Mahendragiri Bhima Temple, Odisha

Address

Mahendragiri Bhima Temple, Bhurakhat Mahendragiri Hill Rd, Madaba, Odisha 761212

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Bhima Temple located in the Mahendragiri Hills, Gajapati district, Odisha, India. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva holds historical and cultural significance, particularly in its unique stone construction.

Puranic Significance

The Bhima temple is assumed to have been built just after the Gupta period and appears to be the oldest of these temples. It is believed that this Temple was built by Mathra King Uma Varman, who ruled over this area in 360 – 395 AD. Bhima Temple is considered much older than Kunti Temple.

Temple Structure:

The temple is constructed using huge-sized stone blocks, which are balanced one over another.
It is a relatively smaller temple in terms of height and has a flat-roofed structure.
The temple features one small door opening at the front.
Inside the sanctum, there is one stone block kept as the object of worship.
The temple’s walls do not have niche idols, and there is no sculptural decoration or elaborate carvings.
At the top of the Vimana (the temple’s tower), an Amalakasila can be found, but the Kalasa (finial) is absent.
Besides the Bhima Temple, there are three other hut-like uncut stone structures arranged in groups nearby.

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.