Uttaresvara Temple, Agrahata, Odisha

Uttaresvara Temple, Agrahata, Odisha

Uttaresvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Agrahata Village near Chaudwar Town in Cuttack District in Odisha State, India. The Temple is considered as one among the Astasambhus of Chaudwar Kataka. It is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

History

The Temple was built in 11^th century CE by the King Udyota Kesari (Mahabhavagupta IV) of Somavamsi Dynasty. It is said that the temple was named after her daughter, Uttara.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana. A large stucco Nandi can be seen facing towards the sanctum. The vimana is square in plan. Both the vimana and jagamohana are pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Uttaresvara, in the form of Patalphuta Linga within a circular yonipitha. The sanctum is situated 5 feet below the entrance level.

The exterior walls are decorated with khakharamundis, pidhamundis and rekhamundis. Udyotasimha is present only in the western raha. Traces of dikpalas and their consorts are also found. There are niches around the sanctum housing idols. Idols of Ganesha, Parvati, Uma Maheswara, Narasimha, Surya, Bhootha Ganas, Simha and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises. There is a temple tank situated on the southern side of the temple.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Sankranti are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from OTM Chowk Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Chaudwar Railway Station, 14 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station, 15 Kms from Cuttack, 40 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 44 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from OTM Chowk Bus Stop in Chaudwar on Cuttack – Sambalpur highway (NH – 55).

Location