Bhubaneswar Bhrukutesvara Shiva Temple, Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Bhrukutesvara Shiva Temple, near TalesvaraTemple, Khurda Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002, India

Diety

Bhrukutesvar

Introduction

The Bhrukutesvar Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds historical and architectural significance. The Bhrukutesvar Temple is situated on the right side of the Badheibank chowk, along the road that leads from the Lingaraja Temple to the Yamesvara Temple. This location places it in the vicinity of other prominent temples in Bhubaneswar.

Historical Attribution: While there may be local beliefs attributing the temple’s construction to the Somavamsi dynasty in the 10th century CE, architectural analysis suggests that it could belong to the Ganga period, which is estimated to be in the 13th century CE. These attributions are often based on the temple’s architectural style and historical context.
Orientation: The Bhrukutesvar Temple faces north, which is a less common orientation for Hindu temples in India but holds significance for worship.
Architectural Style: The temple is described as a single-structure pidha Deul, which implies that it follows a pidha style of temple architecture. In pidha Deul temples, the superstructure rises in multiple stories, and the temple is known for its distinct features like the pyramid-like shape.
Condition: Unfortunately, the Bhrukutesvar Temple is reported to be in a state of ruins. Over time, various factors, including natural wear and tear, weathering, and possibly historical events, may have contributed to its present condition.
Presiding Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, and he is worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga, which is a sacred symbol representing Lord Shiva’s cosmic and creative energy.
Additional Idols: On the temple premises, you can find idols of Uma Maheshwara and Lakulisa. Uma Maheshwara represents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together, symbolizing the divine union of masculine and feminine energies in Hinduism. Lakulisa is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is associated with the Pashupata sect.