Balunkesvara Temple, Barala, Odisha

Balunkesvara Temple, Barala, Odisha

Balunkesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Barala Village in Satyabadi Block in Puri District in Odisha, India. This temple is considered as one of the most important Shaiva shrines of Puri. This temple is situated on the bank of Bhargavi river.

Legends

Once, this place was dense forest and a local cowherd named Puruba Barala used to graze his livestock in this forest. One day he noticed a black coloured cow dripping its milk on a piece of a rock. He informed fellow villagers about this unusual incident. The news spread like a wildfire and reached the king of Angul. The king of Angul visited the place and ordered to excavate the rock out but his efforts failed. He engaged elephants to lift it up from the ground even elephants failed. Realizing the divine presence, the king named the rock as Barala Balunkeswar after the cowherd. Further, he arranged priests to worship the rock as Lord Shiva. Later, a temple was built at that place. People believe their wishes are granted after offering prayers to the Lord here.

History

The temple is believed to be built by the Bhoi Dynasty in 17^th century CE. The temple is under the care of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/08/balunkesvara-temple-barala-temple.html

Festivals

Shivarathri, Chandani, Sitalasasti, Sankranti, Ramanavami, Dolapurnima, Solapuja and Ekadasi are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Pattanaikia Chowk, 5 Kms from Bir Purushottampur Railway Station, 8 Kms from Sakhigopal, 18 Kms from Pipili, 24 Kms from Puri, 39 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 40 Kms from Konark and 43 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The temple is situated at about 3 Kms to the east of Pattanaikia Chowk on Bhubaneswar to Puri route.

Location