Subarnameru Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Subarnameru Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Subarnameru Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sonepur Town in Subarnapur District in Odisha State, India. The temple is situated on the left bank of the river Tel, a tributary 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.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/12/subarnameru-temple-sonepur-legends.html

History

The temple was constructed by Madan Gopal Deo, the founder of the Chauhan dynasty in 17^th century CE. The Temple is presently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of a rekha vimana, a pidha jagamohana, a natamandapa and an ardha mandapa. The vimana is pancharatha on plan and multi segmented bada in elevation whereas the jagamohana is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

The vimana is decorated with udyotasimha in each raha, a rekhamundi crowned by an udyotasimha in the frontal raha and stucco figures of erotic in the bada whereas the bada of the jagamohana adorned with the portrait of the Chauhan kings of Sonepur state, pidhamundi design, lotus, creeper motifs and gajakranta &, lions in the gandi. Images of Parvati, Chamunda, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Bhairava, Amlaka Sila, and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivaratri, Shravan Month, Kartik Purnima, Sitalasasti, Chandanyatra and Dola Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Sonepur Bus Stand, 48 Kms from Boudh, 52 Kms from Balangir, 52 Kms from Balangir Junction Railway Station, 82 Kms from Sambalpur, 143 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport, 266 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 266 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