Ashta Sambhu Shiva Temples, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Ashta Sambhu Shiva Temples, Bhubaneswar – The Temple

Ashta Sambhu Siva Temples are collection of 8 Hindu Temples situated inside the Uttaresvara Temple Complex. These eight temples are of identical size and dimension. Five of them are arranged in one alignment are also known as Pancha Pandava. The temple is surrounded by Godavari tank in the east, Uttaresvara Siva Temple compound wall in west, and Bindusagar tank in south beyond the compound wall.

Lingams in these eight temples are called as Kanakeswar, Swapneswar, Aisneswar, Kapileswar, Baidhyanatheswar, Baneswar and Lokanatheswar. Eight Shiva Lingas are made of precious stones. Each one of them is of a different colour. Some are white while some are red and black. The Shiva Lingas appear to be in different colors when looked at from different directions. Due to the reflection of the sun their color changes.

These temple contains a vimana and a porch facing the front side. The sanctum sanctorum of these temples follow rekha deula type vimana. Jagmohana is not present. All these temples are not in worship. All the temples are pancha ratha on plan and trianga bada in elevation. Dvarapalas can be found at the base of the doorjambs. Gajalakshmi Panel can be found at the lalatabimba of entrance.

Navagraha Panel can be found above the Gaja Lakshmi Panel on lintel. Niches around the sanctum are empty. There are Udyota Simhas on all four sides in the middle of the raha paga. There is a unique four armed Ganesha in one of the niches. He is holding a Parasu in his lower left, a rosary with varada mudra pose in lower right hand. His upper hands are broken. The deity is flanked on the top by two flying Vidyadharas holding garlands in their hands.