Kunti Shiva (Gokarnesvara) Temple, Odisha

Address

Kunti Shiva (Gokarnesvara) Temple Madaba, Mahendragiri Hills Odisha 761212

Diety

Gokarnesvara

Introduction

Kunti Temple (also known as Gokarnesvara Temple) located in the Mahendragiri Hills, Gajapati district, Odisha, India. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva holds historical and religious significance. The temple follows the Rekha Deula style of architecture. It stands at a height of about 30 feet. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Gokarnesvara. Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a Lingam.

Puranic Significance

According to local legends, the original shape of Gokarnesvara was a wooden pillar that was worshipped by Sauras on the Mahendragiri hills. Over time, it transformed into the shape of a Shiva Linga and was named Gokarnesvara.There is a unique phenomenon associated with this temple: when water is poured on the Shiva Linga, it disappears

The exact history of this Temple is not known. This temple is one of the earliest Shiva temples of Odisha. The temple might be dated to 7 th Century A.D. It is believed that the first ruling prince of Kalinga was Maharajadhiraj Indravarma was staunch worshipper of Lord Gokarnesvara. This temple on the top of this mountain might be established by him which became the family god of all the branches of the Gangas of Kalinga. As Mahendragiri was the home land of the Shailodbhavas, this temple might be built by them. be the work of them. There are conflicting claims about the builder of this Temple among the Historians.

Architectural Elements and Sculptures:

The temple features three niches on its sides: Ganesha on the South, Kartik on the East, and Lord Vishnu on the eastern side.
The Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) can be found in the lintel over the door jambs.

Inscriptions:

Two inscriptions, paleographically dated to the 12th century A.D., can be found in the temple.
One inscription is located to the right of the entrance door, while the other is on the left side of the temple.

Festivals

Shivaratri is the famous festival celebrated in Mahendragiri Hills. Around 50000 devotees will visit Bhima Temple, Kunti Temple and Yudhistra Temple in Mahendragiri Hills during Shivaratri.