Liquid to solid in 7 years: This Odisha temple’s 52 kg mercury Shivling amazes devotees

The Paradeswar Temple in Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district of Odisha continues to draw large numbers of devotees, with its 52 kg mercury Shivling remaining the focal point of attraction. 

The temple, dedicated to Baba Paradeswar, gained prominence for housing what is recognised as the third Shivling of its kind in the world.

Devotees from within Odisha and from other states visit the shrine to offer prayers and witness the unique mercury idol, which distinguishes the temple from other Shaiva shrines.

Unique Mercury Shivling

The central attraction of the temple is the massive Shivling made entirely of mercury, weighing 52 kg. Mercury is ordinarily a liquid substance, and according to temple sources, it took seven years to solidify it.

The mercury was purified for seven years through Ayurvedic processes in Bhuj, Gujarat, after which it was given a solid form. The completed Shivling was later installed at the Paradeswar Temple in Dharamgarh. It has since been accorded recognition as the third Shivling of its kind in the world.

Devotees Express Faith

Shantanu, a devotee visiting the temple, said, “Devotees have strong faith in this temple and believe that all their wishes will be fulfilled by worshipping the Shivling.”

Temple priest Rajaram Das outlined the daily rituals performed at the shrine. “Rudra Patha is done in the morning and then Aarti follows after Bhoga ritual at noon. In the evening hours, another Aarti is performed along with Puja,” he said.

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Trilochan Munda, a Temple Committee member, said, “Having darhsan on Dwadash Jyotirlingas is similar to having a single darshan of Lord Paradeswar. We have strong faith and belief in this; we also believe that Lord Paradeswar's Panchamrit can heal all health ailments.”