Kosaleswar Temple, Baidyanath, Odisha

Kosaleswar Temple, Baidyanath, Odisha

Kosaleswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Baidyanath Village in Sonapur Block in Subarnapur District in Odisha, India. The temple is situated on the northern bank of Tel river. The temple is currently under the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE during the reign of Telugu Chodas. A copper plate inscription records that Lord Baidyanath (now known as Kosaleswar) was the tutelary deity of the Telugu Choda ruling family.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of pidha vimana, antrala and pillared mandapa. The pillared mandapa is the ancient structure rest of the structure are newly built. The mandapa is panchanga bada in elevation. The mandapa is provided with balconies on the southern and northern side. The exterior of the mandapa is devoid of any decorations except the sculptures on the railings and short pillars of the balconies. There is a peculiar carving of Kirtimukha head in the balcony.

A bunches of leaves are flowing down from the mouth of this kirtimukha. Sculptures of Lord Krishna killing the demon Keshi and Arishtasura can be seen found in the southern balcony. This artistic representation is similar to the one found in the Lakshmanesvara Temple at Sirpur. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Kosaleswar / Baidyanatha in the form of Shiva Linga. Sculptures of various deities and architectural fragments can be found in the temple premises.

Festivals

Sitalasasti, Shivarathri and Phalguni are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Hardakhol Chowk, 14 Kms from Sonepur, 15 Kms from Sonepur Bus Stand, 38 Kms from Balangir, 39 Kms from Balangir Junction Railway Station, 63 Kms from Baudhgarh, 89 Kms from Sambalpur, 149 Kms from Jharsuguda Airport and 287 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The temple is situated at about 5 Kms on the south-west of Hardakhol Chowk on the Sonepur to Balangir route.

Location