Niali Madhava Temple, Odisha

Address

Niali Madhava Temple, Odisha

Madhab village, Nilai block,

Cuttack district, Odisha

Moolavar

Madhava

Introduction

Madhava Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located at the Madhab village of Niali block in Cuttack district, Odisha. Regular bus services run from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to Niali. Although it has rich architecture of traditional Kalinga style, it is being neglected by the Government. The temple is at 6 km (3.7 mi) from Niali town.

Puranic Significance

Madhaba Temple at Niali built by Ananga Bhima Deva III in 13th Century AD. The Temple is built in pancharatha design. Three buildings, namely Vimana, Jagamohana and Natamandapa. The Vimana is of Rekha Deula, Jagamohana is of Pidha deula and the Natamandapa is flat-roofed and recently renovated by Archaeological Survey of India. The motifs are of different serpents, naayikas, devatas etc. The temple belongs to 13th century and was built by Eastern Ganga dynasty. The architecture of this temple is very much similar to that of Sakshigopal Temple of Puri and Ananta Vasudev temple of Bhubaneswar. You can find the images of Dasa-Avatar of Vishnu, a big Sudarshan Chakra made up of Black granite stone and also the image of Ananta Sayana of lord Vishnu in the walls of Jagamohana and Natamandapa. The outer walls of the temple are carved with beautiful old images from Krishna Lila & Mahabharata. Some carvings can also be found on the outer wall of the temple.

The central icon Madhava who is a rare image. The upper left arm holds Gada, lower left Sudarshana Chakra, upper right full blown Lotus and lower right Shankha. In the Jagamohana a rare image of Durga is found. She is worshipped as the sister of Madhava. Many festivals like Janmashtami, Ekadashi and special festivals in Maagha and Vaishakha month are observed here. The main attraction here is the very old idol of Garuda which is made of black sandstone.