Narayani Temple - Bhubaneswar

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Site Name: Narayani Temple 
Site Type: Hindu ancient temple
Location:   Near Bindu Sagar tank, Bhubaneswar city, Odisha state, India
Highlights: 7th or 8th century CE Bhaumakara period temple
Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar
How to reach: Well connected by road, rail and air
Hotel: There are many options across the city
Restaurants: Varieties of options
Bhubaneswar is not only about the gigantic Lingaraja temple or the architectural marvels such as Raja Rani temple or Parasurameshwar temple. The city has a lot more to offer for any enthusiastic and art loving traveler or devotee. The city, which is the capital city of Odisha (formerly Orissa) state of India, is called as 'the City of Temples'. It once had around 3000 temples and even today hundreds of temples are located in every nook and corner of this heritage rich city. Let us explore about an unknown but beautiful temple named Narayani temple in this article.

 Narayani Temple is located in the complex of Bbabani Shankar temple near Mohini Temple and Bindu Sagar. The temple is very small. It has sanctum sanctorum with rekha type vimana and small Jagmohana with pidha.
The north facing temple is square on plan. This small temple is partially submerged and only bada portion is visible nowadays. The vimana has floral and scroll decorations. The temple must have been built in the 7th or 8th century CE and it was built by Bhaumakara Kings.

 As it was built by Bhaumakara Kings who were mainly practicising Shakta religion and as it is called as Narayani temple, it must have been a temple of Goddess originally. However, the main deity is not found now. Now, the deities of Ananta Narayana along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi are placed in the sanctorum. Pancha mukha Anjaneya is also found along with the main deity in this temple.

 On the compound wall a nice relief image of Shiva and Parvati in the sitting posture along with their mounts Nandi and lion is found. This image itself is very unique.

 Happy travelling.
Location: Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India

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