This Monday, August 19, will mark the fifth and last Sawan Somwar for this year. The holy month, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will attract many devotees to Shiva Shrines across Odisha.
Let’s explore 7 lesser-known Shiva Shrines in Odisha that offer peace and spirituality behind the crowd.
Brahmeswara Temple, Bhubaneswar: Located towards Tankapani Road, Siba Nagar in Bhubaneswar, this revered temple said to dates back to the 9th century with rich carvings both inside and outside the temple.
Shiva Cave temple, Gurjimunda, Kalahandi: Amid the scenic views of forests and hills, the ancient Shiva Cave temple sits atop a hill near the village Gurjimunda in the Kalahandi district of Odisha where a large rock is worshipped as the Shiva Linga.
Astashambhu Temple, Kualo, Dhenkanal: Said to be 1000 years old, this ancient temple is located about 72 km away from Dhenkanal. Eight Shiva lingams are worshipped here; the temple is a place of both devotional and historical importance.
Banasur Temple, Barapurikia, Cuttack: Located near the bank of Mahanadi in the Barapurikia village of Narasinghpur block, this is a popular and old Shiva Shrine attracting many devotees each year.
Akhandaleswar Temple, Kakarudrapur, Khordha: Built with impressive architecture, this lesser-known revered Shiva temple is situated at Kakarudrapur of Khordha district.
Bhaskareswar Temple, Bhubaneswar: Said to be a 10th-century Shiva Temple, it's located towards the Tankapani Road in Bhubaneswar. The temple is home to a large Shiva linga which is said to be continuously growing until a saint helped stop it.
Nrusinghanatha Mahadeva Temple, Baragaon, Ganjam: Also famous as Dakshinesvara Shiva Temple, it is located about 13 km away from Bhanjanagar and is said to be a Bhaumakara Dynasty monument.