Megheswar Temple - Bhubaneswar

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Site Name: Megheswar Temple 
Site Type: Hindu ancient temple
Location:   Bhubaneswar city, Odisha state, India
Highlights: Architecturally beautiful ancient 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, 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 a little known temple, Megheswar temple, in this article.

Location:

Megheswar temple is located on the Tankapani Road leading from Ravi Talkies square to the river Daya at a distance of around 1.5 kms from the square. It is located very near to Bhaskaresvara temple. Refer the route map given in the article for exact location.

History:

Megheswar temple was built by the Gangas in the 12th century CE. As per an inscription found here, it was built as per the instruction of Swapnesvara, brother in law of the Ganga King Rajaraja during the period of Rajaraja's brother Anangabhima (1192-95 CE).

Temple Layout:

Megheswar temple is architecturally very beautiful. It has Vimana of rekha order and the Jagamohana of Pidha order. It is Sapta ratha on plan.

The entrance of the temple complex has a sculpted arch. The temple entrance has two big attractive Naga stambhas. In addition, the relief images of tiny Dwarapalas along with the rivers Ganga and Yamuna are also found at the door jamb. The top portion has Navagraha panel and Lakshmi below that. 

It is a living temple enshrining Shiva Linga named Megheswar. A later period small sized Nandi is facing towards the main shrine. The vimana as well as the exterior walls are full of carvings of dancing ladies, animals such as lions, elephants and Yalis, birds, decorations and Shiva in different postures.

There are three Parsvadevtas (niche idols) which are big in size and very attractive. The niche idols found are Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikeya. Ganesha idol appears not to be very old. Kartikeya is found with a peacock and his wife (or female attendant?). Parvati has two female attendants on her either sides as well as lions. 

Happy travelling.





Location: Pandav Nagar, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India

Comments

  1. sujata patnaikWednesday, December 04, 2019

    I was pleasantly surprised to come across this write up of yours.I belong to Bhubaneswar. This lesser known temple is my favorite one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indian ColumbusFriday, December 06, 2019

      Thanks Madam. Bhubaneswar is one of my favorite destinations. I have written extensively about various temples of Bhubaneswar.

      http://indiancolumbus.blogspot.com/p/bhubaneswar.html

      Delete

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