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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Short description|11th-century Hindu temple in Odisha, India}}
{{Infobox Mandir
| name = Rajarani Temple
| image = Rajarani Temple 2.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| map_type = 
| map_caption = Location in Odisha
| coordinates = {{coord|20|14|36.4|N|85|50|36.68|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| other_names =
| proper_name =
| country = India
| state = [[Odisha]]
| district =
| location = [[Bhubaneswar]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Shiva]]
| festivals=
| architecture = Kalingan Pancharatha Style<br />([[Kalinga Architecture]])
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions =
| year_completed = 11th century
| creator =
| website =
}}

'''Rajarani Temple''' is an 11th-century [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Bhubaneswar]], the capital city of [[Odisha]] (Orissa previously), [[India]].

==Overview==
The temple is believed to have been known originally as Indreswara. It is locally known as a "love temple" because of the erotic carvings of women and couples in the temple. Rajarani Temple is built in the ''[[pancharatha]]'' style on a raised platform with two structures: a central shrine called the ''vimana'' (sanctum) with a ''bada'' (curvilinear spire) over its roof rising to a height of {{convert|18| m|ft| abbr=on}}, and a viewing hall called ''jagamohana'' with a pyramidal roof. The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called "Rajarani". There are no images inside the sanctum, and hence it is not associated with a specific sect of Hinduism but broadly classified as [[Saivite]] based on the niches.

==History==
Based on the sculptural architectural style, the temple is dated to the mid-11th century.<ref name="ASI"/> Brown groups the temple along with Anant Vasudev Temple and places it around the 11th–12th centuries. Another survey of Orissa temples carried out by S. K. Saraswati in 1953 yielded a similar date.<ref>[[#Smith|Smith]] 1994, p. 8</ref> Panigrahi, who did a comprehensive analysis of Orissan temples, gives an unspecified date between [[Lingaraj Temple]] and Mukteswara Temple.{{clarify|date=July 2015}}<ref>[[#Smith|Smith]] 1994, p. 10</ref> Fergusson believes construction of the temple was begun by around 1105.<ref>[[#Smith|Smith]] 1994, p. 15</ref> George Michell believes the temple was built during the same time as Lingaraja Temple.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajgImLs62gwC&q=rajarani+temple&pg=PA114|page=114|last=Michell|first=George|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226532301|year=1977}}</ref> Rajarani Temple roughly belongs to the same period as the [[Jagannath Temple]] at [[Puri]]. The architecture of other temples in central India originated from this temple. The notable ones in the category are the [[Khajuraho Group of Monuments|Khajuraho temples]] and Totesvara Mahadeo temple in Kadawa.<ref>[[#Ghosh|Ghosh]] 1950, p. 26</ref> Scholars believe based on the style that the temple might have been built by [[Somavaṃśī dynasty|Somavamsi]] kings who migrated from Central india to Orissa during the period.<ref name=Parida/> Rajarani temple is maintained by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) as a ticketed monument.<ref name="ASI">{{cite web|title=Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_orissa_rajarani.asp|access-date=2013-03-17|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India}}</ref><ref>[[#Smith|Smith]] 1994, p. 123</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:Rajarani temple plan.jpg|upright 0.7|thumb|Temple plan of Rajarani temple, scale 50 ft to 1 inch|alt=temple plan for twin spires of a temple]]
The Orissan temples have two parts namely the sanctum ([[deul]] or [[vimana]]) and the other is the place from where pilgrims view the sanctum (called ''[[jagamohana]]''). The initial deul temples were without the ''jagamohana'' as seen in some of the older temples in Bhubaneswar while the later temples had two additional structures namely nata-mandapa (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). The vimana is square in plan, and the walls are variegated by ressaults{{clarify|date=July 2015}} (called ''rathas'' or ''pagas'').<ref>[[#Ghosh|Ghosh]] 1950, pp. 21-22</ref> [[Amalaka]] (also called ''mastaka''), a stone disk with ridges on the rim, is placed over the ''bada'' (tower) of the temple. Rajarani Temple stands on a raised platform. The temple was constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally called "Rajarani".<ref name=Parida>{{cite book|title=Early Temples of Orissa|last=Parida|first=A.N.|publisher=Commonwealth Publishers|location=New Delhi|isbn=81-7169-519-1|ref=Parida|year=1999|edition=1st|pages=97–101}}</ref>

===Vimana===
It is pancharatha in plan with a curvilinear superstructure (''rekha shikhara'') 18m(55 ft) tall. The ''[[vimana]]'' (tower) is surrounded by a cluster of miniature towers with double crowning elements and appears round, unlike other temples in Bhubaneswar but like the towers of Khajuraho temples. The temple stands on a plinth with three mouldings. The ''bada'' consists of five divisions instead of the three divisions usually found in other temples. The ''[[vimana]]'' rises to a height of {{convert|17.98|m|ft}} from the basement.<ref name=Parida/> The ''vimana'' (sanctum) measures {{convert|10.25|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|10.25|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the inside, {{convert|31|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|29|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the outside.<ref name="size"/> Its spire is decorated with clusters of turrets (replication of the spire itself) emerging from the rib of the spire. The temple has ''panchanga bada'', or five divisions, namely, ''pabhaga'', ''talajangha'', ''bandhana'', ''uparajangha'' and ''baranda''. The lowermost division, called the ''pabhaga'', has five decorative mouldings, namely, ''khura'', ''kumbha'', ''patta'', ''kani'' and ''basanta''. The superstructure (''gandi'') of the temple has a number of miniature turrets (''angashikharas''). The superstructure is crowned with a fluted disc-shaped architectural piece called an ''amalaka'', and a vase (''kalasa'') surmounts it as the crowning finial.<ref name="ASI"/><ref name="Ali"/><ref name="Allen">{{cite book|title=Ornament in Indian Architecture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vyXxEX5PQH8C&q=rajarani+temple&pg=PA207|pages=207|last= Allen|first=Margaret Prosser|year=1991|publisher=Associated University Press Inc.|isbn=0-87413-399-8}}</ref>

===Jagamohana===
[[File:Rajarani Temple.jpg|upright 0.7|thumb|The front portion of the ''jagamohana'' depicts ''nagins'' and guarding deities in the doorjambs, with ''vimana'' in the background.|alt=The entrance to a structure with depictions of ''nagins'' and guarding deities in the doorjambs, with a tower in the background]]
The ''jagamohana'' (porch), though demonstrating a pyramidal structure, is yet to take on the status of a complete structure on its own. It bears signs of the repair done in 1903 when it collapsed into ruins. The ''jagamohana'' measures {{convert|17.83|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|17.83|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the inside and {{convert|36|ft|m|abbr=on}}*{{convert|36|ft|m|abbr=on}} from the outside.<ref name="size">[[#Ghosh|Ghosh]] 1950, p. 74</ref> The tiered (''pidha'') ''jagamohana'' and the interior are plain, possibly left incomplete. The plan of the ''jagamohana'' is square compared to the rectangular ones present in earlier temples.<ref name="ASI"/>

===Sculptures===
[[File:Bhuvanesvar1004.jpg|thumb|right| Niche dedicated to [[Ganesh]].]]
The sculptures have a depth that was lacking in the [[Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar|Mukteswara Temple]] sculptures.<ref name="Ali"/> The slightly projecting entrance is flanked by round thick columns entwined by ''naga'' on the left. Guardians of the eight directions project from the base of the temple in the eight directions, starting from the gateway in a clockwise direction around the porch and the deul, ending at the ''[[torana]]'' (entrance).<ref name="Ali">{{cite book|title=World Heritage Monuments|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54XBlIF9LFgC&q=rajarani+temple+javeed&pg=PA192|first1=ʻAlī |last1=Jāvīd|first2=Tabassum |last2=Javeed|pages=192–194|publisher=Algora Publishing|year=2008|isbn=9780875864846}}</ref> The other noted sculptures are ''naga-nagi sthambha'', ''saiva dwarapalas'' on the entrance doorjambs, and ''lakulisa'' on the lintel of entrance, above which is the architrave of Navagrahas.{{clarify|date=July 2015}} The best-preserved sculptures of the temple are the standing ''astadikpalas'' on the central façade of ''kanika'', appearing on the ''jangha'' portion of the ''bada'' clad in diaphanous drapery. The image of Varuna is intact and notable for its body ornamentation, coiffure and facial expression. Scenes of the marriage of Shiva, Nataraja, and Parvati are the cult images present in the temple. There are tall, slender, sophisticated ''nayikas'' gracing the walls of the sanctum depicted in various roles and moods in amorous dalliance with actions such as turning their head from an emaciated ascetic, fondling her child, holding a branch of tree, attending to her toilet, looking into mirror, taking off her anklet, caressing her pet bird and playing instrument. There are also erotic (''mithuna'') figures carved in high relief on the projecting portions of the ''uparajangha''. The other decorative motifs are carved in the shape of ''vyala'', ''jagrata'' and ''gajakranta''. The scroll motifs are of foliage, creepers and vines (''vanalata''), each containing lush foliage independent of any stalk or vine.<ref name="ASI"/>{{clarify|date=July 2015}} It is a Hindu temple

==Religious significance==
[[File:Rajarani Temple 03.jpg|upright 0.7|thumb|A sculpture on the walls of the sanctum]]
The historian M. M. Ganguly examined the ''Khuraprista'' (upper plinth), which is carved like a lotus with its petals, and described the temple as possibly dedicated to [[Vishnu]]. The names of most [[Shiva]] temples in [[Bhubaneswar]] end with "Iswara" like Parasurameswara, Brahmesvara and Mitresvara. But Rajarani Temple bears a peculiar name{{clarify|date=July 2015}} and contains no images of any deity inside the sanctum. There are certain features of the temple which indicates a [[Saivite]] origin such as the presence of ''Saiva'' doorkeepers: Prachanda and Chanda, Dvarapla{{clarify|date=July 2015}} with ''jatamukha'', and a garland of skulls reaching up to {{clarify|date=July 2015}}and a snake. K. C. Panigrahi believes that, based on the ''Ekamra Purana'', the temple was originally called Indrevara and that it was positioned to the east of Siddheswara Temple.<ref name=Parida/> The image of Lakulisha, the founder of the Pasupatha sect of Saivisim, in a seated posture with ''yogamuthra'' along with his disciples, is found in the lintel of the ''jagamohana''. Images of eight bearded ascetics are arranged on both sides of the images of Lakulisha. There are three panels on the facade of the main temple showing images of Shiva dancing with his consort Parvathi in the company of attendants playing musical instruments. A carving depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi is on the western side{{clarify|date=July 2015}} below the central niche.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anand |first=Swami P. |author2=Swami Parmeshwaranand |title=Encyclopaedia of the Śaivism|year=2004 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-7625-427-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N4xIBNmhpXcC&q=rajarani+temple&pg=PA244|pages=244–245}}</ref> The presence of [[Nāga|Naga]] and [[Nāga|Nagini]] at the entrance led to a local belief that it is the king (Raja) and queen (Rani) who are associated with the temple, leading to the name Rajarani, but this belief is not accepted by historians.<ref name=Parida/>

==Festivals==
The Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha organises a Rajarani music festival at the temple every year from 18 to 20 January.<ref>{{cite news|title=Season of melas|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2219713151.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924203517/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2219713151.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|newspaper=Daily News|location=Sri Lanka|date=23 December 2010|access-date=2 June 2015|via=[[HighBeam Research]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The temple focuses on classical music, and all three styles of classical music – [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani]], [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]] and [[Odissi]] – are given equal importance. Musicians from different parts of the country perform during the three-day festival.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhubaneswar hosts Rajarani music festival|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1945273531.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924203332/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1945273531.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|newspaper=Hindustan Times|location=Bhubaneswar|date=22 January 2010|access-date=2 June 2015|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The festival was started in 2003 with the help of the Bhubaneswar Music Circle (BMC).<ref>{{cite news|title=Orissa takes classical music back into the temples|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1227847641.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202659/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1227847641.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|newspaper=Hindustan Times|location=Bhubaneswar|date=5 March 2007|access-date=2 June 2015|via=HighBeam Research|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of temples in Bhubaneswar]]

== In popular culture ==

* In ''[[Kailashey Kelenkari (novel)|Killer in Kailash]],'' [[Satyajit Ray|Satyajit Ray's]] novel in ''[[Feluda|The Adventures of Feluda]]'' series

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
{{Refbegin|2}}
* {{cite book|title=Designs from Orissan Temples|first1=D.P.|last1=Ghosh|first2= Nirmal Kumar|last2= Bose|first3= Y.D.|last3=Sharma|year=1997|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_books/14834.pdf|publisher=Thacker's Press and Directories, Limited|location=Calcutta and London|isbn=81-7387-075-6|ref=Ghosh}}
* {{cite book|title=The Mukteśvara Temple in Bhubaneswar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y0MQmNx8g2gC&q=rajarani+temple&pg=PA123|first= Walter|last= Smith|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited|isbn=81-208-0793-6|year=1994|location=Delhi|ref=Smith}}
{{Refend}}

==External==
{{Commons category|Rajarani Temple}}
https://www.lingaraj-temple.com/rajarani-temple/<nowiki/>{{Temples in Bhubaneswar}}
{{Shiva temples in Odisha}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Shiva temples in Odisha]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar]]
[[Category:Archaeological monuments in Odisha]]

Rajarani Temple - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article