Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar – the capital city of Odisha, is one of the beautiful cities in country known for its wonderful architectural wonders that are in the form of temples and shrines. However, you will also see myriad of prehistoric to contemporary monuments, parks, museums, malls and different other wonderful attractions in around Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar means – the Lord of the Universe. Once it was known as the Cathedral of the East for proud possession of magnificent sculptures and architectural heritage coupled with the sanctity as Ekamrakshetra epitomizing the history of Odisha (Orissa) since 3rd Century B.C. Today, the largest city of the state is the political, educational, economic, cultural and tourist hub of region luring a good number of tourists from across the country and worldwide. Bhubaneswar is also one of the essential pillars forming the Golden Triangle and Swarna Tribhuja in Eastern India.
Cuttack
The city of Cuttack started as a military cantonment because of its impregnable situation that further devolped into the capital of the state of Odisha. Inscriptions of Anangabhimadeva lll fefers the orginal city as Abhinab-Baranasi-Katak.Like the city of Baranasi situated in between Baruna and Asi,Cuttack is situated between the rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi and was therefore named as Abhinab Baranasi (Newtype of Baranasi).Cuttack developed into a city out of fivevillage viz.Choudwar Katak,Saranasi Katak,Sarangagarh Katak, Viraja Katak and Amaravati Katak.
In the remote past Cuttack was connected both by land routes and waterways with the renowned medieval ports like Chelitalo,Palur and Tarmalipti.Although politically Cuttack was not that significant before the eight century A.D>,but it was a flourishing mart of Eastern trade.However,Cuttack became a capital city as the end of the 10th centuary A.D.during the reign of somavanansi dynasty of Odisha.
The importance of Cuttack rapidly increased after the occupation of Odisha by Chohagangadeva early in the 12th century A.D.Chodaganga transferred his capital from Kalinganagar to Katak which was more centrally located.The famous Barabati Fort was constructed in 1229A.D.by the famous Ganga ruler Anangabhimadeva lll.
After the Ganges,Odisha passed intothe hands of the Gajapati under whom Cuttack continued to be the capital of the state.The reference from Ain-i-Akbari clearly denotes That Cuttack was a flourishing capital city during the time of Mukunda Deva.On the eve of Afghan occupation, Cuttack was found a well guarded and heavily fortified capital.
The Afghans however were not destined to rule Odisha and they were soon ousted by the Imperial Mughals. Cuttack continued to be the capital of Mughal Odisha and Abul Fazl celearly mentions that Mughal Governor was residing in that city.
In the remote past Cuttack was connected both by land routes and waterways with the renowned medieval ports like Chelitalo,Palur and Tarmalipti.Although politically Cuttack was not that significant before the eight century A.D>,but it was a flourishing mart of Eastern trade.However,Cuttack became a capital city as the end of the 10th centuary A.D.during the reign of somavanansi dynasty of Odisha.
The importance of Cuttack rapidly increased after the occupation of Odisha by Chohagangadeva early in the 12th century A.D.Chodaganga transferred his capital from Kalinganagar to Katak which was more centrally located.The famous Barabati Fort was constructed in 1229A.D.by the famous Ganga ruler Anangabhimadeva lll.
After the Ganges,Odisha passed intothe hands of the Gajapati under whom Cuttack continued to be the capital of the state.The reference from Ain-i-Akbari clearly denotes That Cuttack was a flourishing capital city during the time of Mukunda Deva.On the eve of Afghan occupation, Cuttack was found a well guarded and heavily fortified capital.
The Afghans however were not destined to rule Odisha and they were soon ousted by the Imperial Mughals. Cuttack continued to be the capital of Mughal Odisha and Abul Fazl celearly mentions that Mughal Governor was residing in that city.
Sambalpur
Sambalpur is a prime city in the state of Odisha. It is the heartthrob of Western part of Odisha for its vivid social, cultural, political and economical identity. It was established in the year 1528 by Raja Balaram Dev. It is situated in the bank of river Mahanadi and is enriched with natural surroundings. Maa Samleswari is the presiding deity of the city and its name has been derived from that of Goddess Samlei.
Sambalpur is famous for Hirakud Dam, Sambalpuri Sarees, Sambalpuri folk songsand Dance, the Sitalsasthi festival and the leaning Temple of Huma. Several traits of the culture like Sambalpuri language, Sambalpuri dance, Sambalpuri songs and Sambalpuri sarees have held a national identity and it is now being admired by people outside the region.
Sambalpur is famous for Hirakud Dam, Sambalpuri Sarees, Sambalpuri folk songsand Dance, the Sitalsasthi festival and the leaning Temple of Huma. Several traits of the culture like Sambalpuri language, Sambalpuri dance, Sambalpuri songs and Sambalpuri sarees have held a national identity and it is now being admired by people outside the region.
Puri
Puri – One of the Char Dhams (four mostsacred places in India), is a beautiful coastal town in the state of Odisha known at global tourism map for famous Shri Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach along with its proximity to Konark Sun Temple – the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the distance of around 65 km from Bhubaneswar – the capital city of Odisha, Puri has different names like Shri Jagannath Puri, Purusottama Puri and the Abode of Lord Jagannath.
For those who love to capture traditional temple architecture or want to collect some evidences of rich architectural history of Odisha, Puri is a place to make their dream come true. There are various prime tourist attractions and holy temples in the city and in its surrounding area.
Shree Jagannath Puri Temple – Explore the Reign of Lord of the Universe
Shri Jagannath Puri Temple is a must see place for the followers once in their lives. Constructed in 11th century and is the starting point of the world famous car festival (Rath Yatra) held in the months of June-July. Entry is limited to Hindus. Do lean against the Shani temple and watch the summit of the temple and do savour the temple Mahaprasada.
Beach of Puri – Charm of Its Own to Keep You Enticed
Being a home to golden sands, soothing sun-bath and colourful sunrise and sunset overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Puri beaches make you feel as if you are in the world of sea waves, cool air from sea side and tranquillity. Here you can bathe and laze or enjoy seeing, the local fishermen plying their catamarans and sail boats.
Shree Lokanath – Lord Shiva Temple
Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva is said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid himself from Shani, under a pond. The Shiva Linga here is partially submerged and the pond is teeming with fish. Priests here tend to be very strict so do maintain etiquette.
For those who love to capture traditional temple architecture or want to collect some evidences of rich architectural history of Odisha, Puri is a place to make their dream come true. There are various prime tourist attractions and holy temples in the city and in its surrounding area.
Shree Jagannath Puri Temple – Explore the Reign of Lord of the Universe
Shri Jagannath Puri Temple is a must see place for the followers once in their lives. Constructed in 11th century and is the starting point of the world famous car festival (Rath Yatra) held in the months of June-July. Entry is limited to Hindus. Do lean against the Shani temple and watch the summit of the temple and do savour the temple Mahaprasada.
Beach of Puri – Charm of Its Own to Keep You Enticed
Being a home to golden sands, soothing sun-bath and colourful sunrise and sunset overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Puri beaches make you feel as if you are in the world of sea waves, cool air from sea side and tranquillity. Here you can bathe and laze or enjoy seeing, the local fishermen plying their catamarans and sail boats.
Shree Lokanath – Lord Shiva Temple
Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva is said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid himself from Shani, under a pond. The Shiva Linga here is partially submerged and the pond is teeming with fish. Priests here tend to be very strict so do maintain etiquette.
Rourkela
Rourkela the Modern Steel Township is located on 22.12N’ Latitude and 84.53’E Longitude on Howraha-Mumbai section of South – Eastern Railway. The largest Industrial Township of Orissa, Rourkela was under the administrative boundaries of the NAGARA sub-division under Ex- princely state of Gangapur state during British rule. In the year 1945 the Head quarter of Nagara sub-division was established at Panposh by the then ruler Raja Udit Pratap Shekhar Deo. Since ancient time Vedavyas which is in the other side of Panposh & river Brahmani is famous mythologically. It is also called as the second sangam as the confluence of two rivers named as Sankha and Koel with hidden river Saraswati creates Brahmani here. It is a mythological believe that the great epic “The Mahabharat” was written by Maharshi Vyash at this place. The river Brahamani is created from this sangam. The said name of the river is perhaps due to the birth place of Maharshi Vedavyash. During the later part of nineteenth century a big festival was organized by then Jamindar of Kuanramunda on the eve of SHIVRATRI or JAGAR which still in existence and organized in the month of March.
Konark
The Sun Temple of Konark, often called as the Black Pagoda, was constructed in the mid thirteenth century by Raja Narasinghs Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty. It is an ample testament to the artistic glory of the time. Conceived in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on 12 pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels--after the mythical seven horse chariot of Sun God--the temple was unique in its architecture and implementation.
Intricate carvings on the walls of the main temple and the Natya Mandap (a separate structure just in front of the temple) are a sight to behold. It is often considered the best among other temples of its kind and that is saying something when you are talking about the golden triangle of Odisha (Orissa) which boasts of Sri Jagannath temple and Lingraj Temple of Puri and Bhubaneswar.
The Sun Temple has lost its many of its original structures to time and disrepair, but the remaining structures and the remainder of the structures confirm till today the infinite imaginative power of the artistes of the time and their inspiring contribution to Vaisnav Culture.
Intricate carvings on the walls of the main temple and the Natya Mandap (a separate structure just in front of the temple) are a sight to behold. It is often considered the best among other temples of its kind and that is saying something when you are talking about the golden triangle of Odisha (Orissa) which boasts of Sri Jagannath temple and Lingraj Temple of Puri and Bhubaneswar.
The Sun Temple has lost its many of its original structures to time and disrepair, but the remaining structures and the remainder of the structures confirm till today the infinite imaginative power of the artistes of the time and their inspiring contribution to Vaisnav Culture.
Barbil
Located on Karo River banks and amidst lush green hills, Barbil has spectacular views to offer. It owns the credit of possessing the world’s 5th largest iron and manganese deposits. Keonjhar district, in which Barbil is situated, has a 38000 million year old rock, which is one of the oldest in the world. Given below are the top attractions inBarbil.
Bargarh
Located on the western border of the state, the place was earlier a part of Sambalpur. Though limited in number, the tourist attractions gain value by the importance attached to it. Gandhamardan, one of the destinations here is associated with the period of Ramayana and it finds mention in the notes of Hieun Tsang, the famous Chinese traveler. Scenic, ancient Bargarh makes your visit memorable. Here are some tourist destinationsto visit in Bargarh.
The original name of Bargarh was "Baghar Kota" as known from an inscription of the 11th Century A.D. It was called "Bargarh" probably from the time of Balaram Dev, the Chauhan Raja of Sambalpur, who made it his headquarters and constructed a big fort for its protection.The old fort walls can be traced near the 'Jira' river towards the plane of Ambapali. Narayan Singh, the last Chauhan Raja granted this place in "Maufi" (free hold) to 2 Brahmin brothers Krushna Dash and Narayan Dash, sons of Baluki Dash who was killed in action by the Gond. Another part of the district known as "Borasambar" was formerly the headquarters of the Borasambar Zamindari extending over 2178 Sq.Kms. Later, the headquarters of the Zamindari shifted to Padampur, one of the present sub-divisional headquarter.
Other unconfirmed literature claims that the name Bargarh has been derived from Balaramgarh, while some other sources point that the name is so because Bargarh was the best of the cluster of forts(Garhs). History of Bargarh suggest that buddhism played a role in defining the lifestyle of the people for a short period of time. Some ancient buddhist monasteries and sculptures can be seen along a belt starting from Bijepur block (Ganiapali) to the Paikmal block (Nrusinghanath), which has a clear mention in Huen-Tsang's literature as Po-Li-Mo-Lo-Ki-Li(Parimalagiri).
One of the historically significant places of orissa, Bargarh is also known for the Legendary Veer Surendra Sai who led his war against the British from Debrigarh, which is a peak on the Barapahad Range. Debrigarh today is a tiger sanctuary. Barabakhra(12 caves) used to be a secret meeting place during this period.
The original name of Bargarh was "Baghar Kota" as known from an inscription of the 11th Century A.D. It was called "Bargarh" probably from the time of Balaram Dev, the Chauhan Raja of Sambalpur, who made it his headquarters and constructed a big fort for its protection.The old fort walls can be traced near the 'Jira' river towards the plane of Ambapali. Narayan Singh, the last Chauhan Raja granted this place in "Maufi" (free hold) to 2 Brahmin brothers Krushna Dash and Narayan Dash, sons of Baluki Dash who was killed in action by the Gond. Another part of the district known as "Borasambar" was formerly the headquarters of the Borasambar Zamindari extending over 2178 Sq.Kms. Later, the headquarters of the Zamindari shifted to Padampur, one of the present sub-divisional headquarter.
Other unconfirmed literature claims that the name Bargarh has been derived from Balaramgarh, while some other sources point that the name is so because Bargarh was the best of the cluster of forts(Garhs). History of Bargarh suggest that buddhism played a role in defining the lifestyle of the people for a short period of time. Some ancient buddhist monasteries and sculptures can be seen along a belt starting from Bijepur block (Ganiapali) to the Paikmal block (Nrusinghanath), which has a clear mention in Huen-Tsang's literature as Po-Li-Mo-Lo-Ki-Li(Parimalagiri).
One of the historically significant places of orissa, Bargarh is also known for the Legendary Veer Surendra Sai who led his war against the British from Debrigarh, which is a peak on the Barapahad Range. Debrigarh today is a tiger sanctuary. Barabakhra(12 caves) used to be a secret meeting place during this period.
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