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Odisha Astasambhu Siva Temple
Asta in a Sanskrit means, the number 8 and Sambhu is another name for Lord Shiva. Therefore, as the name indicates, Astasambhu Siva Temple refers to a collection of 8 temples that are dedicated to Lord Siva. All these 8 temples are located in close vicinity to one another and these can be found in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, in India. This temple can be found in the Khordha District of Bhubaneswar. The highlight of these temples is that, all the 8 temples are exactly of the same height have the same architectural patterns.
History
This temple is believed to have been built around the 10th century AD because of its architectural style. Additionally, the observations made from the Bada Division and the Pabhaga mouldings of the temple, confirm the fact that this was indeed built during that time. This is now privately owned by Ratnakara Gargabatu and family. This family is fully responsible for all the work done on this temple in the recent days. However, this temple is no more open to public these days, because it is almost in a dilapidated state.
Architecture
This temple belongs to Kalinga architectural style and is still found in most of the temples in Orissa and the northern area of Andhra Pradesh today. The basic material used for building this temple was dressed laterite and the style used for building was called masonry technique.
The pista of this temple is quite low as it measures only 2.25 square meters with a height of 0.35 meters. The vimana of the temple is square in shape and measures around 2.25 sq. m with a porch facing front at 0.25m. The type of the vimana is pancharatha. When the vimana is slightly elevated it forms the pattern of Rekha order with the bada, gandi and mastaka that are 4.50m tall. Since the bada pattern is three layers, it is known as a triangle bada formation and it measure around 1.40 m in height.
There are 4 basic mouldings at the bottom of the vimana and these are known as khura, kumbha, pata and basanta. All these measure about 0.36m. Additionally it also has the jangha (0.82m), baranda (0.30m), gandi (2.10m) and mastaka (1.00m). The temple has a plain and simple doorjamb which has measurements of 0.97m x 0.48m.
How to Reach
By Air
Devotees can take direct flights to Bhubaneswar, as the temple is only around 4km near the Bhubaneswar airport. The other nearest airport, Ranchi is 387 km away. Therefore, Bhubaneswar is the right choice for landing, for visiting this temple.
By Rail
Bhubaneswar railway station is only 2km away from this temple. However, there are some other stations that are not too quite far. Devotees can choose any of these stations, if they are not able to go to the Bhubaneswar station directly: Bani Bihar railway station (5km away), Lingaraj Tmp Rd Railway station (5km away) and Mancheswar Railway station (9km away).
By Road
Devotees who drive down from Bhubaneswar find this temple within 7km, for those driving in from Cuttack, this is 25km away, 52km drive from Konark city and a 54 km drive from Puri. Dhenekal which is a district close to the temple is well connected by air conditioned and normal taxis.
Important Shrines
This temple houses the 8 lingams of Lord Shiva and these are known by the names Kanakeswar, Swapneswar, Aisneswar, Kapileswar, Baidhyanatheswar, Baneswar and Lokanatheswar. This temple has a Ganesh idol that has four arms, holding a parasu in his lower left hand and a varadamudra pose with rosary in his lower right hand.
Significance of the Temple
This temple is mostly visited because of the excellent architecture and the uniform style spread across all 8 temples that are closely situated next to one another. The harmony between all the temples is a treat to watch.
Attraction
One of the main attractions of the temple is its scenic beauty and the connectivity it has with major cities. Though this temple particularly is not functional anymore, lots of people visit the same simply for the architectural brilliance.
Weather and Time to Visit
The months between March and May are very hot and this is not the best time to visit the temple. The months of July and August bring heavy rainfall to the city, making travel plans really cumbersome. Hence the best time to visit this temple is during the months of September to November, because the climate is pleasant.
Accommodation
Tourists visiting this temple need not worry about their accommodation, as there are lots of budget accommodation facilities provided by the hotels in Bhubaneswar. These are decent, easy on the pocket and very near to the main temple.
Tips for Devotees
This temple is an archaeological beauty, hence devotees should not litter the place and should not make too much of noise while in the temple premises. They must keep up the decorum of the place.
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