Uttaresvara Siva Temple
The Uttaresvara Siva Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. While its original structure from the 7th century has undergone renovations, it remains a significant site featuring various deities and architectural elements. The temple is part of a larger precinct that includes other shrines and a sacred tank.
Key Facts
- ›Dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically in the Hiranyagarbha form.
- ›Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, near the Bindusagar tank.
- ›Architectural features suggest an origin in the 7th century, with later construction potentially in the 19th century.
- ›The temple complex includes nine lesser shrines and the Bhimeswara Siva temple.
- ›Associated with the deity Ma Uttarayani, known as one of the Ashta Chandi-s of Lord Lingaraj.
- ›Features sculptures of Lord Nrusingha, Bhairava, Bhairavi, Kartikeya, Mahisamardini, and Ganesha.
Shiva
- Religious Pilgrimage Site
- Architectural Heritage
- Observance of Rituals Like Nrusimha Janma, Durgastami, Kartik Purnima, Shiva Ratri, and 'Chaitra Mangalbar'
Nrusimha Janma, Durgastami, Kartik Purnima, Shiva Ratri, Chaitra Mangalbar
Laterite Blocks
Kartikeya, Mahisamardini, Siddhivinayaka Ganesha, Gajalaxmi
Bindusagar Tank, Godavari Tank
About Uttaresvara Siva Temple
The Uttaresvara Siva Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. While its origins are traced to the 7th century, evidenced by iconographic traits and architectural remnants, the temple has undergone substantial renovations over time, with some construction possibly dating to the 19th century. It is situated on the northern embankment of the Bindusagar tank, a prominent water body in the city's Old Town area.
Religious Significance and Deities
The principal deity is Lord Shiva, enshrined as Uttaresvara Siva in the form of a circular yoni pitha. The temple complex also features statues of Bhairava and Bhairavi flanking the entrance to the sanctum. A notable presence within the main temple is a statue of Lord Nrusingha, positioned to face Lord Uttaresvara. Another important deity associated with the temple is Ma Uttarayani, the Parshwa Devi of Lord Uttaresvara, who is recognized as one of the Ashta Chandi-s of Lord Lingaraj. Famous rituals and festivals observed here include Nrusimha Janma, Durgastami, Kartik Purnima, Shiva Ratri, and 'Chaitra Mangalbar', with the offering of Pana to Uttarayani during Chaitra being particularly well-known.
Architecture and Complex
The temple exhibits architectural elements indicative of its early establishment, including pabhaga mouldings and a rectangular, flat-roofed jagamohana. The Vimana is of the Rekha Deula style. Although the original structure has collapsed, renovation work is evident. The Uttaresvara Siva Temple is the main shrine within a larger precinct that encompasses nine lesser shrines, including the Bhimesvara Siva Temple, and a sacred tank known as the Godavari Tank. The complex is surrounded by a compound wall.
Historical Context and Legends
Local tradition states that the temple derives its name from its location on the northern embankment of Bindusagar and its position north of the Lingaraj Temple. It is considered one of the four pithas in the region, with Uttaresvara known as a Tantra pitha. While the temple's architectural features point to a 7th-century origin, the presence of cult images of an earlier phase and subsequent renovation suggest a layered history. The Godavari Tank within the precinct has its own legends, involving Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, relating to the consecration of its waters.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary deity worshipped at the Uttaresvara Siva Temple?
The primary deity worshipped at the Uttaresvara Siva Temple is Lord Shiva, represented in the Uttaresvara Siva form, which is a circular yoni pitha. The temple also houses statues of Bhairava and Bhairavi.
When was the Uttaresvara Siva Temple established?
Architectural features suggest that the temple was established in the 7th century AD. However, later construction might have occurred in the 19th century, and the original temple structure has collapsed and been renovated.
Where is the Uttaresvara Siva Temple located?
The Uttaresvara Siva Temple is situated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It is located within a precinct on the northern embankment of the Bindusagar tank, near Nalamuhana Sahi, Kedara-Gouri Chowk, in the Old Town area.
What are some notable sculptures found within the temple complex?
The temple complex features several notable sculptures, including statues of Lord Nrusingha, Bhairava, Bhairavi, Kartikeya in a tribhanga pose, a six-armed Mahisamardini, and a four-armed Siddhivinayaka Ganesha. A Gajalaxmi is also present at the lalatabimba.
What is the significance of the deity Ma Uttarayani in this temple?
Ma Uttarayani is a deity of major importance in the Uttaresvara Siva Temple, serving as the Parshwa Devi of Lord Uttaresvara. She faces south on the outer wall of the main temple and is recognized as one of the Ashta Chandi-s of Lord Lingaraj. An offering of Pana to her during the month of Chaitra is a famous ritual.
Are there other temples within the Uttaresvara Siva Temple precinct?
Yes, the Uttaresvara Siva Temple precinct contains nine lesser shrines. The Bhimesvara Siva temple is the second biggest temple within the complex, and there is also a dilapidated laterite temple.
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