Huma, the leaning temple
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/xCF5UrinRuo
Location: “The
Leaning Temple of Huma, 7WJ6+7WV, Huma, Tabada, Odisha 768113”
References: AI
https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/discover/attractions/temples-monuments/huma.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Temple_of_Huma
https://www.avathi.com/place/leaning-temple-of-huma/8474
The Leaning Temple of Huma is a unique
17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the
Mahanadi River, 23 km south of Sambalpur in Odisha, India. It is
one of the world's few leaning temples, with the main structure and smaller
shrines tilting due to a likely waterlogged foundation, while the pinnacle
remains aligned.
The temple was built during the reign of Chauhan King Baliar
Singhdeo in the 17th century. The temple has a noticeable tilt, sometimes
reported at an angle of 15 degrees from the vertical, making it a prominent
tourist attraction, situated in Huma village on the banks of the Mahanadi
River. It is unknown if this structure is leaning by design or for
another reason. Although the edifice leans,
the pinnacle of the temple is perpendicular to the
ground.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhimeshwara (Shiva). The
Bhairavi Devi temple is situated to the left of the main temple, and the Bhairo
temple is situated to the right of the main temple. According to historical
records, Ganga Vamsi Emperor Anangabhima Deva-III built this temple. The temple
was rebuilt or renovated by King Baliar Singh (1660–1690 A.D.), the fifth Chauhan king
of Sambalpur. The rest of the temples were built during the rule of King Ajit
Singh (1766–1788 A.D.) of Sambalpur. The temple is positioned on a rocky
outcrop on the bank of the river Mahanadi. The reason for the leaning cannot be
assumed to have been technical flaws at the time of construction. It is also
not an easily acceptable idea that a weak foundation might have caused the
leaning of the temple. There may perhaps have been interior displacement of the
rocky bed on which it stands, either due to flood currents in the river
Mahanadi, or earthquakes. The plinth of the temple has deviated slightly from
its original arrangement, and as a result, the body of the temple has tilted.
This tilt has fascinated historians, sculptors and other
researchers. The surprising thing is that the main temple is tilted
in one direction, whereas the other small temples are tilted in other
directions. Within the temple complex i.e. within the boundaries of temple,
everything is in a tilted condition, including the boundaries themselves, and
the villagers and priests says that the angle of inclination has not changed
over last 40 or 50 years. The angle of inclination of the tilt is 13.8
degrees.
The temple is a unique architectural feat at the fag end
of the Odisha Temple Architecture and over the years has become the temple’s
identity. The fish pond located within the temple premises is an added
attraction to the people who congregate and feed the fish.
Visitors can explore the spacious parking area and the
entrance towards the river at the back of the temple. While boating is
available, it is advisable to exercise caution. The temple's historical
significance is evident in its connection to the reign of Baliar Singh, the
fifth Raja of Sambalpur, adding to its cultural allure. A pilgrimage site for
many, Huma attracts both devotees and curious travelers eager to witness the
temple's unique architecture and the famed Kudo fish in the river.
Legend
According to legend, The worship of Shiva is said to have been
initiated by a milkman, who crossed the Mahanadi daily to a place on the bank
where the underlying rock cropped out. Here he offered his dole of milk, which
was immediately consumed by the rock. This miraculous circumstance led to
inquiries, which ended in the construction of the present temple.
Another legend states that the temple is associated with
a local belief regarding 'Kudo' fish in the river, which are considered sacred
and protected, with legends claiming that catching them brings a curse.
Famous
Festivals
1)
The annual fair
held at the foothill in March during Shivratri
adds a festive charm to the surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of
the temple grounds, especially during the evening when the calm ambiance is
accentuated by the soothing sounds of the river waves.
How to Reach:
·
By
Road: From Sambalpur
town, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Huma village (approx. 23 km).
·
By
Train: The nearest
major railway station is in Sambalpur, which connects to major Indian cities.
·
By
Air: The nearest
airport is Sambalpur Airport, though it has limited connectivity.
Alternatively, one can fly into Bhubaneswar (approx. 300 km away) and take a
train or car to Sambalpur
Photography and Parking
Photography is fully allowed. Drones can be
used from the parking area
There is a huge dedicated parking area.
Stay options
Sambalpur around 23 KM from the temple has
ample options to stay.
Nearby places of attractions:
·
Hirakud Dam: One of the
world's longest earthen dams, featuring panoramic views and a reservoir for
boating.
·
Samaleswari Temple: A major
16th-century shrine dedicated to the goddess Samaleswari.
·
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Located nearby for nature enthusiasts and safaris.
·
Ghanteswari Temple: A temple located
on the bank of the Mahanadi River.
·
Budharaja Temple: A Shiva temple
situated atop a hill in Sambalpur city.
·
Maa Kaali Temple Island: Located near Dhama village, close to the Huma Temple