Bhuvaneshwar

Asta Shambhu is a collection of eight temples ranging in height from 4.2m to 6.1m. They are arranged in one alignment of five temples (Panchu Pandava), with the remaining three situated a little closer to Godabari Kund. The temples are relatively plain, but they do all have the traditional Navagraha (nine celestial bodies of the universe) panel carved above the sanctum doorways. The Sukasari temple precinct contains three temples, although the largest structure here is often incorrectly known as Suka, Sari and the third partially ruined temple The Chitrakarini temple’s name is derived from the Goddess Chitrakarini, a Sanskrit term that roughly translates to “Paintress”. She is a form of the Goddess Saraswati, who is regarded as the prime goddess of knowledge and creative expression. The east-facing temple is built in the panchayatana layout, with a central main temple accompanied by four smaller subsidiary shrines According to legend, the Dakara Bibhisaneswar temple was built by Bibhisana, the brother of the demon king Ravana. The word dakara means “to call”. Devi Padahara Pond is thought to have been constructed by the Somavamshi dynasty king Yayati I sometime between 922 and 955 A.D. The pond is surrounded by 108 small temples and lingas