History:
Bhubaneswar
derives its name from the Sanskrit word Tribhuvaneswara,
which stands for Lord Shiva. The area around Bhubaneswar
constituted the famed kingdom of Kalinga, which was conquered
after a bloody battle by Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor.
Appalled at the carnage, Ashoka renounced violence and
embraced Buddhism. Around the 1st century bc, under the
rule of Kharvela, Orissa regained its lost glory and Bhubaneswar
again became the center of activities. During this period,
monastery caves were constructed of which Khandgiri and
Udaygiri are the most important. By the 7th century, Hinduism
supplemented Jainism, and Ganga and Kesari kingdoms did
a lot for the development of Orissan culture. Most of
the kings who ruled Orissa constructed beautiful temples.
For a better part of its history, Bhubaneswar remained
under the influence of Afghans, Marathas, and the British
(till 1947).
Against this multi-hued tapestry of history, and the backdrop
of the soaring sandstone spires of old Bhubaneswar, a
new capital has taken shape. The modern architectural
designs and materials of new Bhubaneswar contrast starkly
with the old city. Nevertheless, mindful of its unique
status, new Bhubaneswar is a calm, progressive city, linking
the old and the new most effectively.
Capital, city of the modern Orissa state
and the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, Bhubaneshwar is known
as the Temple City of India. Among the finest of its 600
temples is the Lingaraja Temple of Shiva, built in the
11th century. It is also the biggest in Bhubaneswar.
Location:
The capital
of the East Indian state of Orissa, Bhubaneswar extends
from latitude 20°15' North to longitude 85°52' East. An
important city of the temple triangle of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar
has direct air, road, and rail connection with the other
major cities of India.
Climate:
Situated at
an altitude of 45 m above sea level, the temperatures
range between 15.7°C in winter to a maximum of 30°C to
40°C in summer. Bhubaneshwar is comfortable round the
year, but the best season to visit the city is during
the months of October to April.
Fairs and Festivals:
On
the day of Ashokashtami in the month of March, the image
of Lingaraja (Lord Shiva) and other deities are taken
in a procession from Lingaraja Temple to the Rameshwara
Temple. Hundreds of devotees participate in pulling the
chariot that carries the deities. The deities remain in
the Rameshwara Temple for four days.
At the end of January comes Adivasi
Mela, a fair that displays the art, artifacts, tradition,
culture, and music of the tribal folks of Orissa.
Other festivals of importance are Durga
Puja, Janmashtami, and Kali Puja. |
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