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Odisha Astasambhu Siva Temple
This is one of the 8 temples that are within the area of the Uttareswara temple. This temple specifically is surrounded by the Astasambhu temple VI in the north, vast Godavari tank in the south, a huge compound wall in the east and the Pancha Pandava temples in the west. This temple has a west facing shrine. Out of the 8 temples, 5 temples were constructed in a single alignment and hence they came to be known as the Pancha Pandava temples.
History
This temple, like other 7 temples of the Astasambhu temples was constructed in the 10th century AD. Dhenekal, the town in which the temple is situated currently, had the capital of Kualo or Karmula in the earlier days. The Kualo kingdom was then ruled by the shulki kings, who were the descendants of the Bahmukar generation of kings. Lord Shiva was the main deity of the Bahmukar kings; hence these temples came to be addressed as the Astasambhu temples.
Architecture
Like all the other Astasambhu temples, this also belongs to the Kalinga architectural style. The basic material used for building is grey sandstone and dry masonry was the technique used here similar to the Astasambhu temple VI. This temple contains a vimana and a porch facing the front side. The vimana has a measurement of 2.20m X 1.90m. The porch alone measures up to 0.41m.
When elevated, the vimana is 4.15m tall and it belongs to the Rekha order that contains the bada, gandi and mastaka. The characteristic feature of all Astasambhu temples, triangular bada, is found in this temple as well and it is 1.30m tall, out of which, the pabhaga measures 0.32m, jangha measures 0.68m and baranda measures 0.30m. The gandi measures 1.85m and the mastaka is 1m tall.
The parsvadevata corners located in the temple are totally vacant and measures 0.40m in length, 0.22m in breadth and 0.09m in depth. The highlight of this temple is that, here, the deities and the architectural style is simple and has no ornaments on it, making it look all the more serene and ancient. There are Udyota Simhas on all four sides in the middle of the raha paga. The doorjambs have no decoration on them and are 1.10m tall and 0.45m broad.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to this temple is Bhubaneswar which has direct and connecting flights to and from all major cities in the country.
By Rail
Again, Bhubaneswar railway station is the nearest as the temple is just a stone’s throw away from the station (just about 2km away).
By Road
Cabs, both air conditioned and normal cabs can be booked to reach the Astasambhu temples from major tourist attractions like Cuttack, Konark and Puri.
Important Shrines
Tourists who visit this place must obviously visit all the 8 temples from outside at least, because most of the 8 temples are not functional now. The 8 main Shiva lingams that are found in these 8 temples are Kanakeswar, Swapneswar, Aisneswar, Kapileswar, Baidhyanatheswar, Baneswar and Lokanatheswar. The Ganesh temple in the vicinity is a huge attraction because of the rare position of the God.
Significance of the Temple
The temple was constructed with such architectural precision at such an ancient period, that it is difficult to believe. All the 8 temples are constructed with great precision and they look exactly similar in shapes, sizes and dimensions. Five of these temples, are constructed in perfect alignment with each other which led them to be known as the Pancha Pandavas.
Attraction
There are many tourist attractions in and around the Astasambhu temples. Some of them are the Kapilash temple, Joranda (capital of the religious sect, Mahima dharma), Saptasajya (scenic place perfect for short vacations), Kualo (temple town), Ladagada (auspicious place), Saranga (Anantasyi position of Lord Vishnu), Dandadhar (irrigation project) etc.
Weather and Time to Visit
The months of September to November are perfect to visit this temple because , the climate is moderately cold, pleasant and perfect for enjoying the natural beauty. People who want to enjoy the temple’s beauty and architecture calmly, should not visit the temple during the months of June or July because that is the time of the RathYatra, where the entire state of Orissa is crowded.
Accommodation
Tourists have lots of options in and around the city of Bhubaneswar to stay. Government operated hotels provide good quality accommodation at affordable rates. One can find all types of hotels here that cater to the needs of the tourists.
Tips for Devotees
Devotees are expected to maintain utter silence once inside the temple premises, as it is an ancient place and should get the respect it deserves. Devotees should contribute their best to keep the temple premises neat and clean.
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