The Earthly Abode Of Lord Shiva - Bhubaneswar

[Vinod kardam]

Bhubaneswar is a beautiful religious city in the state of Orissa. It is one of the prime pilgrimages in India and is believed to be the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. Visit the city to explore the religious beliefs and culture of India and pick from the best hotels in Bhubaneshwar.

Bhubaneswar, one of the most visited cities in East India, is a chief pilgrimage centre. Also known as the "Temple city of India", the place is most known for its religious significance. Religion is evidently the most dominant aspect of the city as it is present in its every facet. There are about 500 temples dedicated to different Hindu deities dispersed all over the city and neighbouring regions. There are temples that belong to the era of the Kalinga Empire and are still in good state of presence, carrying the same reverence that they did in the ancient times. The city along with Konarak and Puri forms the Golden Triangle which is one of the most prominent pilgrimages for every devotee who is on a pilgrimage to all religious sites in India. Shivates in particular see the city with utmost reverence. It is said that the city is the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. In fact, the name of the city is derived from Lord Shiva, who is also called Tri Bhubaneshwar, the Lord of three worlds.

According to the stats, Bhubaneshwar receives more number of pilgrims and tourists than many of the other pilgrimages in India. Lingaraj Temple and Mukteshwar Temple, 10th century and 7th century Hindu temples, together receive thousands of visitors yearly. Both the temples are of immense significance and exhibit the best of ancient Hindu style of temple architecture. There are some hotels in Bhubaneswar that also offer transportation services to the prime temples.

The city falls within the province of Orissa and is the largest city of the state. It is also a chief revenue generating city as it has multibillion dollars tourism industry and several other traditional industries that include: cane furniture, agriculture, mining, patta painting, stone and wood carving, and applique work. Forestry, agriculture, and mining are ranked as the prime sector industries, whereas industries and manufacturing are ranked as secondary sector industries. Plus, in the past few decades education, Information Technology and telecommunication have grown significantly, and today are counted as the prime upcoming industries.

The East Coast Railway of Indian Railway is headquartered in Bhubaneswar which makes the railway station of the city a major railhead. The railhead is served by frequent trains that connect the city to all major Indian cities.

Accessing Bhubaneshwar is easy for the fact that the city houses its own airport, railway station, and a couple of bus stands. The airport is situated about 3 k.m. to the south of the city centre and it is a major and only international airport of the state. Good thing is that the airport is easily accessible from any part of the city. There are some hotels in Bhubaneswar near airport, which one may consider as they have the advantage of close connectivity.

The significant places to visit include: Nandankanan, Udaygiri and Khandgiri caves, Orissa State Museum, Atri, Dhauli, Rajarani Temple, ISKCON Temple, Dhauli Giri Shanti Stupa, Ram Mandir, Nicco Park, Biju Patnaik Park, Indira Gandhi Park, Ekamra Kanan, Odissi Research Centre, and the beaches.

The best time of the city's tour is between October to February as the climate during time period is most pleasant. Simply visit the religious city to explore the religious beliefs and culture of India and have a memorable vacation.