Rajarani Temple
Built in the 11th century, the Rajarani Temple (referred to in traditional sanskrit texts as Indresvara Siva temple) is remarkable for its sculptural excellence and is a unique experiment in the field of architecture in Orissa. Rajarani stands on a raised platform amidst swaying paddy fields and blooming flowers in Old Bhubaneswar. It is decorated with impressive Oriya temple carvings and is remarkable for the absence of any presiding deity. The temple's name is supposed to be derived from the red-gold sandstone used in building it - rajarani being the local name for the stone.
The sculptures adorning the walls portray women in dance poses that hint at the practice of Odissi dance, coquettish women, women carrying children, looking at their reflection in the mirror or playing with birds and nature. There are erotic figures carved in high relief and scenes of marriage of Siva, Nataraja, Parvati are some of the important cult images of the temple.
Guardians of the Eight Directions project from the base of the temple and include Indra (god of rain), Agni (god of fire), Yama (god of death), Nirriti (god of suffering), Varuna (god of ocean), Vayu (god of wind), Kubera (god of wealth) and Ishana (Shiva).