Baideswar Baidyanath Temple, Odisha

Address

Baideswar Baidyanath Temple, Baideswar Road, Baideswar, Odisha 754009

Diety

Baidyanath

Introduction

Baidyanath Temple and its associated shrines in Baideswar Village, Cuttack District, Odisha, India. This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has historical and architectural significance. It is situated on the Cuttack to Daspalla route.

Puranic Significance

Construction Period: The temple is believed to have been built by the Gangas in the 14th century CE, reflecting the architectural style of that era. The temple is under the control of the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha. The Baidyanath Temple faces east and consists of a pidha vimana (tower) and a pillared mandapa (hall) with a galvanized steel sheet roof.

Special Features

1. Architectural Features:
   • The vimana is square on plan and follows a pancharatha (five-fold) plan and panchangabada (elevation) style.
   • The doorjambs of the sanctum have three bands of decoration.
   • The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Lord Baidyanath, in the form of a Linga within a circular yonipitha.
   • Nisha shrines are added over the parsvadevta (side deity) niches.
   • The exterior walls of the sanctum are relatively plain, with a few stucco maithuna (erotic) images.
   • In the temple premises, you can find idols of Varaha, Parvati, Kartikeya, Shiva, Mahisasuramardini, Surya, and Trivikrama.
   • A step well is situated on the northern side of the temple.
2. Dhabalesvara Shrine: Inside the Baidyanath Temple complex, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva called Dhabalesvara. This east-facing pidha shrine enshrines Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga within a circular yonipitha. The shrine also houses images of Jain Thirthankara Parshvanatha and Goddess Parvathy. The exterior walls of this shrine lack decoration, but the images inside date back to the Ganga period of the 14th century CE.
3. Kapilesvara Shrine: Another shrine within the Baidyanath Temple complex is the Kapilesvara Shrine. It is believed to have been built by the Gajapathi rulers in the 16th century CE. This east-facing pidha shrine enshrines Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga within a rectangular yonipitha. The shrine follows a pancharatha plan and panchanga bada elevation style. Images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvathy are found in the parsvadevta niches on the southern, western, and northern sides of the shrine, respectively.

The Baidyanath Temple and its associated shrines are not only places of worship but also historical and architectural treasures that provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Century/Period/Age

14th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Baidewar

Nearest Railway Station

Begunia station

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

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