Nilamadhava Temple, Kantilo, Odisha

Nilamadhava Temple, Kantilo, Odisha

Nilamadhava Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Kantilo Town in Khandapada Block in Nayagarh District in Odisha, India. The temple complex is situated on top of a low hillock locally known as Bramhadri Pahada on the right bank of Mahanadi river. The temple is situated near the confluence of three rivers Mahanadi, Kuanria, and Kusumi. Hence, this place is called as Triveni Sangam of Odisha.

History

The original temple is believed to be built in 9^th century CE. This temple is considered to be contemporary of the old Jagannatha Temple of Puri built during the pre-Ganga period. It is also believed that Visvavasu, the chief of Savaras worshipped Kitung. Nilamadhava is known as Kitung in Sabara dialect. The deity was originally worshipped in the form of Indranila gem (blue rock) in a Sal grove. Even today, Savaras inhabitate an area called Kalia Palli adjacent to Kantilo. They claimed to be the descendants of Savara Chief, Visvavasu. The wooden (Daru) image came much later. The temple was completely reconstructed in 19^th century CE during the princely rule of the former state of Khandapadagarh. The temple is now under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple Complex

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/08/nilamadhava-temple-kantilo-temple-complex.html

Festivals

Dusshera, Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima, Krishna Janmashtami, Snana Purnima, Mahalaxmi Puja, Dola Purnima, Rathasaptami, Magha Saptami, Ekadasi, Pausa Poornima, Chandana Yatra and Bhauma Ekadasi are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Kantilo Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Khandapada, 27 Kms from Narasinghpur, 31 Kms from Nayagarh Town Railway Station, 33 Kms from Nayagarh, 41 Kms from Daspalla, 78 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 78 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport.  The temple is situated on Bhubaneswar to Narasinghpur route. Frequent buses are available from Khandapada, Nayagarh, Narasinghpur and Bhubaneswar to reach Kantilo.

Location