History, Importance, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Bharateswar, Lakshmaneswar and Shatrughneswar Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Bharateswar Temple is group of temple, solely dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhubaneshwar, Capital of Odisha. India. It is believed that this temple was built in 6th Century by the Sailodbhava dynasty. It is believed to be oldest survived ruined temple of Odisha and other temple construction is believed to be started after this temple. Temple complex houses three temple Bharateshwar, Lakshmaneswar and Shatrughneswar Temples which are opposite to Rameshwar temple in honour of the great heroes of Ramayana, Lord Ram, Lakshaman, Bharat and Shatrughn. These temple are north south aligned and where Lakshmaneswar is in north, Bharateshwar is in middle and Shatrughneswar in south.
The Shivlingam is installed in each three temple within a circular basement. These temples are constructed in the Rekha Vimana of early Kalingan style architecture with the use of sandstone and currently managed and renovated by State Archaeology. This temple is just located opposite to the main Rameswara Temple one of the key attraction of Bhubneswar. This temple is one of the attraction to the tourist as it is one of the ancient temple in India. The entrance of the temple is very short in height and T shaped such that hardly people can enter straight. Main motive behind the kind of entrance would be devotee had to lean down against God. All temple faces west and built on a tri-ratha plan. The bada – Vimana is divided into three parts, Pabhaga - base, Jangha - body and Baranda. Various beautiful carving like Nataraja, Shiva’s Marriage, Harihara, Kartikeya, Ardh-Nareeswar, Surya etc. attracts everyone.
The daily rituals are followed same as it is followed in other Shiva Lingam Temple. The Lingam of the Shiva is offered with milk and water many times in a day as it is said that the third eye on the forehead of Lord Shiva emits fire if opened. So to keep Lord Shiva cool the milk and water along with flowers are offered. The Shivratri festival is very well celebrated every year with thousands of devotees chanting the songs of Shiva, the dung of the bells, lightning the Diya’s makes the temple view mesmerizing.
How to reach Bharateswar – Group of Temple, Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneshwar is very well connected with the major cities of the state Odisha. The availability of the state buses and the private buses is very easily acquired to reach here. The nearest Railway Station is in the city itself at a distance of 4kms. The nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at a distance of 11kms.
