The capital of the eastern state of Orissa, Bubaneshwar is a city of soaring sandstone temples and an ancient place of both mythical and historical significance. The surrounding area constituted the kingdom of Kalinga, which was conquered by Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor, who subsequently renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Later Orissa regained its lost glory and Bubaneshwar thrived. Monastery caves like Khandagiri and Udaygiri were built and most of the Orissa kings who followed constructed beautiful temples. Even today Bubaneshwar seems to live for its temples - and some 500 of the 7,000 that once existed here still survive.