Belesvara Temple, Bhuan, Odisha

Belesvara Temple, Bhuan, Odisha

Belesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhuan Village in Gop Block in Puri District in Odisha, India. The temple is located in the Southern outskirts of the Bhuan Village near the shores of Bay of Bengal.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 10^th century CE by the Somavamsis. The temple is looked after by Hrusikesa Mohapatra family.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of vimana and a frontal porch. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada on elevation. The vimana is square on plan. Both the vimana and frontal porch has pidha deula of Kalingan order. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Belesvara in the form of Shiva Linga within a circular Yonipitha. The sanctum is situated at about 2 metres below the doorjamb.

The entire surface of the temple is plastered & lime wash is applied over it. The exterior is devoid of any decoration. However, there is an image of Indra seated over an elephant within a niche in the southern wall of the porch and an image of Isana seats over a bull in a niche in the northern wall. A unique detached sculpture of a couple seated on the lotus pedestal is kept inside the frontal porch.

Festivals

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

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Balighai Chowk, 16 Kms from Puri, 17 Kms from Puri Railway Station, 22 Kms from Gop, 23 Kms from Konark, 69 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 73 Kms from Bhubaneswar. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms to the east of Balighai Chowk on Puri-Konark marine drive road.

Location