Khatuapada, Uttara, Odisha: Bhairangeswar Temple Midhun Bhairangesvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Khatupada village, on the South-Eastern outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Khurda District in Odisha, India. The temple stands on the foothills of Dhauli, near the left bank of the river Daya. History: The temple was believed to be built in 12th century CE by Somavamsis. This temple is currently under the control of Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle. The Temple: This temple is facing towards west. The temple was originally built in form of a Panchayatana complex, which features a main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at the four corners of the temple. But the subsidiary shrines are completely lost. However, the traces of ruins of two shrines can be seen on the southeastern and the northeastern corners. The temple has been built on a raised platform. The temple consists of Rekha Vimana, Antrala and Pidha Jagamohana. The temple is Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. There is a Chandrasila between the doorjamb on the floor, which is decorated with beautiful conches on both the sides. There are two Dvarapala niches on either side at the base of the doorjamb. The architrave above the doorjamb is carved with the Navagrahas seated in Padmasana within a niche. Presiding Deity is called as Bhairangesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam within circular Yonipitha. The exterior walls are devoid of any decoration, except the udyotasimha in the raha pagas on three sides & gajakranta on the western wall. Idols of Ganesha and Mahisasuramardini can be seen in the niches around the Vimana. The niche in the south is empty. An image of Hanuman, a female deity, a deulacharini, fragment of an amalaka, six pillar fragments and a couple seated beneath a tree can be seen in the temple premises. Festivals: Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima, Raja Sankranti and Jalasaya ceremony are the festivals celebrated here. Connectivity: The temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Dhauli, 14 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport, 14 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Railway Station, 17 Kms from Baramunda Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 28 Kms from Bhubaneshwar New Railway Station. The temple is situated on Bhubaneshwar to Puri Route close to Central Institute Of Freshwater Aquaculture. A TO Z INDIA ● MAY 2023 ● PAGE 13