Baideswar Baidyanath Temple, Odisha

Address

Baideswar Baidyanath Temple, Baideswar Road, Baideswar, Odisha 754009

Deity

Baidyanath

Introduction

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

Puranic Significance

• Construction Period: Believed to have been built by the Gangas in the 14th century CE, reflecting the architectural style of that era.
• The temple is managed by 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

• Architectural Features:
  • The vimana is square in plan, following a pancharatha (five-fold) plan and panchangabada (elevation) style.
  • The doorjambs of the sanctum have three bands of decoration.
  • The sanctum enshrines 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.
  • Idols of Varaha, Parvati, Kartikeya, Shiva, Mahisasuramardini, Surya, and Trivikrama can be found within the temple premises.
  • A step well is located on the northern side of the temple.
• Dhabalesvara Shrine:
  • Inside the Baidyanath Temple complex, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • It 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 are undecorated, while the images inside date back to the Ganga period of the 14th century CE.
• Kapilesvara Shrine:
  • Another shrine within the complex, believed to have been built by the Gajapathi rulers in the 16th century CE.
  • It 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, respectively.

Festivals

• Major festivals celebrated here include Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima.

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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