Once the principle centre of Buddhism in Odisha, the superb Ratnagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site is located on a hill between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers, 100 km north-east of Bhubaneswar. Together with Udayagiri and Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri completes a set of Buddhist centres in Odisha commonly known as the Diamond Triangle.
Dedicated to Shiva and built circa 950 A.D. during the Somavamshi dynasty, the west-facing Mukteshwar (also spelt Mukteswara, Mukeshvara, Mukteswar) Temple is the most exquisitely ornamented temple to be found in Bhubaneswar.
Situated in the same complex as the Mukteshvara Temple and associated smaller shrines, the east-facing sandstone Siddhesvara (Siddheshwar or Siddheswar) Temple is believed to have been constructed during the rule of Kapilendra in the 15th century A.D.
Less than 1 km east of the Kapilesvara Temple within a residential area beside a pretty tank, the small Sukhmesvara (Sukhamesvara) Temple was a chance discovery. The temple was not on my radar at all, and indeed there’s very little mention of it on the internet at all. I […]
Located in the south-west outskirts of old Bhubaneswar and dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapilesvara (Kapileswar) Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in the city comprising of over 30 separate monuments.
Located directly opposite the Udayagiri Caves complex on the other side of the road, Khandagiri Caves comprises of 15 caves in total, and it is believed the excavations here are a little later than Udayagiri. However, the use of the complex extended far longer than at Udayagiri, the last inscription at Udayagiri is dated to the 12th century A.D, but Khandagiri Caves continued to gain importance as a Jain tirtha, which it still is today. The caves were extensively renovated during the reign of Uddyotakeshari of the Somavamshi dynasty in the 11th century A.D.
Dating back as early as the 2nd century B.C, Udayagiri Caves are a fascinating set of deep cut sandstone caves 3km west of Bhubaneswar in Odisha. Built by the Jain ruler Kharavela, the caves were part of a large Jain monastic complex. Whilst many of the caves appear to have been converted into shines, originally it is believed they served as dormitories and study areas for the monks.
Located in the tiny quaint village of Nuapitapada (also known as Pitapada), the Angeswara Temple is located a mere 3.5km away from the Varahi (Barahi) Deula Temple in the neighbouring village of Chaurasi.
Kevin Standage 
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