The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.51.1

v2.c17.51.1

Divested of its legendary surroundings, this story clearly shows that Bhuvaneśvara was established as a rival of Benares, and with a view to divert to it a part at least of the halo of religion which surrounded that holy city; and from accounts elsewhere given, it appears that nothing was omitted in the way of details to make it the exact counterpart of its prototype. Every temple, every sacred pool, every rivulet, every ceremonial, every observance, and every legend of Benares were reproduced at Bhuvaneśvara, and *mutatis mutandis* the description of the one would be a close description of the other. The opportunity seized was probably the revival under that great leader and soldier of the Hindu faith, Yayāti, and it was an appropriate one. Buddhism at the time was most rampant at Benares; the Hindus, who identified it with atheism and vice, naturally wished to transfer their sacred shrines to a place where it had been overcome, and the revival of Hinduism in Orissa under the first prince of the Keśarī dynasty was a fitting occasion, and the dominion of that potentate the most convenient place, for the purpose. The prince himself doubtless gave the first impulse by establishing temples, granting rent-free lands for their support, and otherwise encouraging the followers of Śiva, and the consummation was effected in a very short time. According to the Temple Records of Puri, he commenced the erection of the Great Tower, but did not live long enough to finish it;