Bhubaneswar Ladu Baba Temple, Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Ladu Baba Temple, Odisha

Old Town, Bhubaneswar,

Odisha 751002

Moolavar

Shiva

Introduction

The Ladu Baba Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, holds historical and architectural significance.The Ladu Baba Temple was formerly known as the Kainchhi Temple. It is situated directly opposite the Chitrakarini Temple in Bhubaneswar.

Puranic Significance

Legend: According to legend, the deity enshrined in the Ladu Baba Temple was rescued and shifted from Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka) to Ekamra Kshetra (Bhubaneswar) during the battle between Lord Rama and the demon king of Lanka, Ravana.
Historical Period: The temple was constructed in the 13th century CE during the reign of the Eastern Gangas. It is a testament to the rich architectural heritage of Odisha.
Renovation: The temple has undergone renovation and restoration efforts by the Odisha State Archaeology Department.
Orientation: The Ladu Baba Temple is oriented towards the east, following the traditional architectural layout of Hindu temples.
Architectural Features: The temple has a pancharatha plan, which means it has five projections on the plan. It is partly buried up to the pabhaga (platform) and jangha (wall) level, including the doorjambs. Despite its dilapidated condition, the temple retains several notable architectural features.
Doorway Decorations: The doorjambs of the temple are adorned with three bands of decorative elements. Dvarapalas, or door guardians, can be seen at the base of the doorjambs. The architrave above the doorjambs is carved with depictions of the Navagrahas, with each celestial deity seated in a padmasana (lotus posture) within a niche.
Sanctum: The sanctum of the temple is currently empty, indicating the absence of the main deity. However, the temple’s sculptural decorations on the outer walls suggest that it was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Western Raha Niche: The western raha niche of the temple houses an image of a four-armed Ganesha standing over a lotus pedestal. His lower left hand rests over a Parasu (axe), and the lower right hand holds an Aksha Mala (rosary), while both upper left and right hands are damaged. The trunk of the Ganesha image is also partially damaged. The image wears a jatamukuta (crown), and there is an ornamented makara torana (decorative archway) behind the image.
Additional Sculpture: Close to the Ganesha idol, there is a detached sculpture of Goddess Lakshmi.
Exterior Decorations: The exterior walls of the temple are adorned with various architectural motifs. However, the gandi (tower) of the temple lacks intricate decoration.

The Ladu Baba Temple, despite its current state of disrepair, serves as an architectural and historical treasure in Bhubaneswar, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of Odisha’s temple builders and their devotion to Lord Shiva.