Siddhesvara Temple - Bhubaneswar

Site Name: Siddhesvara Temple 
Site Type: Hindu ancient temple
Location:   Bhubaneswar city, Odisha state, India
Highlights: 12th century period temple built by the Gangas
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, 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. The city is called as Ekamara Kshetra as it has so many Shiva temples. Let us explore one of the most beautiful and popular temples of Bhubaneswar, Siddhesvara Temple.

Location:

Siddhesvara temple is located on the north-west corner of the Mukteswar temple complex. The complex is very popular in Bhubaneswar. From Parasurameswar temple, it is located hardly 300 meters away. 

Introduction:

Siddhesvara temple is one of the temples located in the most beautiful Muktesvar temple complex in Bhubaneswar. Muktesvar temple is called as 'Gem of Odishan temple architecture'. 

The temple can be dated back to the early 12th century CE and was built by the Ganga Kings.

Architecture and Temple Layout:

Siddhesvara temple is a living temple which enshrines Shiva Linga idol in the big main shrine. The temple also has a sub-shrine without any deity. 

The temple's vimana is of rekha order and Jagamohana is of Pidha order and both of them are located on a raised platform. The east facing temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchanga bada in elevation, while the Jagamohana is Trianga bada in elevation.

The interior of the temple as well as the vimana are plain. However, the exterior wall of the temple has a lot of decorative elements like khakhara mundi, pidha mundi, vajra mundi, stambha motif, etc. and decorative windows.

Ganesha and Kartikeya appear as Parsva devta deities in this temple. The sculpture of Kartikeya is very attractive. He is in the standing posture and has four arms which is slightly unusual in Bhubaneswar temples; he is also accompanied by peacock and cock; a woman attender or his wife stands nearby. 

Happy travelling.



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