Rajarani Temple

The Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, celebrated for the extraordinary refinement and sensuous grace of its sculptural decoration. Built around 1000 CE during the Somavamshi period, the temple takes its name from the local sandstone (rajarani) used in its construction.

There is no presiding deity installed in the temple — the ASI maintains it purely as a monument open to visitors of all backgrounds. The outer wall displays beautifully carved directional guardians (dikpalas), celestial musicians, apsaras, and amorous couples in horizontal friezes.

The annual Rajarani Music Festival, held in January against the temple backdrop, attracts classical artists from across India.