Dhabaleswar Temple is a beautiful and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on an island in the Mahanadi River near Cuttack, Odisha. The temple is famous for its stone carvings, legends, and festivals. It is also a popular tourist attraction for its scenic views and hanging bridge.
History Dhabaleswar Temple, Athagarh:
Dhabaleswar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Odisha, dating back to the 10th or 11th century CE. The temple is named after Lord Dhabaleswar, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The legend behind this name is that a thief once stole a black bull calf from a village and hid in the temple with it. He prayed to Lord Shiva to save him from the angry villagers who were looking for him.
Lord Shiva appeared as a sannyasin and brought out the calf, which had turned white. The villagers were amazed and let the thief go. The thief realized that it was Lord Shiva who had helped him and became his devotee. The act of turning a black calf into a white earned Lord Shiva the name Dhabaleswar, which means white god.
The temple was built by King Yayati Keshari of the Somavamshi dynasty, who ruled Odisha from 1025 CE to 1070 CE.
The temple has beautiful architecture and stone carvings that reflect the Kalinga style of art. The temple is situated on an island in the Mahanadi River, near Cuttack, Odisha. The island is connected to the mainland by a hanging bridge, which is one of the longest suspension bridges in India. The temple and the island offer a scenic view of the river and its surroundings.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage center for devotees of Lord Shiva, especially during the Makar Sankranti festival in January. Thousands of people visit the temple to worship Lord Dhabaleswar and offer water, milk, flowers, and fruits to him. The temple also hosts various cultural programs and fairs during the festival. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day and there is no entry fee for visiting it.
Best Time to Visit Dhabaleswar Temple
The best time to visit the Dhabaleswar Temple in Odisha, India, is during the winter and early spring months, which span from October to March. During this period, the weather is more pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities and temple visits. The specific months of November to February are considered the peak tourist season for visiting Dhabaleswar Temple.
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Dhabaleswar Temple Nearby Attractions
- Singanatha Temple: This is another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on a small island in the Mahanadi River. The temple is believed to be older than the Dhabaleswar Temple and has unique architecture and sculpture.
- Mahanadi Barrage: This is a dam built across the Mahanadi River near Cuttack. The barrage regulates the flow of water and generates hydroelectric power. It also provides irrigation and drinking water to nearby areas.
- Odisha Maritime Museum: This is a museum that showcases the maritime history and heritage of Odisha. The museum has various exhibits, models, artifacts, and interactive displays that depict the naval and trade activities of Odisha from ancient times to modern times. You can learn about the shipbuilding, navigation, fishing, and coastal culture of Odisha at this museum.
If you want to visit Dhabaleswar Temple during the winter season, you will need to plan your trip in advance and book your tickets, hotels, transportation, and guides.
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