Chitrakarini Temple: A Sanctuary of Art and Divinity

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Explore the artistic and spiritual heritage of Odisha at the Chitrakarini Temple, a 13th-century marvel dedicated to the goddess of creativity.

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Chitrakarini Temple

The Chitrakarini Temple in Bhubaneswar is a 13th-century gem dedicated to Goddess Chitrakarini, a form of Saraswati. It showcases the Kalinga architectural style with intricate carvings and a peaceful ambiance, offering a glimpse into Odisha's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Chitrakarini Temple

6RQM+P9Q, Near Badhai Banka Chhak, Rath Road, Old Town, Kedar Lane, Lingaraj Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Odisha, 751002, IN
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Local tips

Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a pleasant experience.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Lingaraj Temple and Mukteswara Temple.
Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temple walls.

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Getting There

Public Transport

Take a local bus heading towards Old Town Bhubaneswar. Look for buses that mention 'Lingaraj Temple' or 'Old Town' in their route. Alight at the nearest stop and walk to the temple, approximately a 10-minute walk from most bus stops in Old Town. Bus fares typically range from ₹10-₹20.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Use a taxi or ride-hailing service like Ola or Uber. Enter the address as 'Chitrakarini Temple, Near Badhai Banka Chhak, Rath Road, Old Town, Kedar Lane, Lingaraj Nagar'. The fare generally ranges from ₹150 to ₹300 within the city.
Auto-Rickshaw

Take an auto-rickshaw to Chitrakarini Temple near Badhai Banka Chhak, Rath Road. Negotiate the fare before the ride; expect to pay around ₹50-₹100 depending on your starting point.

Discover more about Chitrakarini Temple

Nestled in the Old Town of Bhubaneswar, the Chitrakarini Temple is a testament to Odisha's rich artistic and religious heritage. This 13th-century temple, built during the reign of Ganga King Narasimha Deva I, is dedicated to Goddess Chitrakarini, a unique representation of Saraswati as the 'Paintress of Life'. The temple stands as a 'Monument of National Importance', recognized under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act of 1958. The temple follows the Panchayatana layout, featuring a main shrine surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines. The main shrine houses the idol of Chamunda, a fierce Shakti form, while the Jagmohan (assembly hall) displays idols of Hanuman and Navagraha. The temple's architecture exemplifies the Kalinga style, characterized by intricate stone carvings, including sculptures of elephants, lions, dancing girls, and deities. Visitors can explore the temple's well-manicured gardens and admire the detailed carvings on the subsidiary shrines. The temple offers a serene escape from the bustling city, attracting locals and tourists alike. It's a place to appreciate the artistic mastery of ancient Odisha and connect with the region's spiritual roots.