Puri Markandeswar Temple (Pancha Pandava Sthalam of Puri), Odisha

Address

Puri Markandeswar Temple (Pancha Pandava Sthalam of Puri), Mathur Rd, Puri, Odisha 752001

Diety

Markandeswar

Introduction

Markandeswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is associated with Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. It is also considered one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples, which protect Puri in all directions, and one of the Pancha Pandava Temples, commemorating the Pandavas’ visit to Puri during their exile.The temple is located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the famous Puri Jagannatha Temple, making it easily accessible to pilgrims and visitors. It is situated in the Markandeswar street, near the Markandeswar tank, to the north of the Puri Jagannath Temple.

Puranic Significance

Name and Significance: The Markandeswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been founded by the great sage Markandeya. The temple holds significance due to the legend associated with Markandeya’s devotion to Lord Shiva and the divine intervention to save him from Lord Yama.
Legend of Markandeya: According to the legend, Sage Markandeya was granted a short lifespan of only sixteen years by Lord Shiva. However, through his devotion and meditation, Markandeya’s life was extended by Lord Shiva, earning him the name “Mrityunjay” and “Kalakala.” This temple is believed to be the place where Markandeya worshipped Lord Shiva.
Pancha Pandava Temples: Markandeswar Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temples in Puri, which were built to commemorate the Pandava brothers’ visit to the holy city during their exile. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ashta Shambhus: Puri is known as Shankha Kshetra and is surrounded by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus, which protect the city. Markandeswar Temple is one of these Ashta Shambhu temples.

Special Features

Panchatirthas: Sage Markandeya is said to have founded this temple to bridge the rivalry between Shaivas and Vaishnavas. As a part of this, a pond named Markandeya Tank was dug, which is one of the five sacred tanks known as the Panchatirthas in Puri.
Temple Architecture: The temple follows the Kalingan style of architecture and consists of a vimana (main temple), jagamohana (entrance hall), Natamandapa (dancing hall), and Bhogamandapa (offering hall). The sanctum houses the Shiva Lingam within a circular Yonipitha.
Artistic Depictions: The temple features various artistic depictions, including paintings depicting the incident of Lord Shiva saving Markandeya from Lord Yama, images of Sri Jagannath, Dasamahavidya, and more.
Additional Shrines: The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Pancha Pandavas, Baidyanatha and Rameswar, and a unique cat-faced Hanuman.
Gamha Vedi: There is a platform known as Gamha Vedi in front of the main gateway entrance, associated with the festive occasions of Gamhapurnima and Balabhadra Janma.

The Markandeswar Temple, with its rich history and legends, is a significant pilgrimage site in Puri and attracts devotees and visitors interested in its cultural and religious heritage.

Festivals

The festival of Ashokashtami is observed on the 8th day of bright fortnight of Chaitra (April) in the temple with great enthusiasm. Mahashivaratri in the month of Phalguna (March), Markandeswar participates in Chandan Yatra at Narendra Tank in the month of Balsakham (May) with Yameshwar, Lokanath, Kapalamochana, Neelakantha, Rama and Krishna in a colorful boat.