Nilamadhava Temple, Kantilo – The Temple Complex

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.