Kedargauri Temple Bhubaneswar

Introduction to Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar

Every district of Odisha boasts many ancient Hindu temples. Bhubaneswar is its state capital which comprises many beautiful temples. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city daily to explore the temples and culture. Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar, is one such revered temple. It lies behind the Mukteswar temple. The presiding deity is Shiva (Kedareswar). His consort, Parvati (Kedar Gauri), has a separate sanctum in the temple complex. This is one of the Ashtasambhu temples in the city (eight temples dedicated to Siva). Another name of the temple is Kedareswar temple.

Legend of Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar

The temple is associated with some interesting legends. One legend says that a couple named Kedar and Gauri loved each other and decided to marry. But the entire village was against them. So, they left the place. During the journey, Gauri felt hungry. So, Kedar went outside to bring her food. Unfortunately, a tiger killed him. After hearing this news, Gauri committed suicide by jumping into the pond. Lalatendu Keshari, the King of Utkal, raised this temple on hearing their story. He named the temple, Kedargauri. Even now, lovers come here to pray so that their marriage will be free of obstacles.

Another myth is that in search of peace and silence, Shiva and his consort, Parvati, came from Varanasi and settled here. Hence, the temple was built and dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.

The Architecture of Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar

The Ganga Kings in the 12th century CE built the temple. The architectural features of Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar, resemble the Siddheswara temple in the Mukteswar Temple complex. In the temple complex, there are two separate temples. One is for Shiva, and another is for Parvati. Two ponds, Khira Kund and Marichi Kund, are believed to have sacred powers.

The Kedareswar temple faces south. The Shiva Linga here is worshipped as Kedareswar. Its Vimana type is Rekha and Jagamohana type is Pidha. The temple's plan is Pancha Ratha, and its elevation is Panchanga Bada (five divisions). There are Parsvadevta idols around the exterior wall, such as Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati. The intricately carved door jamb depicting the Navagrahas is noteworthy.

The second temple in the complex is the Gauri temple, for the consort of Shiva. Intricate sculptures beautify the exterior walls of this temple. Gauri temple is also south-facing. Its Vimana type is Khakhara deula and Jagamohana type is Pidha. In this temple complex, devotees can see small shrines for Shiva, Durga, Hanuman, and Ganesha.

Although the legends are associated with both temples, different kings built them in different periods. The Gauri temple belongs to the Somavamsi period (10th century CE), and is older than the Kedar Temple.

The Shiva temple surrounds Dutiya Kedaresvara on its west, Kedara kunda on its east, Gauri temple on its south, and the compound wall on its north. Both temples reflect traditional Odisha architecture.

Festivals in Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar

The temple grandly celebrates many Hindu festivals. Every year during the Sital Sasthi festival, Lingaraj (Shiva) starts his grand procession from the Lingaraj temple and reaches Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar, to marry Parvati.

Ganesha Chaturthi, Shivaratri, Naga Panchami, and Hanuman Jayanti are other festivals celebrated here.

Benefits of Worshipping at Kedargauri Temple, Bhubaneswar

Devotees believe that the water from Khira Kund frees humans from rebirth, whereas the water from Marichi Kund cures women's infertility problems.