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Odisha Astasambhu Siva Temple
The Astasambhu temples are within the vicinity of the Uttaresvara Siva temple and are one of the landmark destinations of Khordha district in Bhubaneswar. These 8 temples are found in the same premises and have exactly the same architectural patterns that attract lots of tourists. The temple has the beautiful Godavari tank around it
History
The architectural pattern of this temple is of the Kalinga style and there are enough evidences in the form of the bada division and Pabhaga mouldings in the temples to prove that this temple belongs to the 10th century AD. This temple is not functional anymore because the structure looks entirely worn out. What was an amazing piece of glory in the past is now in ruins because the government has given up on the maintenance of the temple. The Ratnakara Gargabatu family has taken up the private ownership of this temple.
Architecture
The principle building material used for these temple was grey sandstone and the style used for building was dry masonry. This also belongs to the Kalinga style of architecture. The vimana measures to 1.60sq.m and a porch facing front that measures to 0.30m. There is a cella in the temple, the measurement of which is 0.90m x 0.75m. When the vimana is elevated, it follows the Rekha order and goes up to 3.85m tall.
The triangular bada position goes up to 3 layers and measures 1.15m tall out of which, 0.30m belongs to the pabhaga, 0.59m belongs to the jangha and 0.26m belongs to the baranda. The gandi is 1.7m and the mastaka is 1m tall. The parsvadevata corners found in the north, south and east are 0.32m tall and 0.20m wide and a depth of 0.12m. In all these corners, the talajangha is vacant. Doorjambs are simple and 0.97m tall.
How to Reach
By Air
Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport that is well connected with all the major cities in the country. This airport is only around 4km away from the temple.
By Rail
Bhubaneswar railway station is the nearest to the temple and has train services from and to all the major cities in the world. This station is just 2km away from the temple, though other nearby stations are Bani Bihar, Lingaraj Tmp Rd and Mancheswar.
By Road
There are lots of cab services from Bhubaneswar (7km), Cuttack (25km), Konark (52km) and Puri (54km). Dhenekal is also the nearest place from where tourists can get lots of cabs from and to the temple.
Important Shrines
The main deity is Lord Shiva and this Astasambhu temple houses 8 Shiva lingams namely, Kanakeswar, Swapneswar, Aisneswar, Kapileswar, Baidhyanatheswar, Baneswar and Lokanatheswar. The four-armed Ganesh shrine is a must visit, purely because of the unique pose of the deity. Two upper hands are broken whereas the lower left hand holds the parasu and the lower right hand holds the rosary with the varadamudra position.
Significance of the Temple
The main highlight of the temple has got to be the wonderful architecture of the temples. All the 8 temples have excellent workmanship and are really unique. The tourists who visit this temple are awestruck at the pattern of architecture followed during such historical ages.
Attraction
There are quite a few temples near the Astasambhu Siva temples where tourists can plan their schedule and cover most of the areas if they according to their plan. Some of the temples of attraction nearby at Dhenekal are the Naganatheswar Temple, Kapilash Temple, Saptasajya temple and Shri Raghunath Temple.
Weather and Time to Visit
Tourists should visit this temple at the right time to get full enjoyment and to appreciate the ancient beauty of the place. It is entirely impossible to visit this temple during the months of March to May, because Bhubaneswar is ruled by cruel heat waves then, with temperatures soaring up to 43 degrees. The months of July and August bring heavy rainfall, making it dangerous to travel to this place. The months between September and November are the perfect choices as the climate is cool and the places can be enjoyed more.
Accommodation
Considering the fact there are a number of temples in and around Bhubaneswar, many tourists visit this place throughout the year. Hence, Bhubaneswar has certain excellent accommodation facilities at affordable rates for these tourists. There are some very good 4 star hotels and at the same time, there are service accommodations which suit the different budget constraints of the visitors.
Tips for Devotees
Devotees should dress decently and should keep chanting the mantras in the temple premises. They should not engage in silly banter with their family members nor should they make too much noise while inside the temple. The area around the temple should be kept clean, keeping in mind its history and richness.
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