Balapur Balunkesvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Balapur Balunkesvara Temple, Odisha

Balapur, Satyabadi Block,

Puri District,

Odisha 752046

Moolavar

Balunkesvara

Introduction

The Balunkesvara Temple is located in Balapur Village, within the Satyabadi Block of Puri District, Odisha, India. It is situated on the banks of the Bhargavi River.The temple is under the control of the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha. The temple is situated approximately 5 kilometers to the northeast of Pattanaikia Chowk, along the Puri to Bhubaneswar route.

Puranic Significance

History: The temple is believed to have been originally built in the 10th century CE by the Somavamsi dynasty. However, it underwent complete reconstruction in the 19th century CE.
Orientation: The Balunkesvara Temple is oriented towards the east, following traditional temple architecture.
Architecture: The temple comprises a rekha vimana (tower) and a mandapa (hall). It follows a pancharatha plan (with five sections) and panchangabada elevation. The vimana is square in plan, while the mandapa is rectangular.
Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga, which is placed within a circular yonipitha.
Exterior Decoration: The temple’s exterior is adorned with various architectural elements, including pidhamundis in the upper jangha, base of the gandi (tower), and over the parsvadevata niches. There are also dopichhasimhas (decorative lion motifs) and deulacharinis (female guardian figures) over the beki (cornice) and projecting lion figures on each raha (vertical section of the temple).
Images: Within the temple premises, you can find various images, including a six-armed Nataraja over Nandi, a four-armed Varaha, a four-armed Narasimha, Garuda, Hanuman, Avalokiteshvara, and a hero stone.