Panchalingeswar Temple Odisha

Get set to amazed by the ancient Shiva Lingas enshrined here at Panchalingeswar Temple. Perched atop of a hillock in Nilagari Hill in the Balasore district, Odisha, Panchalingeswar Temple is a Lord Shiva’s temple which is named after the five lingas of Shiva that are installed inside this shrine. On reaching the top of the hillock, one has to bend down in order to look for the lingas inside a pool created by the waterfall. These lingas are continuously washed by the water of a perennial stream that flows over them. However, in order to touch the Shiva Lingas and worship them, one has to lie on his chest over the rock parallel to the stream. In the whole region, the temple holds an ethereal significance in the hearts of devotees that makes it one of the most prominent pilgrimage site in the district.

Not just for devotees, the place is also a great sightseeing choice for nature lovers. Since it is located on a hilltop thus it makes a surreal surrounding for the visitors to relish in. From the temple, one can also adore the stunning sights of the small tribal villages and hamlets of the region. Being a popular pilgrimage site lies amidst a scenic setting, Panchalingeswar Temple is one of the sought-after tourist spots in Odisha that lures oodles of travellers from different quarters.

History and Architecture of the Temple

The history of the construction of this temple is still a mystery. However, it was discovered by the King Krishna Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan, son of the King Gobinda Chandra Mardaraj Harichandan. The king came to this place in search of the five lingas which were described by Lord Shiva in his consort’s, Queen Arnapurna Devi.

Apart from this story, there are two legends associated with the shrine. One says that these Shiva Lingas were enshrined by Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, during the period their exile. While the other one goes like that a great devotee of Lord Shiva and a powerful demon - King Banasura installed the five lingas here to worship Lord Shiva. These five lingas are the prominent attractions of this Lord Shiva’s temple in Odisha.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Panchalingeswar Temple is from the months of October to March, which is the winter season. During the season, the weather of the district remains all pleasant to travel.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Devikund Waterfalls
• Kuldiha
• Jagannath Temple
• Langaleswar
• Khirachora Gopinath
• Bhudhar Chandi Temple
• Baleshwar Temple
• Biranchi Narayan Temple