Kutei Tundi Mahadeva Temple, Khiching, Odisha

Kutei Tundi Mahadeva Temple, Khiching, Odisha

Kutei Tundi Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Khiching village in Mayurbhanj District in Odisha, India. The Temple lies in between the two hill streams of Khairabandhana and Kantakhaira.

History

The temple is believed to be built by Bhanja rulers of Khijjinga Mandala in 10^th Century CE. The temple was in dilapidated state in the early 20^th Century CE. King of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanjdeo reconstructed the temple in 1934 CE. The temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. It consists of a square rekha vimana with a frontal porch. Both stands over a raised platform. The temple is triratha on plan and triangabada in elevation. The presiding deity is a Shiva Linga within a square yonipitha. Nandi can be seen facing the sanctum. Fragment of an amalakasila is found in the temple premise.

The temple is decorated with architectural motifs such as vajramundi niches in jangha, ghatapallava pilasters and vajramastaka in the frontal raha; decorative motifs like scroll work, beaded border, padmaprustha design, chaitya motifs; images of Mithuna, maithuna, human figures, dwarf, swan, elephant and bull.

Festivals

Sitalasasti, Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 14 Kms from Singada Chowk, 16 Kms from Singada, 27 Kms from Karanjia, 31 Kms from Jashipur, 44 Kms from Keonjhar Railway Station, 49 Kms from Keonjhar, 69 Kms from Rairangpur, 126 Kms from Baripada, 164 Kms from Balasore, 241 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 245 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The temple is located at about 14 Kms to the north of the National Highway No. 06, from Singada Chowk. Regular bus services are available from Singada, Karanjia, Rairangpur, Jashipur, Baripada and Keonjhar.

Location