Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ReOxY_FUvYE
Location: "SHREE PANCHALINGESWAR TEMPLE, CP69+FRV, Panchalingeshwar Rd, Dwarika, Odisha 756045"
References: https://myoksha.com/panchalingeshwar/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchalingeswar_Temple
https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/odisha/panchalingeswar-temple.html
https://hinduendowments.odisha.gov.in/temples/panchalingeshwara-temple/
https://odishatour.in/panchalingeswar-temple-nilagiri-balesore/
Panchalingeshwar temple (Panchalingeswar Saiva
pitha ) is a Shiva temple, perched atop of a hillock in Nilagari Hill in
the Balasore district, Odisha, Panchalingeswar 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.
The stream and waterfall grow in size during the
monsoons and the Pancha Lingas becomes difficult to locate by hand. The
approach to the temple is scenic as it is surrounded by a forest. Visitors can
also go to Sajanagarh, near to Panchalingeshwar, to see the Budarachandi
temple.
History
and legend:
The legend says, the Shivalingas are said to have been
enshrined by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile. Pachalingeswar
temple is situated in Western ghat of odisha near Nilagiri hill. A
beautiful flowing stream, which is the real attraction of the area, regularly
flows over the Shivalingas. On reaching the top one has to bend down, and
search for the Linga’s inside a pool created by the waterfall.
The second legend says 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.
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.
How
to Reach:
By Road: Balasore is the nearest
major city around 29 KMs. Best way is to have your own vehicle. Roads
are in very good condition. Shared autos and buses
from Balasore are also available
By Air: Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport
around 230 KMs
By Train: The nearest major railway station is
Balasore
· Trains from
Kolkata(Howrah): FALAKNUMA EXPRESS., EAST COAST EXP, COROMANDAL EXP,
SRIJAGANNATH EXP, HWH YPR EXP, HWH PURI EXPRESS
·
From New Delhi: PURSHOTTAM
EXP, PURI EXP, NEELACHAL EXP, ORISSA SAMPARK KRNTI
·
From Chennai Central
(Egmore): COROMANDEL EXP, HOWRAH MAIL
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Parking
and Photography:
There is a big parking area at the bottom of
the hill from where one has to climb up around 263 stairs (very easy).
Photography is allowed. Drones can be used but
it’s in forest up the hills, so be careful from bottom.
Festivals:
·
Magha Saptami fair
·
Maha Shivratri fair
Nearby Tourist Attractions
·
Devikund Waterfalls
·
Kuldiha
·
Jagannath Temple
·
Langaleswar
·
Khirachora Gopinath
·
Bhudhar Chandi Temple
·
Baleshwar Temple
·
Biranchi Narayan Temple