Lankeswari Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Lankeswari Temple, Sonepur, Odisha

Lankeswari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Sonepur Town in Subarnapur District in Odisha State, India. This temple is situated on a hillock in the mid of the Mahanadi river. This temple is considered as one of the important Shakti shrines in Subarnapur District.

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that the demon King of Lanka, Ravana brought the goddess Lankeswari from Lanka to Sonepur as he had an army base in Sonepur. Sonepur is often described as Paschima Lanka / Swarnapuri Lanka / Dwitiya Lanka / Subarnapur. As this region was under Dakshina Kosala Kingdom, Ravana used to attack this area frequently.

History

Sonepur region was known as Paschima Lanka during ancient times. Goddess Lankeswari (Nikumbhila) was considered as the presiding deity of Paschima Lanka. Lankeswari is fervently worshiped by the Kaivarta (fisherman) community of Sonepur and people of Subarnapur district.

The Temple

This temple is situated on a hillock in the mid of the Mahanadi river. The rock was formerly worshipped as the deity, but an image of the goddess enshrined in a new structure is worshipped currently. There is a deep gorge near the hillock called Lankeswari Darha. The temple offers picturesque view of the river and town.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Sonepur Bus Stand, 43 Kms from Boudh, 51 Kms from Balangir, 52 Kms from Balangir Railway Station, 81 Kms from Sambalpur, 142 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport and 273 Kms from Bhubaneshwar. The temple is situated in Sonepur town on Boudh to Balangir route.

Location