Raja-Rani Temple - राजा-रानी मंदिर

The Rajarani Temple was constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries and was earlier known as the Indreswara Temple. The spectacular temple had to be refurbished and renovated in the year 1903 after it reached a dilapidated state. It continues to hold a prestigious place among the holy places in Bhubaneswar even after all these years.

The temple was constructed with dull red and yellow sandstone, which the locals call as Raja-Rani, hence the temple is named Raja-Rani Temple. Locally it is known as the Prem Mandir because of its erotic carvings of women and couples. There is no idol, deity or image inside the sanctum, so it is not associated with a specific community of Hinduism, but is classified as Shaivism based on the paintings on the walls of the temple.

The Rajarani temple is classified as a stamped (Rs 15) monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The walls around the temple include various sculptures and depictions of scenes of marriage of Shiva, Nataraja, Parvati and tall, slim, sophisticated heroines in various roles and moods, such as turning her head from attenuated monk, loving her child, holding a branch of the tree, rushing to her toilet, looking for a mirror, locking her anklet, beholding her pet bird, and playing musical instruments. The beauty of the temple further enhances the sprawling green garden around it.

A Rajarni music festival is organized in the temple every year from 14-20 January by the Tourism Department of the Government of Odisha. The festival lays equal emphasis on Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi styles of classical music and witnesses the active participation of talented musicians from all parts of the country who come together in this enjoyable three-day festival.