Originally named as “Lord Indreswara” the Rajarani Temple was also famous as the “Love temple” among the locals. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known to be built in the 11th century, it is famed for its sculpted figures and consecutive tier of the projections that form an 18 m high tower. The temple is having a square sanctuary but the exteriors and interiors are designed in a way that it seems to be circular.
You must be thinking that the temple is named after a king or queen or must be having the story related to them. But, surprisingly, the temple is named after the local sandstone “Rajarani” that was used for its construction.
The main attraction of the Rajarani Temple is the fine sculptures of the guardians of eight directions that are carved around the shrine. The guardians are dressed in almost transparent drapery and they stand on the lotuses. Starting from the east, the eight shrines are Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Isana. Also, the temple is surrounded by blooming flowers that add to its elegant looks.
