Leaning Temple of Huma
The Leaning Temple of Huma is one of the most mysterious and fascinating architectural marvels in India. Dedicated to Lord Bimaleshwar, this temple is famous because the entire structure, including the main temple and several smaller shrines, leans at a significant angle. Unlike the Leaning Tower o f Pisa, where the tilt was an accidental result of poor foundation, the reason for Huma’s tilt remains a subject of intense debate among geologists and historians. Some believe it was a deliberate design to withstand the strong currents of the Mahanadi River, while others attribute it to tectonic shifts or the soft riverbed. Interestingly, while the body of the temple leans, the pinnacle (Kalash) is perfectly perpendicular to the ground. The temple was built in the 17th century by King Baliar Singh of the Chauhan dynasty. The serene location on the rocky banks of the river adds to its spiritual charm. Another unique attraction here is the Kudo Fish in the river. These fish are considered sacred and are so tame that they eat grains directly from the hands of devotees. It is strictly forbidden to catch these fish, and legend says anyone who harms them will be turned to stone. The temple complex provides a tranquil atmosphere, far from the city's noise, making it a favorite for pilgrims and curious travelers alike. The combination of architectural mystery, religious faith, and natural beauty makes Huma a must-visit destination in the Sambalpur circuit.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Religious & MysteryEntry Fees:
Free Entry - No admission charges for the temple or the river bank.
Boating Fees: Approximately 50 to 100 Rupees per person for a short river tour. ...Free Entry - No admission charges for the temple or the river bank.
Boating Fees: Approximately 50 to 100 Rupees per person for a short river tour.Special Events:
Maha Shivratri Fair - An annual three-day festival where thousands of people gather for the "Jagara" and a large village carnival.
Kartika Purnima: A beautiful celebration where devotees float miniature boats in the river. ...Maha Shivratri Fair - An annual three-day festival where thousands of people gather for the "Jagara" and a large village carnival.
Kartika Purnima: A beautiful celebration where devotees float miniature boats in the river.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Spire - Capture the temple from the side to emphasize the 13. 8-degree lean against the horizon.
River Steps: The steps leading into the Mahanadi with the fish gathering make for a lively action shot.
The Aruna Stambha: Th...The Main Spire - Capture the temple from the side to emphasize the 13. 8-degree lean against the horizon.
River Steps: The steps leading into the Mahanadi with the fish gathering make for a lively action shot.
The Aruna Stambha: The tilted pillar in front of the temple provides a great foreground for wide shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Feeding the Kudo Fish - Purchase special fish feed from local vendors and watch the sacred fish swarm the steps.
Boating in Mahanadi: Take a traditional boat ride to see the temple's tilt from the water.
Architectural Analysis: Observe how the smaller shrines lean in opposite directions to the main temple.
Photography: Experiment with camera angles to capture the dramatic tilt of the spire.
Religious Darshan: Offer prayers to Lord Bimaleshwar (Shiva) in the tilted sanctum.
Picnicking: Enjoy the breeze under the old banyan trees near the river bank.
Exploring Huma Village: Walk through the local village to experience the traditional Odia rural life. ...Feeding the Kudo Fish - Purchase special fish feed from local vendors and watch the sacred fish swarm the steps.
Boating in Mahanadi: Take a traditional boat ride to see the temple's tilt from the water.
Architectural Analysis: Observe how the smaller shrines lean in opposite directions to the main temple.
Photography: Experiment with camera angles to capture the dramatic tilt of the spire.
Religious Darshan: Offer prayers to Lord Bimaleshwar (Shiva) in the tilted sanctum.
Picnicking: Enjoy the breeze under the old banyan trees near the river bank.
Exploring Huma Village: Walk through the local village to experience the traditional Odia rural life.
Information
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Why Famous:
The Mysterious Tilt - It is the only leaning temple in the world where every structure within the complex is tilted in different directions.
The Sacred Kudo Fish: Renowned for the reddish fish in the Mahanadi that interact peacefully with human visitors. ...The Mysterious Tilt - It is the only leaning temple in the world where every structure within the complex is tilted in different directions.
The Sacred Kudo Fish: Renowned for the reddish fish in the Mahanadi that interact peacefully with human visitors. -
Architecture:
Kalinga Leaning Style - A rare variation of the Rekha Deula style where the vertical axis is intentionally or naturally tilted.
Dimensions: The main temple stands about 60 feet high and leans at an angle of approximately 13. 8 degrees. The temple complex covers an...Kalinga Leaning Style - A rare variation of the Rekha Deula style where the vertical axis is intentionally or naturally tilted.
Dimensions: The main temple stands about 60 feet high and leans at an angle of approximately 13. 8 degrees. The temple complex covers an area of roughly 0. 5 acres on a rocky outcrop. The construction uses heavy stone blocks without the use of binding mortar in several sections, relying on gravity and balance. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Jharsuguda Airport is the nearest at 85 KMS; Bhubaneswar is 290 KMS away.
By Train: Sambalpur Junction (SBP) is 25 KMS away; local taxis are the best link.
By Road: Located on the Sambalpur-Sonepur...By Air: Jharsuguda Airport is the nearest at 85 KMS; Bhubaneswar is 290 KMS away.
By Train: Sambalpur Junction (SBP) is 25 KMS away; local taxis are the best link.
By Road: Located on the Sambalpur-Sonepur road; well-marked with signboards.
By Local Transport: Regular auto-rickshaws and private cabs operate from Sambalpur city center. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasons: Winter (October to March) is ideal; summers are too hot for outdoor exploration.
Parts of Day: Early Morning for peace and Evening for scenic beauty. ...Seasons: Winter (October to March) is ideal; summers are too hot for outdoor exploration.
Parts of Day: Early Morning for peace and Evening for scenic beauty. -
Near Tourist Places:
Samaleswari Temple (25 KMS), Ghanteswari Temple (50 KMS), Hirakud Dam (35 KMS), Chiplima (45 KMS), Budharaja Hill (26 KMS), Deer Park (27 KMS), Gudguda (95 KMS), Debrigarh (60 KMS), Cattle Island (50 KMS), Vikramkhol (105 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not attempt to swim in the river as currents near the rocks are deceptive.
Packing: Carry fish food (available locally), sunglasses, and comfortable footwear.
Cash: Small change is needed...Health & Safety: Do not attempt to swim in the river as currents near the rocks are deceptive.
Packing: Carry fish food (available locally), sunglasses, and comfortable footwear.
Cash: Small change is needed for fish feed and boat rides; no ATMs in the immediate vicinity.
Connectivity: Good mobile reception; data works well for uploading photos instantly.
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