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Nrusinghanath Temple, Orissa
Locality/village : Durgapali
State : Orissa
Country : India
Nearest City/Town : Sambalpur
Best Season To Visit : All
Languages : Odissa & English
Temple Timings : 4.00 AM and 6.00 PM.
Photography : Not Allowed
Nrusinghanath Temple, Orissa
Sri Nrusinghanath Temple is Located in the sacred Gandhamardan Hills, which according to legends, Hanuman carried on his shoulders from the Himalayas as described in the ancient epic Ramayana, the temple at Nrusinghanath is an important pilgrimage site. It is also an exceedingly fascinating and beautifully located temple and is worth the journey to this rather remote spot. The present temple, located at the source of the Papaharini stream, is a 14th century structure built on a more ancient site. The four pillars within the Jagmohana suggest that the earlier temple was built in the 9th century. The beautiful doorframes have been dated to the 11th century.
Nrusinghanath Temple, Orissa;
- Temple History
- Legend
- Architecture
- How To Reach The Temple
- Daily Poojas And Festivals
- Videos
- Additional Information
Around six hundred years ago, a woman Jamuna Kandhuni as referred in the book “Nrusingha Charitra” composed a Kavya that sings the glory of Marjara Keshari in regard to suppression and repression of torture and tyranny of Musika Daitya. According to the legend, when people were greatly afflicted by Musika Daitya (the incarnate Mouse Demon), Vishnu Mani in the appearance(Incarnation) of Marjara Keshari,in His Feline Form,ran to eat the demonic mouse form – Musika Daitya who never came out from the tunnel and Marjara Keshari waited from that day. The temple is reputed from that day with this mythological history. This story is symbolic of the grounding the demonic evil power of tyranny and torture that never dared to come out further and Lord Nrusinghnath alias Marjara Keshari has been guarding it since then.
According to Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, this place was a centre of Buddhist scriptural learning. Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity of Orissa and a great fair is held in his honour on the 14th day of bright fortnight in the month of Vaisakha. According to Oriya and Devnagari inscriptions, the temple was built by Baijal Dev in early 15th century AD.
The temple is constructed in Orissan style of architecture. This place was also a centre of Buddhist scriptural learning at Huen Tsang era. Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity of Orissa and a great fair is held in his honour on the 14th day of bright fortnight in the month of Vaisakha. The Vidala-Nrusimha Temple stands amidst the verdant beauty of the picturesque Gandhamardan hills. Nrusinghanath is a popular and attractive pilgrim point. Coupled with a series of beautiful waterfalls and some sculptures, its location offers an air of serenity and visual delight, making the trip worthwhile. The present temple, located at the source of the Papaharini stream. The site of the temple is unique. Stone steps wind up the hillside behind the temple, leading past a waterfall, and eventually curving under the falls to a spot where some beautiful, and very well- preserved relief sculptures are found.
The climb to the carvings and return journey will take about an hour. Since shoes are not permitted on these sanctified pilgrimage steps, those with tender feet should take along a pair of heavy socks for the climb. On the opposite slope of the hill on which the temple is located, is the Harishankar Temple. Between the two temples there is a 16 km plateau, littered with Buddhist ruins that scholars feel may be the remains of the ancient university of Parimalagiri. In temple complex you can see Chaldhar (waterfall), Bhimdhar (Waterfall), 9th and 11th Century God and Goddess Sculptures. A 16km stone step going towards Harishankar Temple, in the way you can visit Sitakunda, Panchu Pandav Caves, Kapildhar (Waterfall), Suptadhar (Waterfall), Satyaamb, Bhim Madua, Happy Point(Top Hill).
By Road: The Temple of Lord Nrusinghanath is situated at Durgapali. It is 400 km away from the capital city, Bhubaneswar of Orissa; Bhubaneshwar is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.
By Rail: It is well connected through nearest Sambalpur railway station (160 km)
to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
Temple remains open from 4 am to 12 pm and then 2 pm to 6 pm. You can also get Free Parasad (HARIHAR PANGAT) at 12 pm inside Temple complex.
There is also an excellent garden named Hanuman Vatika just near the temple. A small market is placed there, where you can buy toys, bangles, some local gifts and religious items. You can take Prasad just outside of Temple Main Gate (Singha Dwara or Lion Gate). A huge number of monkeys are inside temple complex, so beware to them for your cameras, food items, Prasads etc. You also can get accommodation in temple complex.
