Brahmeshwar Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India. This temple is about 3 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. This temple is entirely devoted to Lord Shiva. Brahmeshwar Temple was constructed in the late ninth century CE.

Brahmeshwar temple is adorned with stunning artworks both inside and out. The inscriptions originally made on the temple can be used to precisely date this Hindu temple. They are now lost, but their records date back to around 1058 CE. His mother Kolavati Devi built the temple in the 18th year of Somavamsi king Udyotakesari’s reign, which corresponds to 1058 CE.

Special Significance of Brahmeshwar Temple

The Brahmeshwara Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the country’s finest and oldest temples. This Hindu shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as a Shivalinga here. Lord Shiva is also known to his devotees as Brahmeshwara, which means “Supreme Being of the Universe.” Every day, throngs of devotees visit the temple. This number skyrockets on the auspicious occasion of the Mahashivaratri festival. The intricate architecture of this temple is one of its main attractions.

History related to Brahmeshwar Temple

The Brahmeshwara temple is thought to have been constructed in the ninth century. However, based on information gathered from many sculptures, carvings, and inscriptions in the shrine, the temple was most likely built in the 11th century, and commissioned by Queen Kolavati Devi of Odisha’s Somavamsi Dynasty. It was constructed with four Natyasalas at Siddhatirtha in Ekamra (modern-day Bhubaneswar).

The inscription was discovered during Udyotha Kesari’s 18th renal year, which corresponded to 1060 CE. Because the inscription is not in its original location, historians speculate that it may refer to another temple, but based on the location and other characteristics specified, it is determined that the inscription belongs to the temple. Another point raised by Panigrahi is that the four cardinal temples are Angasalas (associate temples) rather than Natyasalas (dance halls) as the inscription indicates.

Architecture of Brahmeshwar Temple

The temple is classified as a panchatanaya temple because, in addition to the main shrine, there are four subsidiary shrines in the temple’s four corners. Because of its later origin, the temple has a more developed structure than its predecessors. The temple’s vimana is 18.96 m (62.2 ft) tall. The temple is constructed using traditional architectural methods of wood carving but on stone.

The buildings were constructed in the shape of a full-volume pyramid and then carved on the inside and outside. The land area is 208.84 square meters, and the temple is 181.16 square meters. The Orissan temple’s basic structure consists of two connecting buildings. The Jagmohana, or assembly hall, is the smallest. Shikhara, the imposing sanctuary, stands behind it. Later temples had two more halls in front, one for dancing and one for banquets.

The Brahmeswara shares many similarities with the much earlier Mukteswar Temple, including the carved interior of the Jagmohana and sculptural iconography such as the lion head motif, which first appeared in the Mukteswara and is found in abundance here. However, there are several innovations, including the placement of a large number of musicians and dancers, some holding lutes, on the exterior walls. Iron beams are used for the first time in temple architecture history.

There are symbolic decorations and the concept of godlike figures on sandstone walls that aid the believer in his meditation. Beautiful flower designs and flying figures can be found in the carvings above the door frame. There are images of the eight directional Guardian Deities, as well as the Rajarani. There are also many tantric images, and Chamunda appears on the western facade, holding a trident and a human head while standing on a corpse. Shiva and other deities are also depicted in horrifying forms.

Facts about Brahmeshwar Temple

• Brahmeswar or Brahmeshvara Temple is one of the oldest and finest designed temples in Odisha, located in the capital and temple city of Bhubaneshwar.
• The temple is most likely to have been built in the 11th century, and commissioned by Queen Kolavati Devi of the Somavamsi Dynasty of Odisha.
• There is a belief that the tantric religion was also followed at the temple during ancient times. The terrifying figures of Lord Shiva and Chamunda inscribed on the temple walls are a testament to it.
• The temple’s architecture combines Lingaya and Kalinga architectural styles. The shrine is a Panchayatana temple, with the main temple, four other shrines at the four corners, and a large square pond in the complex.
• The temple is classified as a panchatanaya temple where apart from the main shrine, there are four subsidiary shrines in the four corners around the temple.
• For hundreds of years, it has been a popular temple among tourists and devotees for its beautifully designed campus and thornily built structure in a mix of Kalinga and Lingaya architectural styles.
• Mahashivaratri is the main festival, which is celebrated in the temple, every year with great fervour.

Best Time To Visit Brahmeshwar Temple

This temple’s journey can be taken at any time of year. All of the time, the weather is warm and hospitable. But the months of October and May is the ideal time to visit the Brahmeshwar Temple In Odisha.

Famous Festivals In Brahmeshwar Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Shravan Month – This month is considered the holiest month for lord Shiva devotees.
• MahaShivratri – Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in the Indian Hindu calendar.

How to Reach Brahmeshwar Temple

This temple is located in Bhubaneswar and is at a distance of 3 km from Lingaraja Temple.

By Air: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport, which is about 10 kilometres from the city centre. Visitors can take a taxi from there to Brahmeshwar Temple.

By Railway: Bhubaneswar has its own railway station, which is only 5 kilometres from the Brahmeshwar Temple.

By Roadways: Bhubaneswar is well connected to all of Odisha’s major cities and towns. There are numerous private travel options, as well as buses, taxis, and cabs, to get to the Brahmeshwar temple in Bhubaneswar.

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