Balunkesvara Temple, Balapur, Odisha

Balunkesvara Temple, Balapur, Odisha

Balunkesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balapur Village in Satyabadi Block in Puri District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the bank of Bhargavi river. The temple is under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE by Somavamsis. However, the temple was completely rebuilt in 19^th century CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of rekha vimana and mandapa. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The vimana is square on plan whereas the mandapa is rectangular on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Balunkesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

The exterior is decorated with pidhamundis in the upper jangha, base of the gandi & over the parsvadevata niches, dopichhasimhas & deulacharinis over the beki and projecting lion on each raha. Images of six armed Nataraja over Nandi, four armed Varaha, four armed Narasimha, Garuda, Hanuman, Avalokiteshvara and hero stone can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima and Rakhi Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Pattanaikia Chowk, 8 Kms from Bir Purusottampur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Sakhigopal, 9 Kms from Sakhigopal Railway Station, 26 Kms from Puri, 37 Kms from Konark, 42 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport and 46 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms to the northeast of Pattanaikia Chowk on Puri to Bhubaneswar route.

Location