Day 29 - Bhubaneshwar - Vizag (stay in Vizag)
Kilometers covered - 475 KMs
Walking - 5000+ steps
Complimentary breakfast - corn flakes, poha, boiled green peas, bread toasts and chai. Checked out by 8.10 AM and went to Bhubaneshwar local site visits.
Hirapur Chausath Yogini Temple, Bhubaneshwar. It's a tantric roofless shrine, as tantric prayer rituals involve worshipping the bhumandala (environment consisting all the 5 elements of nature - fire, water, earth, air and ether), and the yoginis believe to be capable of flight. The yogini idols represent female figures standing on an animal, a demon or a human head depicting the victory of Shakti (Feminine power). The idols express everything from rage, sadness, pleasure, joy, desire and happiness etc.., It was disturbing to see such structures being attacked and broken - you could check in wiki or google to know how, who and why :(
Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneshwar - is believed to have been known originally as Indreswara. It is locally known as a "love temple" because of the erotic carvings in the temple. 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.
Mukteshwar, Siddheshwar Enclave - classy design and architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteshvara Temple is also known as the "Gem of Odisha architecture" or "Kalinga Architecture". The temple faces west and is constructed in a lower basement amidst a group of temples. It's a complex having 3-4 small temples and is a must visit :)
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneshwar -
mobile phones are not allowed, however you can find umpteen ways from the outside roads and structures to capture this lovely monument. If you're claiming that Hoysala's and Chola's built vast, huge and class temples - you would also include Kalinga architecture (Somavamsi Dynasty) in that list after visiting this masterpiece. I'm against comparison, however appreciate all the efforts taken by kings across India in this regard. You'll be astonished for the most part and wouldn't find words to describe this complex. You'll need a minimum of 1 hour to visit this temple complex
After the local siteseeing amidst hot climate - gulped few tata glucos, water, soda etc.., and started our NH 16 ride to Vizag. A very sad part is that we couldn't find a decent veg meals hotel on the highway and the good part is we found one inside the Srikakulam town. A super duper, delicious lunch (rice, gongura pickle, ghee, gun powder, hot and spicy pappu, snake gourd fry, rasam, drumstick pulusu, curd, appalam etc.., - pakka Andhra meals - yipeeeee)
Another CNG refill at Sivajyoti Enterprises, Vizag (IOCL pump)
The stay was booked at Treebo Celestal, Vizag. We called and informed local Indian Oil team regarding the location. We would be meeting them tomorrow - a small meet and greet session.
The lunch was heavy and hence settled for fruit dinner :)
Luv,
Krishna & Mahadevan
insta - viswanatkr01
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