Khambeswari Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Khambeswari Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Khambeswari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, located in Sonepur Town in Subarnapur District in Odisha State, India. Khambeswari is considered as one of the three important goddess temple in Sonepur. This temple is situated in the centre of the Sonepur town. The temple is situated on the right bank of the river Mahanadi. Sonepur is also known as Second Varanasi of India for its cluster of temples having architectural importance and also of tantrism and second Prayagraj for the confluence (Sangam) of two rivers Mahanadi and Tel in place just like the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj.

History

It is said that the Khemidi princess during her marriage with Rajaraj Singh, the Chauhan ruler of Subarnapur had brought the image of Khambesvari to the royal palace. Later, King Rajaraj Singh built a temple for the deity.

The Temple

The temple consists of a rekha vimana and a mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an image of Goddess Khambeswari in the form of Vanadurga. Stucco images of lions can be seen on either side at the entrance of the mandapa.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Sonepur Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Boudh, 51 Kms from Balangir, 52 Kms from Balangir Junction Railway Station, 82 Kms from Sambalpur, 142 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 267 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 267 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. Sonepur is situated on Boudh to Balangir route. Sonepur is well connected to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Balangir by regular bus services.

Location