Odisha · East
Rajarani Temple
Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar · Indreswar Temple
Dated to the 11th century, the Rajarani Temple takes its name from the dull red-and-yellow sandstone (locally 'rajarani') quarried for its construction rather than from any royal patron. Its deul is the finest Odishan example of the clustered-spire form, in which miniature replica towers are stacked around a central shikhara in a manner that scholars link stylistically to the temples of Khajuraho far to the north. Large graceful nayika figures and dikpala guardians animate the exterior niches, executed with unusual sensuousness for Kalinga sculpture. Uniquely among major Odishan temples, no deity was ever installed in its sanctum, so it functions purely as an architectural monument rather than a working shrine, making it a favourite subject for photographers and architecture-focused visitors.
Art & Architecture
- Deul built from distinctive local dull-red-and-yellow sandstone giving the temple its name
- Cluster-spire (panchratha) tower with miniature replica turrets stacked in rekha style, close to the Khajuraho idiom
- Life-size dikpala guardian figures and sensuous nayika figures at cardinal points
- No image ever consecrated in the empty sanctum, making it purely an architectural showpiece
Best Season
Festivals
Rajarani Music Festival
Journeys Featuring This Temple
Planning your visit
Nearby
Guesthouses and dharamshalas near the temple often take walk-ins. Confirm a single-occupancy rate when you call.
- Airavat818 m
Rated 4.1 on Google Maps from 305 reviews, a short auto ride from Rajarani Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- Hotel Kalinga Ashok1.6 km
Rated 4.0 on Google Maps from 266 reviews, a short auto ride from Rajarani Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- Hotel Pushpak1.7 km
Rated 4.4 on Google Maps from 10,144 reviews, a short auto ride from Rajarani Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
Rated 4.4 on Google Maps from 3,520 reviews, a short auto ride from Rajarani Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- Hotel 107 Not Out267 m
From Overture Maps — not verified by us (2026-08-02)
- Royal Palace Old Town Bhubaneswar289 m
From Overture Maps — not verified by us (2026-08-02)
Listings drawn from third-party maps are not verified by us and may be out of date. Please confirm directly before you travel.
Sources