Gandharadi Twin Temples – Odisha

Address

Gandharadi Twin Temples – Odisha

Rampur, Subarnapur,

Odisha 762014

Moolavar

Siddhesvara (Lord Shiva), Nilamadhava (Lord Vishnu)

Introduction

The Twin Temples of Gandharadi, also known as the Chari Sambhu Temple or Harihara Deula, are a significant religious and architectural complex located in Gandharadi Village, Boudh District, Odisha, India.The temple complex is situated in Gandharadi Village on the right bank of the Mahanadi River. It is approximately 2.5 kilometers from Junapanka Chowk on the Sonepur – Boudh Road (NH 57). Bus facilities are available from Boudh and Subarnapur. The Twin Temples of Gandharadi consist of two identical temples dedicated to two major deities in Hinduism:

• Siddhesvara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Siddhesvara).
• Nilamadhava Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Nila Madhava form.

Puranic Significance 

These twin temples were constructed by the Somavamsi dynasty in the 10th century CE. The village of Gandharadi is mentioned as Gandhata, Gandhatapati, and Gandharadi in the Bhanja copper plate charters of the 9th century CE.

Special Features

Architecture: Both temples have similar architectural features:

• The temples are designed with a Pancharatha plan (having five divisions) and Triangabada in elevation.
• The main temple structure comprises a rekha vimana (main sanctum) and a jagamohana (assembly hall) with a terraced roof.
• The vimana is square in shape, while the jagamohana is rectangular.
• The sanctum of Siddhesvara Temple houses the Shiva Linga within a square yonipitha, and the mastaka (tower) is crowned by an akasha Linga. The temple is adorned with various architectural motifs and decorations, such as scrollwork, latticed windows, naga-nagi pilasters, and chaitya medallions.
• The sanctum of Nilamadhava Temple contains an idol of Lord Vishnu in his Nila Madhava form with four arms. The mastaka of this temple is crowned by an akasha chakra. Like the Siddhesvara Temple, this temple is also decorated with scrollwork, latticed windows, and similar architectural motifs.

Additional Deities: Within the temple complex, there are four Shambhus (Shiva Lingas) present, including Siddhesvara, Jogesvara, Kapilesvara, and Paschima Somanatha. The Paschima Somanatha temple faces west. There are also idols of Ganesha in Paschima Somanatha temple and an eight-armed Durga located under a banyan tree nearby. Additionally, there is a five-foot-tall idol of Hanuman and an intricately carved Navagraha slab in the village.

The Twin Temples of Gandharadi are not only places of worship but also remarkable examples of architectural and historical heritage in Odisha, attracting visitors and pilgrims interested in exploring the rich cultural and religious traditions of the region. The site is under the protection and maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

Century/Period

10th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Boudh Road

Nearest Railway Station

Boudh

Nearest Airport

Jharsuguda

Location on Map

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