Kunti Temple, Mahendragiri, Odisha

Kunti Temple, Mahendragiri, Odisha

Kunti Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mahendragiri Hills in the Paralakhemundi subdivision of the district of Gajapati, Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the second peak, next in height to Kubjagiri of Mahendragiri Hills. This Temple is also called as Gokarnesvara Temple.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/04/mahendragiri-legends.html

History

The exact history of this Temple is not known. This temple is one of the earliest Shiva temples of Odisha. The temple might be dated to 7^th Century A.D. It is believed that the first ruling prince of Kalinga was Maharajadhiraj Indravarma was staunch worshipper of Lord Gokarnesvara. This temple on the top of this mountain might be established by him which became the family god of all the branches of the Gangas of Kalinga. As Mahendragiri was the home land of the Shailodbhavas, this temple might be built by them. be the work of them. There are conflicting claims about the builder of this Temple among the Historians.

The Temple

This Temple follows Rekha Deula style, but it does not have Jagamohana. The Temple is about 30 feet high. Presiding Deity is called as Gokarnesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. It is also stated that original shape of Gokarnesvara was wooden pillar worshipped by Sauras on the Mahendragiri hills which later turned to the shape of Shiva Linga and was named as Gokarnesvara. There is a strange phenomenon here, if water is poured on Shiva Linga, it disappears.

There are three niches of the three sides of the temples. Ganesha is on the South, Kartik on the East and Lord Vishnu on the eastern side. The Navagrahas can be found in the lintel over the door jambs. There are two inscriptions paleographically dated to 12^th century A.D can be found in this Temple. One inscription is found to the right of the entrance door and the other on the left side of the temple. Few sculptures and ancient temple slabs are lying scattered around the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivaratri is the famous festival celebrated in Mahendragiri Hills. Around 50000 devotees will visit Bhima Temple, Kunti Temple and Yudhistra Temple in Mahendragiri Hills during Shivaratri.

Accommodation

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/04/mahendragiri-accommodation.html

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/04/mahendragiri-connectivity.html

Location