Dhenkanal Annakoteshvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Dhenkanal Annakoteshvara Temple, Odisha

Latadeipur, Radhadeipur, Gondia Tehsil,

Dhenkanal District,

Odisha 759014

Moolavar

Annakoteshvara

Introduction

Annakoteshvara Temple, also known as the Unnakotisvara Temple, located in Latadeipur, Dhenkanal District, Odisha, India. his temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a protected monument and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

Puranic Significance 

1. Construction Period: The temple can be dated to the 16th century CE based on its architectural style and iconographical features of the sculptures.
2. History: According to local tradition, the Linga enshrined in the sanctum was said to have been displaced during the invasions of Kalapahad, a Muslim General of the Bengal Sultanate under the reigning Karrani Dynasty. This historical event adds to the temple’s significance.
3. Orientation and Architecture:
   • The Annakoteshvara Temple faces east and follows the rekha temple style of the Kalingan order.
   • It has a Pancharatha plan (five-fold) and Panchangabada elevation style.
   • The vimana (tower) is square on plan and stands on a high platform of 1.00 meter in height.
   • In the sanctum, only a circular yonipitha remains, as the Linga is missing.
   • The temple is adorned with pidhamundis and khakharamundis in the uparajangha (upper body) and talajangha (lower body), respectively.
   • These mundis (architectural projections) house various divinities, nayikas (female figures), and scenes depicting Krisnalila (the divine play of Lord Krishna).
   • Many of the mundi niches depict scenes from the Krisnalila.

Century/Period

16th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Dhenkanal

Nearest Railway Station

Dhenkanal station

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneshwar

Location on Map

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