Nilamadhava Temple, Kantilo –
The Temple Complex
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 architectural style is similar to the Jagannath Temple of Puri. The temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana, pidha jagamohana, garuda mandapa and an open mandapa.
The vimana, jagamohana, garuda mandapa are square on plan whereas the open mandapa is rectangular on plan. Images of two Mahisasuramardini can be found near the entrance of jagamohana. The sanctum enshrines an image of Nilamadhava over a pedestal. He is four armed. He holds Sankha and Chakra in his upper two hands and lower hands rests on the head of his two consorts.
There is a permanent flow of holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava. It is unique natural attraction of the temple. Images of Trivikrama, Varaha and Narasimha can be seen in the parsvadevata niches around the sanctum. The exterior is devoid of any decorations except the parsvadevata niches.
Siddhesvara Mahadeva Temple:
This temple is situated in front
of the southern gate inside the Nilamadhava Temple Complex. This temple is
facing towards east. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in
elevation. The temple consists of pidha vimana and flat roofed nandi mandapa. Both
the vimana and nandi mandapa are square on plan. The doorjambs of the sanctum
has three bands of decoration. Dvarapalas can be seen at the bottom portion of
the doorjambs. The dedicatory block of the lintel has the image of Gajalakshmi.
Navagraha panels can be seen on the architrave.
The sanctum enshrines the
presiding deity, Siddhesvara Mahadeva, in the form of Shiva Linga within a
circular yonipitha. Images of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati can be seen in the
parsvadevata niches around the sanctum. The niche above the parsvadevata niches
are represented with nayikas in different posture. The exterior of the vimana is
devoid of any decorations except dopichhasimhas on each corner of the pista and
a series of foliated arches on the veranda portion. An image of Surya can be
seen on the frontal facade of the vimana.
Jagannatha Temple:
This temple is situated in front
of the northern gate of the Nilamadhava Temple Complex. This temple is facing
towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple is panchangabada
in elevation. The temple consists of pidha vimana and jagamohana. The vimana is
square on plan whereas the jagamohana is rectangular on plan.
Vaishnavite dvarapalas can be
seen within the miniature pidhamundis at the frontal facade. The sanctum
enshrines the images of Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The exterior
of the temple is decorated with images of Vishnu, Narasimha, Varaha, Nagarjuna,
Hanuman, Rama, Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna Lila scenes, erotic scenes and nayikas in
different posture.
Gopinatha Temple:
This temple is situated on the western
side of the Nilamadhava Temple Complex. This temple is facing towards east and
stands over a low raised platform. The temple is pancharatha on plan and
panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and pidha
jagamohana. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. The sanctum enshrines
a black chlorite image of Lord Krishna and brass image of his consort Radha.
The exterior is decorated with dopichhasimhas and Garuda image over the beki,
projecting lion on each raha, mithuna and maithuna images, animals, floral
motifs and geometric patterns.
Mahalaxmi Temple:
The temple is situated on the
north western corner of the main shrine. This temple is
facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in
elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana. The
vimana and jagamohana are square on plan.
The sanctum enshrines an image
of goddess Mahalaxmi. She is four armed and stands over a high pedestal. The
exterior is decorated with architectural motifs like pidhamundi design,
miniature rekhamundi surmounted by a gajakranta motif, dopichhasimhas &
deulacharinis, mithuna & maithuna images, animals, floral motifs and
geometric patterns.
Vimala Temple:
This
temple is situated on the western side of the Nilamadhava Temple Complex. This temple is facing towards
east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple is pancharatha on plan and
panchangabada in elevation. The temple consists of rekha vimana and pidha
jagamohana. The vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. The sanctum enshrines
a black chlorite image of Vimala, a form of goddess Parvati. The exterior is
devoid of any decorations except a rekhamundi surmounted by a gajakranta motif
on the frontal raha, pidhamundi design over the parsvadevata niches and a pair
of projecting lion on each raha.
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