Champakesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Champakesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Champakesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is located at about 200 metres to the south west of Parasurameswara Temple on the right side of the Kotitirthesvara lane leading to Bindu Sagar. 

Legends

As per legend, the temple is considered as abode of Champa Nagas (Snakes). Hence, the presiding deity came to be called as Champakesvara. It is also believed that these snakes will never harm anybody.

History

The Temple was built in 13^th Century CE by the Ganga Kings. The temple was repaired by the Odisha state Archaeology under X & XI Finance Commission Award. The temple is currently maintained by the local residents of Ambika Sahi.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple is enclosed within the laterite compound wall with an entrance in the northern side. The temple was originally a Panchayatana temple (central shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines) as  evident from the ruins of shrines in the north east and south east corners. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a pidha jagamohana.

The vimana and the jagamohana are square on plan. The sanctum is situated at about three feet below the present ground level. The doorjambs are plain. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Champakesvara, in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha. The raha niches of the western, northern and southern sides are identical to each other. All the niches are empty.

The exterior walls are decorated with architectural motifs like rekhamundis, pidhamundis and flat pilaster designs. One of the subsidiary shrine enshrines a broken image of four armed Kartikeya in standing posture. The lower left arm is broken and the upper left arm rests over a cock, which is upheld by a diminutive woman. There is an ancient well in front of the temple.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Jalasayi, Rudrabhiseka and Sankranti are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/11/champakesvara-temple-bhubaneswar-connectivity.html

Location