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Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha. Over the span of time Bhubaneswar has been known by different names such as Kalinga Nagar, Tribhubaneswar, and Ekamra Kanana. Also according to some Sanskrit texts, Bhubaneswar was once named Mandiramalini. The epigraphic sources like the Angul copper plate of king Kardeva, the Bramheswar Temple, inscriptions of in the Lingraj Temple and the literary sources like Utkal Khanda of the Skanda Purana, the Siva Puran and the Brahma Puran, Kapila Samhita, Sornadrimahodaya and the Ekamra Chandrika describe Bhubaneswar as Ekamra Khetra. Some of the mythologies link Ekamra Vana with intresting story of Lord Siva and Parvati. The Goddess Parvati crushes two demons to death in Ekamra Vana, and Lord Siva creates a spring from earth to quench the thrist of Goddess Parvati after her tiring battle with the demons. This source of water is held to be the present Bindu Sarovar. The most favourable evidence is the Chaitnya Bhagabat which states Bhubaneswar being the abode of Lord Siva or Lingaraj is also known as Bhubaneswar (Lord of earth). So in due course of time as the religious influences has become more pronounced, and the whole kshetra has touched the psyche of the people as a ‘Saiva Pitha’, and the name in the process of an evolotuion, has finally emerged as Bhubaneswar.

In 1936 Odisha became the separte province with Cuttack as its Capital. But the question of the final location of the capital rise to a number of options of places for selection. Due to its central location, high altitude, good communication, vast plateau like high uplands slopping to the sides, eco-friendly climate and above all deep rooted historical significance with leftout landmarks of architectures and sculptures, Bhubaneswar was finally selected to be the capital of Odisha. During the chief Ministership of Dr. H.K.Mahtab,in 1948 on April 13. Pandit Jawaharlal Neheru, the then Prime Minister of India laid the foundation stone of the New Capital. In the same year the capital was shifted from cuttack to Bhubaneswar.

It is also called as temple city of India. Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Today it is the hustling centre for business and commerce activity of Odisha. Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern aspirations, it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle that incorporates the holy city of Puri and Konark, for the tourists that flock to pay their homage to the religious, cultural and natural wonders that abound here.

The striking features of the Bhubaneswar are the numerous temples and shrines that seem to be all around you. Bhubaneswar’s skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink transluscence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-cultural permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient cultural strength of Odisha and are well-worth exploring at greater length.

The temples have after all stood testimony to the area’s history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. An interesting variation figures in the Vaital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, ic can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside.
The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection of archaeological artefacts, weapons and local arts and crafts and insights into Odisha’s natural and tribal history. The museum has world’s largest collection of palm-leaf paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird’s eye view of the State’s tribal heritage. The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) has about 500 acres of plantations, tissue culture and experimental laboratory and a huge lake where migratory birds make their home. The two unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country (an area of 20 acres) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia.

Bhubaneswar is a shopper’s delight. Sarees woven by the master weavers in silk and cotton are available in the private shops and government emporia. You can also pick up all kinds of artefacts and jewellery produced in different parts of the State. The I landloom Weavers Co-operative is worth a visit. Bhubaneswar has excellent air and rail linkages with most major cities in the country.

Communication:

Air
Bhubaneswar is connected to the cities of Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Raipur through regular flights. Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar is the only major airport in the state.

Rail
Bhubaneswar is directly connected by rail with Kolkata, Puri, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Trivandrum.

Road
The city is linked with Berhampur, Chilka, Cuttack, Konark, Paradip, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and other places. Interstate bus services operate daily between Kolkata and Puri via Bhubaneswar and Tatanagar (Jamshedpur).