Khajureshwara Temple, Sergarh, Balasore

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ReOxY_FUvYE

Location: "Khajuresvara Temple Complex, CRPH+J72, Shergada, Odisha 756060"

Reference: https://discoverbbsr.com/temples-of-odisha-khajureswara/#:~:text=Lost%20temples%20of%20India%20is,worshiped%20in%20the%20new%20temple.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khajuresvara_temple_complex#:~:text=Khajuresvara%20temple%20complex%20is%20a,in%20each%20of%20the%20deula.

 

The Khajuresvara temple complex is a group of Buddhist and Shaiva-Shakta temples in the Khajurasahi area of Shergada, Balasore, Odisha, India. The complex was built between the 8^th and 9^th centuries and features several stone idols. The largest temple in the complex, Khajuresvara, was destroyed, but the idols were moved to a newly built temple. The architecture follows a Kalinga pancaratha-style. The idols worshiped in the different deulas are Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, Vaishnavi and Purushottama. The deulas that are intact were built in the "khakara" style except one where the latter was built in "rekha" style. The newly built temple was built in "pidha" style.  

Built in a small compound with a clusture of temples comprised of : 3 smaller temples and 2 stupas. Both the “Vimana” and “Jagamohana” are are pidha temples of impoverished Kalingan order. It houses some of the Hindu deities of Somavansi period (10th – 11th centuries AD). The idols are mainly carved in laterite (locally known as "mankada pathara"). There are three lingas (locally known as “Patalaphuta“, Odia: ପାତାଳଫୁଟ, meaning a deity originating from the crux of earth) without Jonipitha (also known as “Yonipitha” or a base) and a circular Jonipitha without linga.

The current shrines were constructed between 18th to 19th century where the idols were built during 10th – 11th centuries. Local landlord Gangadhara Senapati got it renovated during the 19th century. Some of the idols are now worshiped in the new temple.

 

How to Reach:

By Road: Balasore is the nearest major city around 12 KMs. Best way is to have your own vehicle. Shared autos and buses from Balasore are also available

By Air: Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport around 200 KMs

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Balasore

Timings:

Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Parking and Photography:

No restriction in photography. Drones can be used easily from outside.

Parking to be done outside the complex in the side of the narrow road. Not much of difficulty with parking. Refer to my drone pics to get an idea.

Festivals:

The annual fair “Jagara mela” during Shivaratri