Leaning Temple of Huma – Legends

Leaning Temple of Huma – Legends

Swayambhu Linga:

As per legend, a cowherd from nearby Chaunrpur used to take his cows to the forest on the river bank. It is said that the village Chaunrpur on the right bank of the river Mahanadi is said to be the seat of Raja Balaram Dev, before he set up his capital at Sambalpur. Once, the cowherd noticed that a black cow from his herd didn’t produce any milk. He noticed the black cow from his herd disappeared regularly at a particular time every day. He was curious to know about the disappearance and followed the cow.

It was raining heavily, and the river was flowing in full capacity. To his surprise, he saw the cow crossing the river Mahanadi with ease. He observed the cow going towards a stone and pouring its milk on a mysterious stone. He informed this miraculous incident to the villagers and everybody realized the divine presence of Lord Shiva in the form of Linga. Later, a temple was built for housing the Linga.

Kudo Fishes:

As per local folklore, kudo fishes in the river are considered as divine. Once, a woman caught a kudo fish and against the wishes of the local people, decided to cut it into pieces. While attempting to cut the fish with her knife, she was immediately transformed into a stone. The stone image of the woman was found on the river bed for several years. Later on, it has been swept away by the flood water.

Leaning Temple:

As per legend, the temple was leaning from its initial stage of construction. It is said that Lord Bimaleswara himself desired to have a leaning temple for him. Hence, King Baliar Singh built a leaning temple for Bimaleswara.