Kapilash Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple, Odisha

Address

Kapilash Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple, Odisha

Kapilash Rd,

Deogaon Village, Dhenkanal district,

Odisha 759027

Moolavar

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva

Introduction

Chandrasekhara Mahadeva Temple located on the Kapilash Hills near Deogaon Village in Dhenkanal District, Odisha, India. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva holds spiritual significance and is situated at a considerable height.

Puranic Significance 

The temple’s association with the ashram of Sage Kapila and its construction by King Narasingh Deva I of the Ganga Dynasty in 1246 CE add to its historical significance. Additionally, the temple’s protected status by the Archaeological Survey of India and its oversight by the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha, highlight its importance as a religious and cultural site.

Special Features

1. Legend and Significance:
   • The temple is associated with the ancient ashram of Sage Kapila and is considered equivalent to Kailash.
   • It holds spiritual and cultural significance as a prominent pilgrimage site in the region.
2. Construction and Inscription:
   • The temple was constructed by King Narasingh Deva I of the Ganga Dynasty in 1246 CE, as indicated by an inscription within the temple.
3. Architectural Features:
   • The temple is dedicated to Lord Chandrasekhara (Shiva) and consists of a rekha vimana (main temple tower), a pidha jagamohana (assembly hall), and a mukti mandapa (hall of salvation).
   • It follows the pancharatha plan (five-fold) and panchangabada elevation style.
   • Both the vimana and jagamohana are square on plan and feature a three-molded pista (base).
   • The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Chandrasekhara, in the form of a Patalphuta Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.
   • The vimana stands at a height of about 60 feet.
   • Nisha shrines are added over the three parsvadevta niches.
   • The exterior of the temple is adorned with architectural motifs, including khakharamundis and pidhamundis in the talajangha (lower body) and uparajangha (upper body) of both the vimana and jagamohana, as well as niches enshrining dikpalas (guardians of directions) and their consorts in the kanika pagas and nayikas (female figures) in the anuratha pagas.
4. Ceiling Decorations:
   • The ceiling of the mukti mandapa is adorned with intricate artwork, including scenes from Krisnalila (Lord Krishna’s divine play), the dasavathara of Lord Vishnu (ten incarnations), gajavidalas (elephant motifs), and lotus designs.
5. Other Shrines and Attractions:
   • The temple premises also house a shrine for Lord Vishwanath, known as Budha Linga, believed to be older than the Chandrasekhara Temple.
   • Monasteries are present in the temple complex.
   • Images of various deities, including Ganesha, Kartikeya, Gangadevi, Kaumari & Uma Mahesvara, Kalasa, and architectural fragments, can be found in the temple premises.
   • Nearby attractions include Payamrta Kunda (a sacred pond) and Marichi Kunda (another sacred pond).
   • The Kapilash Hill also features caves and ruins of a medieval fort, some of which are associated with Puranic legends.
   • The temple surroundings include a deer park and a Science Park.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Rakhi Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Century/Period

1246 CE

Managed By

Department of Archaeology (DOA)

Nearest Bus Station

Kapilash

Nearest Railway Station

Dhenkanal Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

Location on Map

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