Boudh Kapilesvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Boudh Kapilesvara Temple, Odisha

Ramnath Temples Complex,

Boudh Town,

Bauda, Odisha 762014

Moolavar

Lord Shiva

Introduction

The Kapilesvara Temple located in Boudh Town, Boudh District, Odisha, India. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, within the Ramnath Temple Complex, has historical and architectural significance.

Location: The Kapilesvara Temple is situated in Boudh Town, Boudh District, Odisha, India, on the left side of National Highway 57 (N.H. 57), along the right bank of the River Mahanadi.

Puranic Significance 

1. Historical Period: The temple complex comprises three temples from the Somavamsi period, dating back to the 10th century CE, during the Somavamsi rule. In addition to these ancient temples, there is also a modern Ramanath temple in the complex.
2. Architecture:
   • The Kapilesvara Temple follows the rekha vimana architectural style of south Kosalan.
   • The temple’s ground plan is star-shaped or stellate, created by the intersection of two squares at 45 degrees at the eight angles.
   • The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Lord Kapilesvara, represented by a Shiva Linga placed upon a star-shaped yonipitha.
   • The exterior of the temple is adorned with various architectural motifs, including pidhamundi with chaitya motifs, divine figures, semi-divine figures, nayikas (female figures) in different moods, human figures, scroll works, beaded borders, lattice patterns, padmaprosta motifs, jagrata motifs, and depictions of mithuna and maithuna (erotic scenes).
   • Sculptures of Lord Nataraja (the cosmic dancer form of Shiva), Lord Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), Lord Brahma (the creator god), and Udyota Simha are also present within the temple.

The Kapilesvara Temple stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of Odisha.

Century/Period

10th Century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Boudh

Nearest Railway Station

Rairakhol station

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneshwar

Location on Map

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