Hindu Temples of India: Paschimesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Paschimesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Paschimesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is situated on the south-western embankment of the Bindusagar lake. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Paschimesvara (i.e. Lord of the west). This ruined temple is situated on the parikrama path of Bindu Sarovar, between Markandeswar and Mohini Temple. The temple is surrounded by the Markandesvara Temple in the west, Akhadachandi in the northwest corner, Bindusagar in the east and private residential buildings in the south.

History

The Temple was believed to be built in 8^th Century CE during Bhaumakara Dynasty. The Temple was destroyed in 1940. Only plinth, few idols and Linga remains.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple. It is believed that temple was consisted of only sanctum without a jagamohana. The Temple was completely destroyed in 1940. Only plinth, few idols and Linga remains. It is presently a living temple. Niche idols of the destroyed temple have been kept near the plinth. Kartikeya is shown seated over a peacock holding his Shakti in one hand. Ganesha is shown with four hands, holding an axe and akshamala. He is seated on a throne, below which a vessel of laddus is placed on a tripod. Parvati is shown standing in sambhaga and with four arms. There is a Shivalinga inside the sanctum and is under worship. There is a sculpture of four-armed Narasimha in his Ugra form standing on a decorated pedestal.