Simhanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on an island in the Mahanadi River near Gopinathpur Village in Badamba Tehsil of Cuttack District in Odisha. Adi Shankara practised Panchayatana architecture in the construction of the temple. The temple is surrounded by temples dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesh, Surya, and Mahishamardini.

The garbhagriha contains a Shivalinga with yonipatta attached to the earth. The temple represents the early development of Kalinga Architecture’s Pancharatha Deula. According to the survey, the temple dates back to the early ninth century AD. The temple is intricately carved with sculptural panels and decorative motifs. Images of Brahma, Kartikeya, Vishnu, Parvati, the Linga Puja votive slab, Mahisasuramardini Durga, and Lakulisa can all be found on the compound wall.

History of Simhanath Temple Gopinathpur

According to the survey, the temple dates back to the early ninth century AD. The temple was built in the Panchayatana style, which Adi Shankaracharya practised. There are numerous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Surya, and Mahishamardini located near the temple. The temple is an early example of Kalingan architecture’s Pancharatha Deula style.

The temple is thought to have been built in the 9th century by the Somavamshi ruler. The temple is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture. It is composed of sandstone and granite. The temple has a square plan and is divided into three sections: the jagamohana (entrance hall), the Mahamandapa (main hall), and the garbhagriha (sanctuary).

The Architecture of Simhanath Temple Gopinathpur

The temple features a rekha deula and a terraced roof jagamohana in the traditional Kalingan temple style. The temple is notable for its sculptural depictions of both the Saivaite and Vaishnava cults.

The temple is designed in the Panchayatana style of architecture. Panchayatana is an architectural style in which the main shrine is built on a raised platform, with four smaller subsidiary shrines at each corner, for five shrines. Only the south-east corner shrine has survived among the four subsidiary shrines.

Several pidha shrines were later added to the complex, housing sculptures from the collapsed corner shrines. The vimana is square in plan, while the jagamohana is rectangular. The Sanctum contains the presiding deity, Simhanatha, in the form of a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.

The temple also houses Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Maa Dakshina Kali. Another highlight of this location is the T-Bridge, which spans the river and connects Singhanath Mandir. Simhanatha Temple is one of the tourist attractions in Cuttack, Odisha.

Important Facts About Simhanath Temple Gopinathpur

• Singhanath Temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is worshipped by Narasimha, Vishnu’s avatar.
• The temple is notable for its sculptural depictions of both the Saivaite and Vaishnava sects.
• It is situated in the Gopinathpur village, Baramba tehsil, Cuttack district, Odisha, India.
• Adi Shankara’s Panchayatana style was used to construct the temple. The temple is surrounded by temples dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesh, Surya, and Mahishamardini.
• The temple represents the early development of Kalinga Architecture’s Pancharatha Deula.
• The Sanctum contains the presiding deity, Simhanatha, in the form of a Shiva Linga within a circular yonipitha.
• The temple is beautifully carved, with sculptural panels and decorative motifs.
• Images of Brahma, Kartikeya, Vishnu, Parvati, the Linga Puja votive slab, Mahisasuramardini Durga, and Lakulisa can all be found on the compound wall.
• According to the survey, the temple dates back to the early ninth century AD.

Best Time to Visit Simhanath Temple Gopinathpur

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Simhanath Temple Gopinathpur

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Simhanath Temple Gopinathpur

Simhanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Gopinathpur village, Baramba tehsil, Cuttack district, Odisha, India.

By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, approximately 65 km from Simhanath Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Cuttack, which is located approximately 68 kilometres from Simhanath Temple.

By Road: The nearest bus stop is Badambadi Bus Stand, which is located approximately 65 kilometres from Simhanath Temple.

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