Annakoteshvara Temple, Latadeipur, Odisha

Annakoteshvara Temple, Latadeipur, Odisha

Annakoteshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Latadeipur in Gondia Tehsil in Dhenkanal District in Odisha, India. The Temple is also called as Unnakotisvara Temple. The Temple is situated on the right bank of the river Brahmani, in the outskirt of Latadeipur. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

History

The Temple can be dated to the 16^th century CE based on the basis of architectural style of the temple and iconographical features of the sculptures. The Linga enshrined in the sanctum was said to have been displaced during the invasions of Kalapahad, a Muslim General of Bengal Sultanate under the reigning Karrani Dynasty. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. It is a rekha temple of Kalingan order. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The vimana is square on plan. It stands over a high platform of 1.00 metres. The Sanctum enshrines only circular yonipitha, the Linga is missing. The temple is decorated with pidhamundis and khakharamundis in the uparajangha and talajangha respectively. These mundis are housed with different divinities, nayikas and the conjunctions in between the projection housed with Gajavidalas and Naravidalas. Most of the mundi niches are housing the Krisnalila scene.

Festivals

Shivarathri and Kartika Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 10 Kms from Joranda, 35 Kms from Dhenkanal, 35 Kms from Dhenkanal Bus Stand, 35 Kms from Dhenkanal Railway Station, 72 Kms from Cuttack and 95 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The Temple can be easily approached from Dhenkanal Township via Joranda Gadhi.

Location