Baladevjew Temple, Ichhapur – The Temple Complex

Baladevjew Temple, Ichhapur – The Temple Complex

This temple complex is facing towards east and covers an area of about two acres. There is a 40 feet tall Aruna Sthamba situated in front of the temple. The temple complex consists of two parts. The first part consists main shrine and the subsidiary shrines. The second part consists of temple garden. The main shrine and the subsidiary shrines are completely enclosed within a 46 feet tall compound wall. The main shrine consists of Bada Deula (Sri Mandir), Majhi Mandir (Bhog Mandap), Jagamohan (Natya Mandir) and Bata Mandir (Mukhashala).

The main shrine is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The Bada Deula is about 75 feet tall, the Majhi Mandir is about 40 feet tall, the Jagamohana is about 65 feet tall and the Bata Mandir is about 70 feet tall. The sanctum enshrines a stone image of the presiding deity, Lord Balaram. Wooden idols of Jagannath and Subhadra in the Ratna Sinhasan (gem throne) can also be found in the sanctum. The flag over the sanctum is known as Brahma Chirala / Brahma Bana.

The flag is placed on top of a five feet tall Brahma Nilachakra. An idol representing Tulasi as a goddess in a seated position is also present after the sacred seven steps. Shrines of Basudev, Lakshmi, Bhairabi, Navagrahas, Kasi Viswanath, Astasambhu Mahadev, Rama, Siddheshwar Mahadev, Ganesha, Baikunthanath, Kamadhenu, Rabati, Kali, Yama, Narasingha, Sarala, Kartikeya and Bakdevi can be seen in the temple premises.

Garuda Stambha, Ratna Bhandar, Snana Mandap, Mukti Mandap, Jhulan Griha, Anand Bazar and Mukti Mandap are the other structures found in the temple premises. The exterior of the temple is devoid of sculptural decorations. The interior of the temple is decorated with paintings of Krisnalila scenes, divine figurine and worship scenes. The chariot on which the three deities are mounted during the Car Festival is known as Brahma Taladhwaja Rath. This chariot is considered as one of the biggest chariot in the world.