Huma Leaning Temple
The Tilt: The temple, dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar Shiva, is famous for its distinct lean to one side, an architectural mystery that has stood for centuries. The lean is visible in the main structure (Vimana) and is a unique phenomenon in temple architecture. Construction: The temple was built in th e reign of King Baliar Singh, the fifth Chauhan ruler of Sambalpur, in the mid-17th century. The reason for the tilt is debated—some say it's due to an unstable foundation on the alluvial soil of the Mahanadi bank, and others say it's intentional. Divine Legend: Local lore connects the tilt to the sanctity of the deity, suggesting a miracle or a divine intervention. Despite the tilt, the temple has remained stable, surviving floods and earthquakes. Kudo Fish: The river stretch near the temple is home to a unique species of sacred fish called Kudo, which are protected and fed by devotees.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours (Excluding travel time):Place Type:
Architectural and Religious Mystery:Entry Fees:
General Entry: Free for all devotees. There is no formal entry ticket.
Boat Ride Charges: Nominal fee (negotiable) for a short boat ride on the Mahanadi River (around Rs.50 - Rs.100 per person).
Prasad/Fish Food Co...General Entry: Free for all devotees. There is no formal entry ticket.
Boat Ride Charges: Nominal fee (negotiable) for a short boat ride on the Mahanadi River (around Rs.50 - Rs.100 per person).
Prasad/Fish Food Cost: Nominal cost for puffed rice or prasad to feed the fish and offer to the deity.
Parking Fees: Nominal charges for vehicle parking in the village area.
Photography/Videography: Free for personal use; commercial filming would require permission. :Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily (Temple opens early for Mangal Aarti).
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) is ideal for smooth travel and a good view. Late Afternoon is very scenic for sunset over the Mahanadi River.Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily (Temple opens early for Mangal Aarti).
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) is ideal for smooth travel and a good view. Late Afternoon is very scenic for sunset over the Mahanadi River.
Avoid Midday: The metal boat ramp and the temple stone can get very hot in the Summer.
River Level: Visit when the river is full (post-monsoon) for the best scenic beauty and fish viewing. :Special Events:
Maha Shivaratri: This is the main festival, celebrated with huge crowds and special pujas for Lord Shiva, as the temple is dedicated to him.
Shiv Vivah (Shiva's Marriage): A local festival, similar to Sital Sasthi, is celebrated with devotio...Maha Shivaratri: This is the main festival, celebrated with huge crowds and special pujas for Lord Shiva, as the temple is dedicated to him.
Shiv Vivah (Shiva's Marriage): A local festival, similar to Sital Sasthi, is celebrated with devotion.
Sankranti Days: Days like Makar Sankranti see an increase in visitors, particularly for the ritual bath in the Mahanadi River. :Best Photo Spots:
The Leaning Tower: The classic shot is a wide-angle photograph taken from the river bank or the courtyard, emphasizing the distinct tilt against the sky.
The Mahanadi Backdrop: Capturing the temple with the flowing Mahanadi River and the tra...The Leaning Tower: The classic shot is a wide-angle photograph taken from the river bank or the courtyard, emphasizing the distinct tilt against the sky.
The Mahanadi Backdrop: Capturing the temple with the flowing Mahanadi River and the tranquil rural landscape as a background.
Kudo Fish: Close-up and action shots of the sacred Kudo fish feeding in the river, which are always ready for a meal.
Shadow Play: Photographing the unique shadows cast by the leaning structure during different times of the day. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Temple Darshan: Offer prayers to Lord Bimaleswar Shiva and observe the unique architecture of the leaning tower.
Kudo Fish Feeding: Purchase prasad or puffed rice from local vendors and feed the sacred Kudo fish in the river, a highly popular activity.
Photography: Capture the angle of the lean from various points to showcase the architectural wonder.
Boating: Local boating is often available near the temple's Ghat for a short ride on the Mahanadi River.
Riverbank Picnic: The scenic riverbank area is perfect for a peaceful picnic or rest after the journey.
Architectural Study: Observe how the temple's different sections have adapted to the lean.
Local Village Visit:<...Temple Darshan: Offer prayers to Lord Bimaleswar Shiva and observe the unique architecture of the leaning tower.
Kudo Fish Feeding: Purchase prasad or puffed rice from local vendors and feed the sacred Kudo fish in the river, a highly popular activity.
Photography: Capture the angle of the lean from various points to showcase the architectural wonder.
Boating: Local boating is often available near the temple's Ghat for a short ride on the Mahanadi River.
Riverbank Picnic: The scenic riverbank area is perfect for a peaceful picnic or rest after the journey.
Architectural Study: Observe how the temple's different sections have adapted to the lean.
Local Village Visit: Walk through the Huma village to experience the quiet rural life of Sambalpur. :
Information
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Why Famous:
The Indian Leaning Tower: Huma Temple is famously known as the only leaning temple in India, a unique architectural wonder that pre-dates the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Sacred Fish: The population of protected Kudo fish in the Mahanadi River adj...The Indian Leaning Tower: Huma Temple is famously known as the only leaning temple in India, a unique architectural wonder that pre-dates the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Sacred Fish: The population of protected Kudo fish in the Mahanadi River adjacent to the temple is a major secondary attraction. Devotees feed these fish, considering them sacred.
Stability Over Centuries: The temple's resilience in maintaining its tilted angle for centuries, despite the natural elements and its location, makes it a symbol of enduring architectural mystery and spiritual strength. : -
Architecture:
Unintentional Leaning Structure: The primary architectural feature is the unintentional or mysterious lean of the main temple structure. While the temple's style is generally the traditional Odia Rekha Deula (towered) design, the tilt is its defining characteristic.Unintentional Leaning Structure: The primary architectural feature is the unintentional or mysterious lean of the main temple structure. While the temple's style is generally the traditional Odia Rekha Deula (towered) design, the tilt is its defining characteristic.
Structural Integrity: The continued stability of the temple despite its slant is a marvel of its own, suggesting strong construction techniques used by the Chauhan era builders.
Riverbank Foundation: Its location on the soft, alluvial soil of the Mahanadi riverbank is believed to be the cause of the foundation's shift, giving it a unique structural history.
Dimension: The main tower is relatively modest in height, estimated to be around 40-50 feet. The structure includes the Vimana and an adjacent Mandapa. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JRG) in Jharsuguda (85 KM). Take a taxi to Sambalpur and then a hired car or local bus/jeep to Huma Village.
By Train: Nearest major station is Sambalpur Junction (SBP), approximately 23...By Air: Nearest airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport (JRG) in Jharsuguda (85 KM). Take a taxi to Sambalpur and then a hired car or local bus/jeep to Huma Village.
By Train: Nearest major station is Sambalpur Junction (SBP), approximately 23 KM away. Hire a private taxi or auto-rickshaw for a direct trip, as local shared transport may not be direct.
By Road: Huma Village is on the bank of the Mahanadi and accessible via a well-maintained state highway/major district road from Sambalpur. It's a pleasant drive.
By Local Transport: Hired taxi or private auto-rickshaw is recommended for convenience due to the distance from the city. : -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Seasons: Winter (October to February) is the most comfortable and pleasant season. Monsoon (July to September) makes the Mahanadi River majestic and full, but can be a bit humid. Summer is manageable, but the midday heat is high.
Dif...Different Seasons: Winter (October to February) is the most comfortable and pleasant season. Monsoon (July to September) makes the Mahanadi River majestic and full, but can be a bit humid. Summer is manageable, but the midday heat is high.
Different Parts of the Day: Morning for a calm temple visit and active fish feeding. Late Afternoon for a beautiful sunset view over the river.
Best Day: Mondays are special for Lord Shiva and are often more crowded. : -
Near Tourist Places:
Samaleswari Temple (23 KM) Budharaja Temple (25 KM) Hirakud Dam (39 KM) Ghanteswari Temple (55 KM) Gopalji Math (24 KM) Pataneswari Temple (24 KM) Chiplima (58 KM) Gudeswar Shiva Temple (16 KM) Jawahar Minar (38 KM) Deer Park (27 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be careful near the river bank, especially with children. Do not attempt to climb on the leaning structure. Do not harass the fish.
Packing Essentials: Carry some puffed rice or prasad for the Kudo fish. Carry sun protect...Health & Safety: Be careful near the river bank, especially with children. Do not attempt to climb on the leaning structure. Do not harass the fish.
Packing Essentials: Carry some puffed rice or prasad for the Kudo fish. Carry sun protection and drinking water.
Accommodation: Stay in the main Sambalpur town for the best facilities.
Other Tips: Negotiate the price of the boat ride beforehand. Check the stability of the temple after major weather events, though it is usually fine. :
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