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Odisha Lankeswari Temple Sonepur
Location | Sonepur, Orissa |
Primary deity | Maa Lankeswari |
Located in Sonepur, Orissa, Lankeswari temple is a delightful shrine. It is on the hillock in river Mahanadi. Maa Lankeswari is the presiding deity. Kaivarta (fishermen) community of Sonepur and people of Subarnapur district are the main worshippers.
History
Legend goes that Ravana, the mighty King of Lanka had his control in Sonepur and so it is often described as Paschima Lanka or Dwitiya Lanka. It is believed that Ravana got Maa Lankeswari from Lanka to Sonepur.
Architecture
The temple lies on a hillock in the bed of river Mahanadi. Formerly the rock was worshipped as deity, but now a structure is built. A deep gorge is formed near the hillock and it is known as Lankeswari Darha. The view of the river and town from the temple is picturesque.
How To Reach
By Air
Bhubaneswar airport is the nearest airport (235 km)
By Rail
Railheads connecting Sonepur are as follows:
Khalipali, Balangir, Orissa (44 km)
Loisingha, Balangir, Orissa (45 km)
Balangir, Balangir, Orissa (51 km)
Raigarh, Raigarh, Chattisgarh (142 km) - Nearest railway station that connects to major stations in India.
By Road
Auto rickshaws and city buses are available at railway stations.
Significance Of The Temple
There are evidences in the Ramayana that this place was frequently attacked by Ravana. Temples without doors in Sonepur point to the existence of tantric culture in former days.
Attractions
Sailing and fishing in the Lankeswari Darha with the local fishermen is a pleasurable experience.
Weather And Time To Visit
This region has extreme climate with very hot summers and cold winters.
Best time to visit: September to February
Summer: March to May (min 23⁰C – max 37⁰C)
Monsoons: June to September (min 25⁰C – max 35⁰C)
Winter: October to February (min 15⁰C – max 32⁰C)
Accomodation
Hotel Progress Inn – Sonepur, Orisssa
Oue Mess PGCIL – Sonepur, Orissa
Nearby Hotels
Hotels in Rourkela (252 km) - approx 4 hours from Sonepur
Mayfair Hotel, Rourkela – Rs. 4000 onwards
Radhika Hotel, Rourkela – Rs. 2100 onwards
Panthanivas, Rourkela – Rs. 600 onwards
Hotels in Bhubaneswar (265 km- approx. 5 hours from Sonepur)
Hotel Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar – Rs. 900 onwards
Hotel Ginger, Bhubaneswar – Rs. 2500 onwards
Hotel Royal Inn, Bhubaneswar – Rs. 980 onwards
Nearby Places to Visit
- Paapakshya Ghat – It is the most famous tourist attraction of Subarnapur. It is believed that holy bath in the Paapakshya Ghat, King Ananga Bhim Dev got cured of Leprosy.
- Charda – This place attracts tourists for its famous Kapileshwar temple.
Photo Gallery