History, Importance, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Brahmeshwar temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Brahmeswar or Brahmeshvara Temple is solely dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest and finest designed temple, located in capital and temple city Bhubaneshwar of Odisha. The temple is very beautifully carved inside and outside. The style of the ancient temple is the most attracting view for the visitors in terms of history and architecture. It is believed that the temple was built in the 9th century but as per records and information it was built during the Somavamsi dynasty in 11th century by Kolavati Devi mother of the King Udyotakesari. The temple is classified as a Panchatanaya temple where apart from the main shrine, there are other four subsidiary shrines in the four corners around the temple and large square tank. The temple is built with traditional architectural methods of wood carving, but it is applied on stone building. The temple is divide in the major two part, one is Vimana and second is the Jagmohana. Brahmeshwara temple resembles to the Mukteswara temple in many ways.
It is the popular temple among tourists and devotee from hundreds of year for its beautifully designed campus and thornily built structure in mix of Kalinga and Lingaya architectural style. The sandstone walls are very nicely carved with various celestial deities attract all. The carvings over the door frame contain beautiful flower design as well as flying figures. Like the Rajarani, there are images of the eight directional guardian deities. The Chamunda appears on the western facade, holding a trident and a human head, standing on a corpse. Outside walls of the temple are adorned with gods and goddesses, Lord Shiva in form of Natraja, carvings of birds and animal etc.
Here in temple Queen Kolavati presented the first inscriptional reference of Devadasi tradition in Bhubaneswar temples. Devadasi were maidens devoted to the worship and entertainment activity like dance, music for the presiding deity.
The Maha Shivratri Festival is very well celebrated with thousands of Participants every year. Also Purnima of sacred month Kartik and Diwali are celebrated with great zeal.
How to reach Brahmeshwar temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
The roads are very well connected to reach Bhubaneshwar from the major cities of Odisha. The Railway Station and the Airport both are available from Bhubaneshwar itself thus devotee and tourist can reach easily.
