Bhubaneswar Siddheshwar Temple - Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Siddheshwar Temple Near Bindwsagar Pond, Kedar GouriVihar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002, India

Diety

Siddheshwar

Introduction

Bhubaneswar Siddheshwar Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Situated in the same complex as the Mukteshvara Temple and associated smaller shrines, the east-facing sandstone Siddhesvara (Siddheshwar or Siddheswar) Temple is believed to have been constructed during the rule of Kapilendra in the 15th century A.D

Puranic Significance

Siddheshwar Temple dates back to 15th century and is located within the premises of the Mukteswar temple. Siddheshwar Temple is taller than Mukteswar temple and its outer walls are covered with minimal carvings. The temple is not as ornate as Mukteswar but has a charm of its own as far as the construction pattern is concerned. The temple tower, built in Pancharatna style of classical Kalinga School of temple architecture, is grouped by a row of miniature turrets and all four sides of the tower are surmounted by four lions. While Lord Shiva is worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum, a beautiful figure of Lord Ganesh in standing posture is another attraction of the temple. The Ganesh idol that is kept covered with a thick layer of red vermillion has been installed at the eastern base of the temple spire. There are sculptures in two of the niches; Ganesha in the east niche standing on a lotus pedestal, and the four-armed Kartikeya in the south niche. Within the temple, the presiding deity is a Siva lingam within a circular laterite yonipitha.