Puri Nilakantheswar Temple (Pancha Pandava Sthalam of Puri), Odisha

Address

Puri Nilakantheswar Temple (Pancha Pandava Sthalam of Puri), Makubana, Puri, Odisha 752002

Diety

Nilakantheswar

Introduction

The Nilakantheswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the Pancha Pandava Temples in Puri. These temples are associated with the five Pandava brothers from the Indian epic Mahabharata. In the case of Nilakantheswar Temple, it is particularly associated with Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers.The Nilakantheswar Temple is conveniently located in Puri, making it accessible to pilgrims and tourists. It is situated about 1.5 kilometers from the Puri Bus Stand, 2 kilometers from the Puri Railway Station, and 3 kilometers from the world-famous Puri Jagannath Temple.

Puranic Significance

Name and Significance: Nilakantheswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is named after one of Lord Shiva’s epithets, “Nilakantheswar,” which means “the blue-throated one.” This name is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva drinking the lethal poison Halahala during the churning of the ocean, with his throat turning blue as a result.
Pancha Pandava Temples: Nilakantheswar Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temples in Puri, associated with the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. These temples were built to commemorate the Pandavas’ visit to Puri during their exile.
Ashta Shambhus: According to the Skanda Purana Purusottama Mahatmya, Puri is known as Shankha Kshetra, and it is protected by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus. Nilakantheswar Temple is one of these Ashta Shambhus, signifying its role in safeguarding Puri.

Special Features

Age and Architecture: The Nilakantheswar Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and follows the Kalingan style of temple architecture. It consists of a pidha vimana, jagamohana, and a flat-roofed Bhogamandapa. The temple’s Panchangabada elevation adds to its architectural beauty.
Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Nilakantheswar, who is worshipped in the form of a Shiva Lingam placed within a circular yonipitha. The temple’s lintel is adorned with images of Navagrahas (nine celestial deities associated with planetary movements).

The Nilakantheswar Temple’s rich history, architectural grandeur, and religious significance make it an important pilgrimage site in Puri, attracting devotees and visitors from various parts of India and beyond.