Kapilesvara Temple
The Kapilesvara Temple is a highly significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the southwestern outskirts of the Old Town near Lingaraja Temple. It is considered a satellite temple of the Lingaraja Temple, and rituals performed here are often linked to the main shrine. Believed to h ave been built by Gajapati King Kapilendra Deva in the 14th century CE, the complex contains the main temple and around 33 other smaller monuments. The presiding deity is a Shiva-lingam within a circular yonipitha. The precinct includes the sacred Manikarnika Tank, making the location a complete religious hub. Its history suggests the original structure might be much older than the current one, dating back to the 11th century CE.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Temple/Religious Site/Architectural SiteEntry Fees:
Temple Entry:
Free: Entry to the entire complex is free of charge for all Hindu devotees.
Photography: Generally free, but be respectful and avoid photographing the main deity or the sanctum's interior.
<...Temple Entry:
Free: Entry to the entire complex is free of charge for all Hindu devotees.
Photography: Generally free, but be respectful and avoid photographing the main deity or the sanctum's interior.
Ritual Offerings: Purchase flowers and puja materials from local vendors for a small fee.Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Daily Puja times should be checked locally).
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM) for the first Aarti and ritual bathing at the tank. Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to avoid crowds and ...Regular Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Daily Puja times should be checked locally).
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM) for the first Aarti and ritual bathing at the tank. Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) to avoid crowds and heat.Special Events:
Sital Sasthi: A major festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati (May/June), featuring processions and rituals.
Mahashivaratri: The main night of Shiva worship (February/March) is celebrated with immense crowds and the light...Sital Sasthi: A major festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati (May/June), featuring processions and rituals.
Mahashivaratri: The main night of Shiva worship (February/March) is celebrated with immense crowds and the lighting of the Mahadipa.
Dola Purnima: The spring festival (Holi) is celebrated here with local fervor.Best Photo Spots:
Temple Tower against the Sky: Capturing the Rekha Vimana (tower) in the late afternoon sun, showing its vertical design elements.
The Tank View: A wide-angle shot of the temple complex reflected in the waters of the Manikarnika Tank.Temple Tower against the Sky: Capturing the Rekha Vimana (tower) in the late afternoon sun, showing its vertical design elements.
The Tank View: A wide-angle shot of the temple complex reflected in the waters of the Manikarnika Tank.
Detail of Subsidiary Shrines: Close-up shots of the old, weathered stones and intricate carvings of the 33 smaller temples within the compound.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Shiva Darshan: Offer prayers to the Shiva-lingam in the sanctum and the other deities in the complex.
Circumambulation (Parikrama): Walk around the main temple and the compound to view the numerous smaller shrines and monuments.
Holy Dip: Take a sacred dip in the Manikarnika Tank if the water quality is suitable and as per tradition, especially during festivals.
Studying Architecture: Examine the intricate carvings and the distinct four-part Deula structure characteristic of late Kalinga style. ...Shiva Darshan: Offer prayers to the Shiva-lingam in the sanctum and the other deities in the complex.
Circumambulation (Parikrama): Walk around the main temple and the compound to view the numerous smaller shrines and monuments.
Holy Dip: Take a sacred dip in the Manikarnika Tank if the water quality is suitable and as per tradition, especially during festivals.
Studying Architecture: Examine the intricate carvings and the distinct four-part Deula structure characteristic of late Kalinga style.
Information
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Why Famous:
Connection to King Kapilendra Deva: It is famous for its association with the powerful Gajapati King Kapilendra Deva who is credited with building the present structure in the 14th century.
Satellite of Lingaraja: Its fame is closely tied to...Connection to King Kapilendra Deva: It is famous for its association with the powerful Gajapati King Kapilendra Deva who is credited with building the present structure in the 14th century.
Satellite of Lingaraja: Its fame is closely tied to the Lingaraja Temple, as it holds ritualistic importance in relation to the main deity of Bhubaneswar.
The Manikarnika Tank: The large, ancient Manikarnika Tank within the premises is considered sacred, similar to the holy river in Varanasi. -
Architecture:
Late Kalinga Style:
Gajapati Era: The temple represents the late phase of the Kalinga architectural style, characteristic of the Gajapati rule.
Dimension and Structure: The temple complex is situated on the n...Late Kalinga Style:
Gajapati Era: The temple represents the late phase of the Kalinga architectural style, characteristic of the Gajapati rule.
Dimension and Structure: The temple complex is situated on the northern embankment of the Manikarnika Tank. The main temple is around 14 meters (46 ft) high. It follows the Deula (temple structure) style, having a Vimana (sanctum), Jagamohana (hall of assembly), Nata Mandira (festival hall), and Bhoga Mandapa (hall of offerings). The Vimana is of the Rekha (tall spire) order, and the Jagamohana is of the Pidha (pyramidal roof) order. The temple is Pancha Ratha (having five projections) on plan and Panchanga Bada (five-fold division) in elevation. The exterior walls feature sculptures of subsidiary deities like Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Land at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approximately 8. 5 KMS away. Hire a taxi or auto to Kapilesvara Village in the Old Town.
By Train: Arrive at Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approximately 7 KMS away. Take an aut...By Air: Land at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approximately 8. 5 KMS away. Hire a taxi or auto to Kapilesvara Village in the Old Town.
By Train: Arrive at Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approximately 7 KMS away. Take an auto-rickshaw towards the Lingaraja Temple area, and then proceed to the Kapilesvara road end.
By Road: Located at the end of the Kapilesvara Road leading from the Lingaraja Temple. Accessible by local auto or taxi.
By Local Transport: Easily reachable by shared auto-rickshaws that ply the Old Town circuit. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons:
Winter (November to February): The most pleasant time for a long visit to the temple complex.
Monsoon (July to September): The tank and surrounding areas are refreshed by the rain....Different Types of Seasons:
Winter (November to February): The most pleasant time for a long visit to the temple complex.
Monsoon (July to September): The tank and surrounding areas are refreshed by the rain.
Different Parts of the Day: Evening is good for seeing the temple lit up, especially during festivals. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Lingaraja Temple (1. 5 KMS) 2. Bindu Sagar (1 KM) 3. Rajarani Temple (3 KMS) 4. Mukteswara Temple (3 KMS) 5. Kedar Gouri Temple (3 KMS) 6. Vaital Deula (3. 5 KMS) 7. Dhauli Shanti Stupa (9 KMS) 8. Brahmeswara Temple (2 KMS) 9. Odisha State Museum (5 KMS) 10. Gokarneshwar Temple (4 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Be careful around the steps of the Manikarnika Tank. Wear modest and traditional attire.
Packing: Carry a small towel if you plan to partake in the ritualistic dip. Be prepared to walk on bare feet inside the temple premis...Health & safety: Be careful around the steps of the Manikarnika Tank. Wear modest and traditional attire.
Packing: Carry a small towel if you plan to partake in the ritualistic dip. Be prepared to walk on bare feet inside the temple premises.
Accommodation: Stay in the Old Town area for an authentic cultural experience near many major temples.
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