23/12/2019
Odisha, a land more relevantly identified as a melting pot of culture, offers a tourist the essence of incredible India. From the magnetic charm of its natural beauty to the mesmerizing elegance of its wonderful architecture, Odisha stands out as a tourist haven. life and time unveils some of the secret splendorus of this beautiful state.
It can be called a paradise unexplored. Odisha, a humble state on the eastern coast of India can steal your heart right away with its enticing appeal. Blessed immensely with nature's bounties, this picturesque land offers many refreshing gateways. The state enjoy an unrivalled tradition of art & culture. The temple architecture of Odisha is a distinctly special and intrigues many art connoisseurs. Dotted with infinite number of temples, the state has also been a spiritual destination for tourist from far and wide.
Pillars of Glory
Odisha basks in the glory of historically and architecturally rich monuments, some of which have successfully made their way into the list of World Heritage Monuments.
Some of the prominent and magnificent monuments include the early Jain Cave temples, Buddhist monasteries, ancient and medieval forts and more visibly the Hindu temples.
Remains of Buddhist heritage unearthed at various sites in the state provide evidence of Odisha significance as an epicenter of Buddhism in the past. Dhauli hills on the banks of river DAYA on the outskirts of the capital city Bhubaneswar is a site of great historical importance. The great Kalinga War of 261 BC is presumed to have been fought on these hills.
It is believed that the heavy bloodshed in this war whichturned river Daya into a river of blood washed out of the evils from the mind of the cruel Chandashoka, thus transforming him into Dharmashoka. After this war, Ashoka took refuge in Buddhism and followed the path of peace for the rest of his life. This place contains major edicts of the emperor, engraved on a huge mass of rock. The rock-cut elephant above the edicts is the earliest buddhist sculpture of Odisha. The dazzling white peace pagoda built in 1970 by the Japanese monk on these hills remind every onlooker of the valiant tale of the ancient Kalingans.
Excavations at other sites like Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Langudi have further shed light on the once flourshing Buddhism in the state. Different dynasites ruling the state at different periods of history were engaged in a kind of competition to establish their supermacyin the art of monument building. One of the great rules of ancient Kalinga, Emperor Kharavela contributed generously to Odisha architecture through the rock-cut caves, the remains of which are found on the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri. This well-craved caves are known to have been built for the Jain ascetics. These stage mark a stage of evolution in the Odisha art and architecture.
Various successive dynasties which ruled Odisha were prolific temple builders and left a rich legacy of magnificent temples accross the state. Bhubaneswar, the modern capital of odisha has earned the title of the''Temple City of India', owing to the presence of large numbers of temples. Among the most beautiful temples in Bhubaneswar are the Mukteswar Temple etc. The temples of odisha in terms of their architectural grace and sculptural magnificence.
The sun temple at Konark is famous worldwide as an epitome of architectural excellence. Listed as a world heritage monument, this temple depicts the chariot of the mythical Sun Gold on 24 huge wheels being drawn by seven spirited horse. The image of courtiers, courtesans, musicians, soldiers and others, finely chiseled out on the stone walls, chronicle life during that period of history. Its fine traceries and scrollwork, as well as incritate sculpting of animal and human figures, make it superior to other temples. The Konark Temple observed as the zenith of Odisha architecture is not doubt a 'poetry in stone'There are many other richly craved temples which add to the pride of sculptural elegance in the state. The deft craftsmanship of these pillars of leave the visitors completely spellbound.
Nature's Poetry
The natural beauty of Odisha is simply beguiling and one has to experience it to believe. Flanked by a rich coastline stretching to a distance of more than 482 kms, Odisha has some of the most beautiful beaches in the World. While the tourist throng the chandrabhaga beach to witness the spectacular sunrise, they enjoy the playful sea which tends to recede 5 kms twice a day at the Chandipur sea beach. Many other virgin beaches in the state still wait to be discovered and enjoyed.
While the vast blue dominates Odisha's coast, the soothing green paints its enigmatic interiors. Dotted with sylvan landscapes, undulating meadows, serenading rivers, sensuous gorges, cascading waterfalls and murmuring brooks, Odisha is a beautiful poetry of mother nature. the state boasts of Asia's largest estuarine lake at Chilka and India's 2nd largest mangrove eco-system at Bhitarakanika. Inhabited by an amazing variety of flora and fauna, it offers a close brush with the elements of nature. The narrows trails along the mysterious forests present an irresistible invitation for a glorious and adventurous experience in the lap of nature.
Cradle of culture
Odisha is the cradle of a colourful culture. Popularly known as the land of festivals, Odisha has a festival in every season and a reason for each festival. The people of Odisha are strongly anchored to their traditional practices, simultaneously extending a graceful welcome to modernity. They take pride in their fairs and festivals which are elaborately celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Rathayatra, the internationally famous Car Festival of Lord Jagannath is traditionally celebrated at Puri and is perhaps the grandest festival on earth owing to the magnitude of devotees who throng in huge numbers to witness the celebration. Some of the other popular festival include Makar sankranti, Dola Purnima, Rajo, Durga Puja, Janamastami, Kartik Purnima, Nuakhai etc.
The people of Odisha are very inclined towards creativity which is evident by the beautiful designed handicrafts and handlooms, manufactured in various part of the state. The local artisans weave exquisite and colourful designs on the loom depicting mythological stories and characters. The handicrafts of Odisha offer an amazing range of gift and decor products made with a variety of base materials which includes, wood, stone, horn, glass, cane &bamboo, palm leaf, silver, gemstones etc.
Last but not the least, visit to Odisha is incomplete without a complete Odia meal. It's interesting to note that Odias are popular for their cooking and make great chefs. With a long coastline, the state is a virtual heaven for seafood lovers. Popular local delicacies include a great variety of fishes, crabs, lobsters and prawns. The food preferred by Odisha is mostly non-spicy and less oily and includes lost of fresh vegetables and herbs. Odisha is extremely popular for the ''chenna'' based swets and some of the popular varieties include- Chennapodopitha, Chenna gaja, Chenna jhilli, Rasabali and Rasogulla.
A trip of Odisha is like finding that perfect vacation, where you get the best of food, the best of sight-seeingtrips and the best of luxury.And to top it all, the extreme hospitality of the odia people with their simple words and ways, makes your heart yearn to return here time after time.
Life & Time
Sangeeta Tripathy
