Bhubaneswar Uttaresvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Old Town, Bhubaneswar,

Odisha 751002

Moolavar

Uttaresvara

Introduction

Uttaresvara Temple complex in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is of historical and architectural significance.

Location: The Uttaresvara Temple complex is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India. It is situated on the northern embankment of the Bindusagar tank and to the north of the Lingaraj temple.

Construction Period: The Uttaresvara Temple was built in the 7th century CE by the Bhaumakara Kings. It reflects the architectural style of that era.

Renovation: The temple underwent renovation in the 19th century CE to preserve its heritage and structural integrity.

Temple Complex: The complex not only includes the Uttaresvara Temple but also features other temples and structures such as the Bhimesvara Temple, eight identical temples known as the Ashta Sambhu Temples, the Godavari Tank, and some dilapidated temples.

Architecture:

The Uttaresvara Temple faces east and has a living temple status. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, known as Uttaresvara, represented by a Shiva Lingam within a circular yoni pitha. A mount pillar with a Nandi (the sacred bull) is installed in front of the sanctum. The temple entrance features a four-armed Goddess Gajalakshmi seated in lalitasana on a lotus pedestal. The architrave above the doorjamb is adorned with depictions of the traditional Navagrahas (nine planets). Dvarapalas (guardian figures) and attendants are found at the lower portion of the door jambs. Idols of Bhairava and Bhairavi are located at the entrance of the sanctum. An idol of Lord Narasimha can be found at the right side of the entrance to the sanctum.

Architectural Features of Jagamohana: The temple complex consists of a sanctum and jagamohana (assembly hall). The sanctum has a rekha type vimana, while the jagamohana has a rectangular flat roof. The vimana is tri-ratha on plan and trianga bada on elevation. The jagamohana’s roof is constructed in two tiers of sloping terraces with a clerestory in between.

Niche Images: The southern wall of the jagamohana has three niches. The northern niche houses an image of six-armed Mahisasuramardini, a form of Goddess Durga. The southern niche contains an image of a four-armed Siddhi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha), and the western niche houses an image of Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva.

Religious Significance: The Uttaresvara Temple is associated with the Ashta Chandi of Lord Lingaraj. It plays a significant role in local religious traditions and rituals.

The Uttaresvara Temple complex is an important heritage site in Bhubaneswar, showcasing the rich architectural and cultural history of Odisha.