Nilakantheswar Temple, Puri, Odisha

Nilakantheswar Temple, Puri, Odisha

Nilakantheswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. This Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Pandava Temples, associated with Arjuna, one of the brothers among the Pancha Pandavas. It is also considered as one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples protecting Puri in all directions. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Puri Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Puri Railway Station and 3 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Indradyumna tank. This temple is located at the end of the road leading from Gundicha temple towards the Indradyumna tank.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/nilakantheswar-temple-puri-legends.html

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of pidha vimana, jagamohana & flat roofed Bhogamandapa of Kalingan order. The temple has Panchangabada in its elevation. The Vimana and jagamohana are square on plan. Presiding Deity is called as Nilakantheswar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam within a circular yonipitha. The niches surrounding the Vimana houses images of recent origin. The Lintel of the door is carved with Navagrahas.

Festivals

Sitalasasti, Maha Shivarathri, Dola Purnima and Pana Sankranti are the festivals observed in this temple. Marriage ceremony, thread ceremony, and engagements are also celebrated here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/puri-odisha-connectivity-puri.html

Location

Markandeswar Temple, Puri, Odisha

Markandeswar Temple, Puri, Odisha

Markandeswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. This Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Pandava Temples, associated with Arjuna, one of the brothers among the Pancha Pandavas. It is also considered as one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples protecting Puri in all directions. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 2 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3.5 Kms from Puri Railway Station. Markandeswar Temple is situated in the Markandeswar street by the side of the Markandeswar tank, to the north of the Puri Jagannath Temple. This place can be approached on the right side of Markandeswar road leading from Markandeswar chowk to Puri-Brahmagiri road.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/markandeswar-temple-puri-legends.html

History

The Temple was built in 12^th Century CE by Ganga Kings. The history in Puri also proves that Sri Ramanuja visited Puri during 1107 and 1117. Sri Ramanuja was followed by Vishnu Swami, who established Vishnuswami Matha, near Markandeswar Tank. Both Markandeswar Temple and Markandeswar Tank can be dated back to the 12^th century CE. 

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/markandeswar-temple-puri-temple.html

Inscriptions

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/markandeswar-temple-puri-inscriptions.html

Festivals

The festival of Ashokashtami is observed on the 8th day of bright fortnight of Chaitra (April) in the temple with great enthusiasm. Mahashivaratri in the month of Phalguna (March) and the marriage ceremony on the eve of Sheetalashasthi in the month of Jyestha (June) are celebrated here in pomp and ceremony. Markandeswar participates in Chandan Yatra at Narendra Tank in the month of Balsakham (May) with Yameshwar, Lokanath, Kapalamochana, Neelakantha, Rama and Krishna in a colourful boat. Sri Sudarshan from Jagannath Temple arrives at Gamha Bedi on the full moon day of Shravana (August) to perform birth rites of Sri Balabhadra. Kaliadalan festival is observed in the month of Bhadraba (September).

On this occasion Madana Mohan, Rama and Krishna arrive at Kaliyadalan Mandap from Srimandir. Besides these special rites are performed in the temple in consonance with the rites in Jagannath temple on five occasions namely Ashrama Bije, Kamada Ekadashi, Shravanshuklanavami, Rishi Panchami and Margashira Shukla Chaturdashi. Traditional sandy Linga worshipped by Neta girls belong to servitor group of Jagannath Temple has special attraction in the shrine. At that time Neta girls with their attractive dress and gold ornaments look like Odissi dancers. The girls used to sing prayers addressed to Markandeswar, Shiva & Parvati, Sarvamangala etc.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/puri-odisha-connectivity-puri.html

Location

Lokanatha Temple, Puri, Odisha

Lokanatha Temple, Puri, Odisha

Lokanatha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. This Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Pandava Temples, associated with Bhima, one of the brothers among the Pancha Pandavas. It is also considered as one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples protecting Puri in all directions. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 3.5 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 4.5 Kms from Puri Railway Station. This temple is situated on the south west side of the Jagannatha Temple on the Lokanatha Road.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/lokanath-temple-puri-legends.html

History

The Temple was built in 12^th Century CE by Ganga Kings.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/lokanath-temple-puri-temple.html

Festivals

Shivarathri, Pankaujhala Ekadashi, Sitalasasti, Ganesh Puja, Durga Puja, Kalipuja, Chandanyatra, Hera Panchami and Mondays especially of the month of Vaisakha, Shraavana and Kartika. Shivrathri is observed in the temple with a lot of devotion by the people. A meeting of Hara (Lord Shiva) and Hari (Lord Vishnu) takes place on that day.

Prayers

According to a local tradition, people who suffer from incurable diseases come here for prayer. The flowers, sandal paste, milk, Curd (yoghurt), honey, beetle leaves, Coconut water, Bilva leaves, etc. offered to the God throughout the year remain decomposed in the water creating a special smell and taste being medicated as a whole. people take it as Prasad, in order to be cured from the disease that they suffered for.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/puri-odisha-connectivity-puri.html

Location

Kapala Mochan Temple, Puri, Odisha

Kapala Mochan Temple, Puri, Odisha

Kapala Mochan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. This Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Pandava Temples, associated with Nakula, one of the brothers among the Pancha Pandavas. It is also considered as one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples protecting Puri in all directions. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 2 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3 Kms from Puri Railway Station. The Temple is situated to the south west of Jagannath Temple in the Manikarnika street. The temple is located on the left side of Gandua Chaura Chowk in Manikarnika Street.

Legends

Kapala Mochana Mahadeva:

Initially Brahma had five heads. Lord Shiva plucked one of those head, and the Kapala (Head of Brahma) remained attached to Lord Shiva’s hand, thus he committed the sin of killing a Brahmana (Brahma Hathi Dosha). He could not get rid of it and went everywhere but this sin followed him. Finally, when Lord Shiva was passing through Puri, suddenly the Kapala fell from his hand by the power of Puri Dham and Jagannatha. Hence, the Kapala fell from Lord Shiva hands and sin got absolved, Lord Shiva came to be called as Kapala Mochana Mahadeva.

Pancha Pandava Temples:

Kapala Mochan Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temple of Puri. As per the legend, Pancha Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) during their exile visited Puri and stayed here for one day. They worshipped Lord Vishnu for the safety of their journey. As a symbol of their visit, five Shiva temples were built at Puri in memory of their stay at this holy place. These famous five Shiva temples are Lokanatha, Jameswara, Kapalamochana, Markandeswarar and Nilakanthesvara. Together, these temples are called as Pancha Pandava Temples. Kapala Mochan Temple is associated with Nakula, one of the brother among the Pancha Pandavas.

Ashta Shambhus:

As per Skanda Purana Purusottama Mahatmya, Puri is called as Shankha Kshetra as it is conch shaped. Puri Jagannath Temple stands at the centre. lt is surrounded and protected by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus. Markandeswar is one among them. The others are Kapalamochana, Kshetrapal, Yameshwar, lshaneswar, Bilweswar and Neelakantha.

History

The Temple was built in 10^th Century CE by Somavanshi Kings.

The Temple

The Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Pandava Temples of Puri. This temple is facing towards east. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. Presiding Deity is called as Kapala Mochana Mahadeva. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam within a circular yonipitha. The Temple is situated 6.60 meters below the present road level. The Sanctum follows rekha deula style and Jagamohana follows pidha deula style. There is an idol of ten-armed Kali inside the Jagamohana. She is called as Dasa Bhuja Shyama Kali. In addition to Dasa Bhuja Shyama Kali, there is a Kartikeya image and a four-armed female figure inside the jagamohana.

There is an 8^th – 9^th century image of Ganesa made of sand stone enshrined in a separate shrine in the northern side of the temple near the wall. The image is without the mount mouse, which speaks of the antiquity of the image. It is quite probable that this image was one of the Parsvadevta of the original Siva temple of the precinct. The image of Lord Narasimha is also carved on the temple wall. There is a sacred pool, called as Manikarnika, found in the temple premises.

Festivals

Kapalamochana Mahadeva participates in the Chandana Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. This temple is also connected with Sitalasasti, Dolapurnima and Rudravisekha of Lord Jagannath Temple. Marriage ceremony, engagement and thread ceremony etc. are observed here.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/puri-odisha-connectivity-puri.html

Location

Jameswar Temple, Puri, Odisha

Jameswar Temple, Puri, Odisha

Jameswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the state of Odisha, India. This Temple is considered as one of the Pancha Pandava Temples, associated with Yudhistra, the eldest brother among the Pancha Pandavas. It is also considered as one of the Ashta Sambhu Temples protecting Puri in all directions. This temple is also known as Yamesvara Temple and Jamesvara Mahadeva Temple. The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Puri Jagannatha Temple, 3 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 4 Kms from Puri Railway Station. The Temple is located towards the end of the street in Gaudabada Sahi to the south west of Puri Jagannath Temple. 

Legends

Jameswara:

It is believed that once Lord Yama (the god of death) tried to disturb Lord Shiva’s meditation. An infuriated Lord Shiva defeated Lord Yama in the ensuing battle. In local language 'Yama' is known as 'Jama'. After his victory over Jama (Yama), Lord Shiva is known as Jameswar (Yamesvara). It is said that Lord Jamesvara is protecting the holy city of Puri from the influence of Yama.

Pancha Pandava Temples:

Jameswar Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temple of Puri. As per the legend, Pancha Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) during their exile visited Puri and stayed here for one day. They worshipped Lord Vishnu for the safety of their journey. As a symbol of their visit, five Shiva temples were built at Puri in memory of their stay at this holy place. These famous five Shiva temples are Lokanatha, Jameswara, Kapalamochana, Markandeswarar and Nilakanthesvara. Together, these temples are called as Pancha Pandava Temples. Yamesvara Temple is associated with Yudhistra, the eldest brother among the Pancha Pandavas.

Ashta Shambhus:

As per Skanda Purana Purusottama Mahatmya, Puri is called as Shankha Kshetra as it is conch shaped. Puri Jagannath Temple stands at the centre. lt is surrounded and protected by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus. Markandeswar is one among them. The others are Kapalamochana, Kshetrapal, Yameshwar, lshaneswar, Bilweswar and Neelakantha.

History

The Temple was believed to be built in 14^th Century CE by Ganga Kings.

The Temple

The Temple is situated below the present ground level. The Temple is facing towards the east. It is a Kalingan order of temple having a rekha vimana & pidha jagamohana. The temple is a Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The Temple courtyard can be reached by descending the steps. The dance hall (Natamandapa) and dining hall (Bhogamandapa) are located in this level.  

There is an ante chamber or hall before Jagamohana. It is about 2 feet below the courtyard level. This Hall is of later addition than the original temple structure. Bhogamandapa and Nata Mandapa were completed later. Jagamohana can be accessed from the ante chamber by descending few steps. Sanctum can be accessed by descending few steps down again.

The level is approximately around 15 meters from the ground level. Presiding Deity is called as Yamesvara / Jameswar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam within a circular yonipitha. The vimana & jagamohana are square on plan and the Natamandapa and bhogamandapa are rectangular.

Festivals

Jamesvara Mahadeva participates in the Chandana yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. On the day of Radhastami, the, deity Sudarsana from the Jagannatha temple visits Lord Yamesvara. This temple is also connected with Sagar Bije, Ashram Bije, Sital Sasthi, Champak Dwadasi, Sravana Purnima and Aswina Purnima of Lord Jagannath Temple. The festival of Yama Dwitiya (2^nd day bright fortnight of the month of Kartika) is also observed in this temple with great devotion.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/puri-odisha-connectivity-puri.html

Location