Bakresvara Temple, Kuapada, Odisha

Bakresvara Temple, Kuapada, Odisha

Bakresvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kuapada Village in Gop Block in Puri District in Odisha, India. The temple is also called as Vani Vakresvara Temple / Bani Bakresvara Temple. The temple is situated on the bank of Daya river.

History

The temple was constructed in 12^th century CE by the Gangas. The temple is a protected monument of Odisha State Archaeology and under Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of rekha vimana, pidha jagamohana and modern mandapa. Both vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Living temple, the presiding deity, Bakresvara in the form of patalaphuta Linga within a circular yonipitha made of chlorite stone.

The interior of jagamohana is decorated with pilaster design and four udyotasimha at the ceiling. The exterior is decorated with nayika, dikpalas, vidalas, erotic figure, royal processions, animals & bird friezes, naga & nagi pilaster. Nandis, miniature rekha shrines, elephants, warrior figure and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima, Sankranti and Gamha Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Beguniapada, 3 Kms from Ghoradia, 5 Kms from Motari Railway Station, 11 Kms from Delanga, 11 Kms from Kanas, 14 Kms from Khordha Road Junction Railway Station, 16 Kms from Khordha New Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Khordha, 29 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport and 37 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The temple is situated on Khordha to Delanga route via Beguniapada.

Location