Bhubaneswar Bharati Matha (Lord Shiva)Temple – Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Bharati Matha (Lord Shiva)Temple – Odisha

Khurda Town, Bhubaneswar,

Odisha 751002

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

Bharati Matha Temple located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India, The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the primary deity installed in the temple is Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

The Bharati Matha Temple is believed to have been established in the 11th century CE.
It is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhubaneswar.

Architecture and Structure:

Plan: The Matha is square in plan.
Stories: The Matha is a three-storied building.
Platform: It stands on a high platform with seven moldings.
Courtyard: The central courtyard is flanked by three living rooms on each side of the Matha.
Enclosure: The Matha is enclosed by a massive compound wall.
Trees: Pipal trees and Asoka trees are found on the outer wall of the Matha on the northern and southern sides.

Additional Temples and Features:

Within the Matha premises, there is a cluster of nine small temples.
These temples are of Pidha order and each one houses a Shiva Lingam in the sanctum.
It is believed that these shrines are burial shrines of Mahantas, indicating their historical and religious significance.

Historical Background:

The Matha was initially established to house artisans who were engaged in the construction of the Lingaraja Temple.
It is associated with Yajati Kesari, the builder of the Lingaraja Temple.