Kantilo Nilamadhav Temple, Odisha

Address

Kantilo Nilamadhav Temple, Odisha

Kantilo,

Nayagarh District, Odisha 752078

Moolavar

Sri Nilamadhava

Introduction

Sri Nilamadhava Temple is very old and famous Lord Vishnu temple which is near to the bank of Mahanadi, in Kantilo, Odisha, India. It is present near to the twin hills with a surrounding forest. A permanent flow of holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava is another attraction of the spot. Lord Siddheswar is another highlight of the place.

Lord Nilamadhav occupies a central position in the cult of Lord Jagannath. Even now also Lord Nilamadhava shrine is present on the right side of Lakshmi temple in Puri Jagannath Temple.Kantilo is situated near the river bank of Mahanadi which comes in a block called Khandapada, in Nayagarh District.

Puranic Significance

It all initiated in a small cave in the Brahmadri hills situated on the banks of Mahanadi, which is known as Kantilo of Nayagarh district today. Here, Biswabasu the local Sabara Chief worshipped Kitung, as the God was known in the Sabara dialect. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

According to the Puranas, the deity was originally worshipped in the form of an Indranila gem image known as “Nilamadhava”. The daru murti came much later. Located near the confluence of three rivers Mahanadi, Kuanria and Kusumi. The temple structure is like the Jagannath temple of Puri. It stands on the right bank of Mahanadi. It is called triveni sangam of Odisha. As there is Beni-Madhava in Prayag, so as here Nilamadhava.