Konark Trivenisvara Temple – Odisha

Address

Konark Trivenisvara Temple – Odisha

Konark, Konark Block,

Puri District,

Odisha 752111

Moolavar

Trivenisvara

Introduction

The Trivenisvara Temple is situated in the Madhipur locality within Konark Town, Konark Block, Puri District, Odisha, India. It is located very close to the famous Konark Sun Temple.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century CE by the Gangas, an ancient Indian dynasty. However, it has undergone significant renovations and has lost many of its original features over time.

Orientation: The Trivenisvara Temple is facing east, following traditional temple architecture.
Architecture: The temple comprises a rekha vimana (tower) and a flat-roofed mandapa (hall). It follows a pancharatha plan (with five sections) and panchanga bada (a type of architectural style) in elevation, as evident from the surviving bada portion. The vimana is square in plan, while the mandapa is rectangular. Note that the mandapa has been recently rebuilt.
Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a patalaphuta Shiva Linga, placed within a circular yonipitha.
Exterior Decoration: The exterior of the temple is adorned with various architectural motifs, including khakharamundi, pidhamundi, naga-nagi pilasters, dikpalas (guardians of the directions), nayikas (female figures), vidalas (mythical creatures), as well as depictions of birds and animals.
Festivals: The Trivenisvara Temple celebrates several festivals, including Shivarathri (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Sitalasasti, Maghasaptami, and Sankranti, which are important events in the local religious calendar.