Baneswar Padmesvar Temple – Odisha

Address

Baneswar Padmesvar Temple – Odisha

Baneswar hillock, Barapurikia

Padamala village, Cuttack District

Odisha 754037

Moolavar

Padmesvar

Introduction

Padmesvar Temple in Padamala village, Cuttack District, Odisha, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a rich history and architectural significance.

Location: The Padmesvar Temple is located on the top of the Baneswar hillock in Padamala village, situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi near Narasinghpur in Cuttack District, Odisha.

Construction Period: The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century CE by the Somavamsi dynasty.

Renovations: The temple underwent renovations in different periods. It was renovated by K.P. Singdeo, an ex-ruler, in 1880, and later by Ananta Narayan Singdeo in 1942.

Architectural Features:

The temple is constructed in the form of a Panchayatana complex, which includes a main shrine and four subsidiary shrines located at the four corners of the temple.

The main shrine consists of a rekha vimana (tower) and pidha jagamohana (assembly hall). Both the vimana and jagamohana are square on plan.

The temple follows a Pancharatha plan and Panchangabada elevation style.

The temple’s mastakas (tower tops) are missing.

An image depicting Lord Shiva saving young Markandeya’s life from Yama can be seen at the entrance of the Jagamohana.

The presiding deity in the sanctum is Lord Shiva, known as Padmesvar, represented in the form of a Lingam within a circular yonipitha.

Niche images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati can be seen around the vimana.

Exterior Decoration: The exterior walls of the temple are adorned with various decorative elements, including kirtimukha (a decorative motif), chaitya medallion, Naga Nagi pilasters, angasikharas (miniature towers), scroll motifs, and images of nayikas (female figures).

Goddess Prajna Paramita: There is a small shrine behind the main shrine housing the deity Prajna Paramita.

Current Custodianship: The temple is currently under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which helps preserve and protect its historical and cultural significance.

The Padmesvar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a valuable architectural and historical site that reflects the rich heritage of Odisha’s temple architecture and craftsmanship.