Bhubaneswar Banesvara Temple– Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Banesvara Temple– Odisha

Old Town, Bhubaneswar,

Odisha 751019

Moolavar

Shiva

Introduction

Banesvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. This temple is considered as the gem of Kalingan architecture. This temple is situated on the south eastern corner of the Muktesvara Temple Complex near the Ramakunda, the temple tank of Muktesvara Temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar and the most prominent tourist attractions of the city.

Puranic Significance

This temple was constructed in 13th century CE by Gangas. This temple is facing towards west. The temple is saptaratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The temple consists of a rekha vimana. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Banesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The exterior is devoid of any decorations except the raha niches decorated with talagarbhika & urdhagarbhika surmounted by a Kirtimukha. The doorjambs are crowned by three miniature pancharatha rekha vimana surmounted by vajramastaka in the frontal raha projections. The vajramastaka of each side is crowned by udyotasimha. An image of Lakulisa is found in the lalatabimba of the doorjamb.