Nuapitapada Angeswara Temple, Odisha

Address

Nuapitapada Angeswara Temple Nuapitapada, Odisha 754004, India

Diety

Angeswara (Shiva)

Introduction

Nuapitapada Angeswara Temple is Located in the tiny quaint village of Nuapitapada (also known as Pitapada), the Angeswara Temple is located a mere 3.5km away from the Varahi (Barahi) Deula Temple in the neighbouring village of Chaurasi. Firstly, there is no profusion of carvings on the exterior of the temple, it is almost completely plain. Secondly, the fabric of the building is made of red brick, rather than the sandstone. Plants are grow in temple wall. Some sculpture are in ruins. The temple is believed to originate in the 10th century A.D, built during the period of Somvamsi rule in Odisha at broadly the same time as the Varahi Deula Temple just down the road. A legend attached to this temple says that it was built by Karna when he was crowned King of Anga (in Bihar) by Duryodhana. The village got its name Pitapada as the Pandavas performed the last rites of their ancestors. Hence its also called ‘Pitru Tirtha’ or ‘Anga Tirtha’. The head priest of the temple is Shri Dibakar Dikshit, and together with his three sons Digambar, Dilip and Debender perform all rituals and day to day affairs and maintenance of the temple. The Dikshit family have been serving the temple for many generations, and it’s interesting to note that the family name is not really associated with Odisha, perhaps adding weight to the King of Anga legend. The temple has around 7 acres of agricultural land which is its main source of sustenance, the presiding deity here is a Shiva Lingam. As well as the main temple there is a separate shrine dedicated to the Goddess Shakti. The highlight however has to be a third building that contains some wonderful old idols of Chamunda, Shiva Parvati, among other deities. The Angeswara Temple at Nuapitapada is certainly open from sunrise to sunset.