Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar: A Serene Destination for Spiritual Seekers

Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the eastern state of Odisha, India. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Rama and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

History: 

The history of Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar dates back to the 1970s when a group of devotees led by Late Shri Nimai Charan Harichandan began collecting funds to build a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple's construction began in 1985, and it took more than 12 years to complete. The temple was finally consecrated on 28 December 1997.

Ram Mandir :(Image Credits:alchetron)

The temple's construction was a collaborative effort, with contributions from people of all faiths and communities. The temple's foundation was laid by Late Shri Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, in 1985. The temple's design is a fusion of Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the walls and ceilings.

The temple's consecration ceremony was attended by several eminent personalities, including Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India. The temple's inauguration was a grand affair, with cultural events, bhajans, and kirtans being performed by eminent artists and musicians.

Ram Mandir :(Image Credits:tripadvisor)

Architecture: 

Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar's architecture is a fusion of Kalinga and Dravidian styles. The temple's design features intricate carvings and sculptures, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

The temple's exterior is adorned with beautiful sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Lord Rama's life, and various other Hindu deities. The temple's main entrance features a towering Gopuram (tower), which is a hallmark of Dravidian architecture. The Gopuram is intricately carved with scenes from the Ramayana and various other Hindu texts.

The temple's interior is equally magnificent, with a spacious hall for conducting religious ceremonies and cultural events. The hall's ceiling features beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Lord Rama, his consort Sita, and his loyal devotee Hanuman. The idols are beautifully crafted and adorned with intricate jewelry and clothes.

Significance: 

The Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. Lord Rama is considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his story is chronicled in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.

The temple complex is believed to be built on the site where Lord Rama had rested during his exile. According to legend, Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana had rested on this spot while on their way to Panchavati. The temple is also believed to be built on the site of an ancient temple that had been destroyed by invaders in the past.

Image Credits:tripadvisor

The Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar is also significant as it is the only temple in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple's impressive architecture, which features a mix of Odishan and North Indian styles, is another testament to its cultural significance.

The temple is also known for its spiritual and religious significance, as it is believed that praying to Lord Rama at the temple can bring peace, prosperity, and happiness. The temple authorities also conduct regular poojas and havans to appease Lord Rama and seek his blessings.

Rama Navami :(Image Credits:sitakanta Nanda)

Festivals: 

The Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar celebrates all major Hindu festivals with great fervor and enthusiasm. The temple is especially crowded during the festival of Rama Navami, which celebrates Lord Rama's birth anniversary. Devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Rama. The temple also celebrates other festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, and Holi with equal enthusiasm.

Ram Mandir :(Image Credits:HinduTemplesInWorld)

Facilities: 

The Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar provides various facilities to devotees to make their visit comfortable and convenient. The temple has a large parking area and a cloakroom where visitors can leave their belongings. It also has a canteen that serves delicious vegetarian food to visitors. The temple has a bookshop that sells books on Hinduism and spiritual literature.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar is during the winter months of October to February. The weather during this time is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. The temperature during these months ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple complex and enjoy its serene surroundings.

Visitors can also plan their visit to coincide with the festival of Rama Navami, which is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at the temple. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers, and special poojas are performed to seek Lord Rama's blessings. The festival usually falls in March or April, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.

It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The heavy rainfall during this time can make the temple premises slippery and unsafe for visitors. The summer months from March to May are also not recommended as the temperature can rise up to 40°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the temple complex.

Interesting Facts

The Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar is a temple steeped in history and culture. Here are some interesting facts about the temple:

1. The temple is believed to be over 30 years old and was constructed by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority.
2. The temple's architecture is a blend of Odishan and North Indian styles, with the shikhara being a prominent feature.
3. The temple complex also houses smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and other Hindu deities.
4. The temple is managed by a trust, and the daily activities and rituals are carried out by a team of priests and volunteers.
5. The temple's main deity, Lord Rama, is depicted with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana.
6. The temple's walls are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, including Lord Rama's coronation and the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana.
7. The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Rama made of black granite, which is believed to be one of the largest in Odisha.
8. The temple's courtyard is spacious and provides ample space for visitors to sit and meditate in peace.
9. The temple authorities conduct regular religious and cultural events, including bhajans, kirtans, and discourses on the Ramayana.
10. The temple's prasad, which is a sweet dish made of jaggery, coconut, and rice, is a popular offering among devotees.

How to reach

Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.

By Road: Visitors can take a taxi or bus from any part of the city to reach Ram Mandir Bhubaneswar. The temple is located near the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar and is well connected by roads.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Bhubaneswar railway station, which is located approximately 8 km from the temple. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from the railway station to reach the temple.

By Air: The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is located approximately 10 km from the temple. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach the temple.