Kedareshvara Temple, Chaudwar, Odisha

Kedareshvara Temple, Chaudwar, Odisha

Kedareshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Chaudwar Town near Cuttack City in Cuttack District in Odisha State, India. The Temple is also called as Budha Linga Temple. The Temple is situated on the banks of Mahanadi river.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Somavamsis in 11^th century CE. The temple is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and is enclosed within a massive compound. The temple consists of rekha vimana, ganthiala, pidha jagamohana and a detached pillared mandapa. Both the vimana and the jagamohana are pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The roofs the jagamohana and the pillared mandapa have been lost completely. The vimana is square on plan. The superstructure over the vimana is no longer exists except a minor portion. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Kedareshvara, in the form of Patalphuta Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

The exterior of the temple are decorated with khakharamundis enshrining dikpalas in the lower jangha, pidhamundis in the upper jangha, miniature rekhamundis surmounted by gajakranta motif on the raha pagas and gaja-vidala, amorous couple, erotics etc. in the recess of the pagas. Architectural fragments, Udyotasimha, deulacharini, Uma Mahesvara, amalaka Sila etc. can be seen in the temple premises. There are two tanks associated with this temple. The smaller one is situated within the compound wall and the larger one is situated outside the walls.

Festivals

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

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from O T M Chaka Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Manguli Chaudwar PH Railway Station, 3 Kms from Manguli Chowk, 11 Kms from Cuttack Junction Railway Station, 14 Kms from Cuttack, 15 Kms from Cuttack Bus Stand, 37 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 41 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Chaudwar Durga Bazar Chowk on Cuttack to Sambalpur Highway (NH 55).

Location