Hindu Temples of India: Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga, Odisha

Jalesvara Temple, Kalarahanga, Odisha

Jalesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kalarahanga Village in the northern outskirt of Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, India. The Temple is situated at about 3 Kms from Patia on the southern outskirt of the Kalarahanga Village on Bhubaneswar to Nandankanan Zoological Park route.

Legends

As per legend, the king of Chudanga Gada was an ardent devotee of Lord Lingaraja. He used to visit Lingaraja Temple and worship Lord Lingaraja every day without fail. Due to the heavy floods during the rainy season, he was not able to visit the Lingaraja Temple. The worried king prayed to Lord Lingaraja for solution. Lord Lingaraja appeared in his dream and advised him to construct a temple in the centre of a nearby lotus pond where the Lord resides. As advised, the king built the temple on the western embankment of the Jalesvara pond. He also gave land grants for conducting the rituals and for maintenance of the temple to the Brahmins of Rahanga Sasan and other Sevayatas. Hence, the place came to be called as Kalarahanga.

History

The temple was constructed in 12^th century CE by the Somavamsis. As per local folklore, the temple is believed to be built by Somavamsi King Padma Keshari. The temple is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.