Baidyanath Kosaleswar Temple, Odisha

Address

Baidyanath Kosaleswar Temple, Odisha

Baidyanath Village, Sonapur Block,

Subarnapur district,

Odisha 767017

Moolavar

Kosaleswar

Introduction

Kosaleswar Temple located in Baidyanath Village, Sonapur Block, Subarnapur District, Odisha, India. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has historical and architectural significance.The temple is currently under the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

Construction Period: The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century CE during the reign of the Telugu Chodas. A copper plate inscription records that Lord Baidyanath (now known as Kosaleswar) was the tutelary deity of the Telugu Choda ruling family.

Orientation: The Kosaleswar Temple faces east and consists of a pidha vimana (tower), antrala (vestibule), and a pillared mandapa (hall).

Architectural Features:

The pillared mandapa is an ancient structure, while the rest of the temple appears to be newly built.

The mandapa follows a panchanga bada (elevation) style and features balconies on the southern and northern sides.

The exterior of the mandapa is relatively plain, with sculptures on the railings and short pillars of the balconies.

Notable carvings include a peculiar Kirtimukha head in one of the balconies, with bunches of leaves flowing down from its mouth.

Sculptures depicting Lord Krishna killing the demon Keshi and Arishtasura can be found in the southern balcony. This artistic representation is similar to what is found in the Lakshmanesvara Temple at Sirpur.

Sanctum: The sanctum of the temple enshrines the presiding deity, Kosaleswar (formerly known as Baidyanatha), in the form of a Shiva Linga.

Sculptures: Various sculptures of deities and architectural fragments are present within the temple premises, reflecting the artistic and cultural heritage of the region.

The Kosaleswar Temple stands as a testament to the historical and architectural richness of Odisha’s temple tradition and provides insights into the worship of Lord Shiva during the reign of the Telugu Chodas in the 10th century CE.