fifty-five kilometers from Bhubaneshwar is the beach town of Puri. The city revolves around the great Jagannath Temple known for its famous 'Rath Yatra' or 'Car Festival'. Most tourists love the place for its beaches and consider getting up before sunrise to see fishing boats leave for the sea. Even before one enters the town of Puri, the 65 metre-high Jagannath Temple makes its presence felt. The sense of devotion heightens in Puri with nearly every aspect of the place touched by the aura of the magnificent temple.