Bhubaneswar Uttaresvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Uttaresvara Temple, Odisha

Old Town, Bhubaneswar,

Odisha 751002

Moolavar

Uttaresvara

Introduction

• Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
  • Situated on the northern embankment of the Bindusagar tank, to the north of the Lingaraj Temple.
• Historical Significance: The temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its historical and architectural importance.

Construction and Renovation

• Construction Period: Built in the 7th century CE by the Bhaumakara Kings, the temple reflects the architectural style of the era.
• Renovation: In the 19th century CE, the temple underwent renovation to preserve its heritage and structural integrity.

Temple Complex

The Uttaresvara Temple complex is not just home to the Uttaresvara Temple but includes several other structures:

• Bhimesvara Temple
• Ashta Sambhu Temples: Eight identical temples
• Godavari Tank
• Dilapidated temples: Some ancient structures within the complex are in a state of ruin.

Architectural Features

• Orientation: The temple faces east and is an active place of worship.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, known as Uttaresvara, represented by a Shiva Lingam within a circular yoni pitha.
• Sacred Mount Pillar: A Nandi (the sacred bull) is placed in front of the sanctum, a common feature in Shiva temples.
• Entrance Features:
  • The entrance is adorned with a four-armed Goddess Gajalakshmi seated in lalitasana (a meditative pose) on a lotus pedestal.
  • Above the doorjamb, the architrave displays depictions of the Navagrahas (nine planets).
  • Dvarapalas (guardian figures) and attendants are positioned at the lower portions of the doorjambs.
  • Bhairava and Bhairavi idols are placed at the entrance of the sanctum.
  • A Lord Narasimha idol is found at the right side of the entrance.

Architectural Layout

• Sanctum and Jagamohana:
  • The temple features a rekha type vimana (shrine superstructure) for the sanctum.
  • The Jagamohana (assembly hall) has a rectangular flat roof, with a roof constructed in two tiers of sloping terraces and a clerestory between them.
  • The vimana is designed in tri-ratha (three-rayed) on the plan and trianga bada (three-tiered) on elevation.
• Niche Images:
  • The southern wall of the jagamohana contains three niches:
    • Northern niche: Image of six-armed Mahisasuramardini, a form of Goddess Durga.
    • Southern niche: Image of four-armed Siddhi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha).
    • Western niche: Image of Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva.

Religious Significance

• The Uttaresvara Temple is associated with the Ashta Chandi of Lord Lingaraj.
• It plays a significant role in local religious traditions and rituals, particularly in the worship of Lord Shiva.

 Century/Period

7th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Bhubaneswar

Nearest Railway Station

Bhubaneswar

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

Location on Map

lightuptemple