Uttaresvara Shiva Temple, Bhubaneshwar
Uttaresvara Siva temple is located near the northern bank of Bindusagar tank in the Nalamuhana Sahi, Old Town of Bhubaneswar in Odisha. The presiding deity is a Shiva Lingam within a circular yoni Pitha. The main temple of Uttaresvara is surrounded by nine smaller shrines. The temple is considered as one of the four Pithas and it is known as Tantra Pitha.
This is the 12th-century temple which is devoted to Lord Siva. The temple is named as Uttaresvara since it is located on the northern embankment of Bindusagar tank and towards the north of Lingaraj temple. Godavari Tank is located inside the temple premises. It is a natural spring which merges right into the Bindusagar lake. According to the local legend, after defeating the demons Kirti and Basa Goddess Parvati felt thirsty. Lord Shiva struck his trident on earth to quench her thirst. A spring came out. To consecrate the Spring Lord Shiva invited all the river goddesses but river Goddess Godavari could not come. Hence, Lord Shiva cursed her that her water will remain impure except during the auspicious occasion of Kumbhamela when it would be most sacred for all.
Uttaresvara Shiva Temple, Bhubaneshwar
Uttaresvara Siva temple is located near the northern bank of Bindusagar tank in the Nalamuhana Sahi, Old Town of Bhubaneswar in Odisha. The presiding deity is a Shiva Lingam within a circular yoni Pitha. The main temple of Uttaresvara is surrounded by nine smaller shrines. The temple is considered as one of the four Pithas and it is known as Tantra Pitha.
This is the 12th-century temple which is devoted to Lord Siva. The temple is named as Uttaresvara since it is located on the northern embankment of Bindusagar tank and towards the north of Lingaraj temple. Godavari Tank is located inside the temple premises. It is a natural spring which merges right into the Bindusagar lake. According to the local legend, after defeating the demons Kirti and Basa Goddess Parvati felt thirsty. Lord Shiva struck his trident on earth to quench her thirst. A spring came out. To consecrate the Spring Lord Shiva invited all the river goddesses but river Goddess Godavari could not come. Hence, Lord Shiva cursed her that her water will remain impure except during the auspicious occasion of Kumbhamela when it would be most sacred for all.