Papanasini Temple
Temple History and Deity:The Papanasini Siva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, though currently abandoned and with an empty sanctum, located in the Papanasini precinct of Bhubaneswar's Old Town: Name Significance:The name Papanasini literally translates to "Destroyer of Sins", signifying its histor ical spiritual importance for devotees seeking purification: Complex Integration:The temple is part of a larger complex that includes the sacred Papanasini Kund (tank) and several other smaller shrines, historically making it a significant center of ritual bathing and worship: Architectural Period:The temple's origins trace back to the 10th-11th century CE, placing it in the flourishing period of Kalinga temple architecture, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of that era:
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
0. 5-1 HourPlace Type:
Religious, History, Archaeology, TempleEntry Fees:
Entry Fee:Free;
the temple is an abandoned, public monument:
Photography/Videography Fee:
Free for non-commercial photography:
Priest/Ritual Fee:Entry Fee:Free;
the temple is an abandoned, public monument:
Photography/Videography Fee:
Free for non-commercial photography:
Priest/Ritual Fee:Any voluntary donation to the local caretaker or for a ritual at the Kund is optional:Timing:
Regular Timings:Daylight hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) are generally accessible as it is an open precinct:
Ideal Visit Time:Early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) is the most spiritual and peaceful time to visit the Kund and the temple area:
...Regular Timings:Daylight hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) are generally accessible as it is an open precinct:
Ideal Visit Time:Early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) is the most spiritual and peaceful time to visit the Kund and the temple area:
Closed Day:Never closed (open precinct), but rituals may be limited on specific days:Special Events:
Local Shivaratri Observance:Though the sanctum is empty, the surrounding precinct and the Papanasini Kund may see increased foot traffic and local ritual observance during the festival of Shivaratri (February/March):
Local Annual Purification Rit...Local Shivaratri Observance:Though the sanctum is empty, the surrounding precinct and the Papanasini Kund may see increased foot traffic and local ritual observance during the festival of Shivaratri (February/March):
Local Annual Purification Rituals:The Papanasini Kund is a site for certain annual local purification or ritual bathing ceremonies that are not widely advertised:Best Photo Spots:
The Laterite Stone Texture:The rustic, reddish-brown texture of the Laterite stone offers a unique contrast for close-up, historical architectural photography:
The Papanasini Kund View:The tank and the temple reflection (if the tank is full) ...The Laterite Stone Texture:The rustic, reddish-brown texture of the Laterite stone offers a unique contrast for close-up, historical architectural photography:
The Papanasini Kund View:The tank and the temple reflection (if the tank is full) offer a serene, traditional frame, especially during the quiet morning hours:
Remnant Carvings:Focus on the detailed close-up shots of the surviving sculptural fragments and the structure of the bada to highlight the historical artistry:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Visit the Papanasini Kund:Take a ritual dip or simply observe the sacred waters of the tank, which is the main spiritual focus of the precinct:
Study the Architecture:Spend time examining the Laterite stone structure and the Pidha Deul form to understand the differences from the grander sandstone Rekha Deul temples:
Seek Out the Carvings:Use a guide or good light to find the remnants of the 10th-11th century carvings on the temple body and the doorjambs:
Contemplate the History:Reflect on the temple's history and its transition from an active place of worship to a historical monument:
Explore the Precinct:Walk around the entire precinct to see the neighboring smaller shrines like the Banesvara Siva Temple and the Maitresvara Temple:...Visit the Papanasini Kund:Take a ritual dip or simply observe the sacred waters of the tank, which is the main spiritual focus of the precinct:
Study the Architecture:Spend time examining the Laterite stone structure and the Pidha Deul form to understand the differences from the grander sandstone Rekha Deul temples:
Seek Out the Carvings:Use a guide or good light to find the remnants of the 10th-11th century carvings on the temple body and the doorjambs:
Contemplate the History:Reflect on the temple's history and its transition from an active place of worship to a historical monument:
Explore the Precinct:Walk around the entire precinct to see the neighboring smaller shrines like the Banesvara Siva Temple and the Maitresvara Temple:
Information
-
Why Famous:
Ancient Kalingan Architecture:It is famous as a rare surviving example of the early, smaller-scale Laterite stone temples built in the Pidha Deul form during the 10th-11th century Kalinga architectural era:
Spiritual Significance of the Kund:...Ancient Kalingan Architecture:It is famous as a rare surviving example of the early, smaller-scale Laterite stone temples built in the Pidha Deul form during the 10th-11th century Kalinga architectural era:
Spiritual Significance of the Kund:Its proximity and association with the sacred Papanasini Kund (Tank), whose water is believed to wash away sins, historically made it a key site for pilgrims in the Old Town:
Historical Link:It is part of the dense cluster of ancient temples in Old Town, situated near the larger and more famous Lingaraja Temple, highlighting the religious density of the ancient city:
Material Use:It is noteworthy for its construction entirely out of Laterite stone, a common but challenging material for detailed carving, showcasing a specific material phase of temple building: -
Architecture:
Architectural Style:The temple follows the distinctive Kalingan Style (Kalinga Architecture) of Odisha temple building, utilizing Laterite stone as its primary building material:
Design and Structure:It is a Pidha Deul type, featuring a squar...Architectural Style:The temple follows the distinctive Kalingan Style (Kalinga Architecture) of Odisha temple building, utilizing Laterite stone as its primary building material:
Design and Structure:It is a Pidha Deul type, featuring a square vimana (sanctum) and historically only a vimana (sanctum) without a separate frontal jagamohana (porch) in its original design:
Dimensions:The square vimana measures approx. 2. 50 sq. meters on plan, with the elevation (bada and gandi) reaching a height of approx. 4. 16 meters; the bada (lower section) is a fivefold division (panchanga bada):
Decorative Features:Though partially collapsed and abandoned, remnants of fine carvings and doorjamb decorations can still be observed, offering a glimpse into the sculptural traditions of the 11th century: -
How To Reach:
By Air:Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approx. 6. 5 KMS away;
hire a taxi to Old Town:
By Train:The nearest station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approx. 7 KMS away; ta...By Air:Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), approx. 6. 5 KMS away;
hire a taxi to Old Town:
By Train:The nearest station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS), approx. 7 KMS away; take an auto-rickshaw to Old Town near Lingaraja Temple:
By Road:Located in the deep Old Town area, near Badheibanka Chowk; a hired taxi or auto-rickshaw is necessary;
the roads are narrow here:
By Local Transport:Auto-rickshaws are the best option; clearly state the destination as the Papanasini Temple near Lingaraja Temple or Vaital Deula for easier navigation through the narrow lanes: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons:Best in Winter (October to March) for comfortable exploration of the open-air precinct and the tank:
Different Parts of the Day:Sunrise and the very early morning are the most tranquil and spiritually evocative time...Different Types of Seasons:Best in Winter (October to March) for comfortable exploration of the open-air precinct and the tank:
Different Parts of the Day:Sunrise and the very early morning are the most tranquil and spiritually evocative times to visit: -
Near Tourist Places:
Vaital Deula (0. 5 KMS), Gosagaresvara Temple (0. 5 KMS), Lingaraja Temple (1. 5 KMS), Mukteswara Temple (1. 5 KMS), Rajarani Temple (3 KMS), Odisha State Museum (4 KMS), Brahmeswara Temple (3. 5 KMS), Bindu Sagar (1. 5 KMS), Sishiresvara Temple (1.
5 KMS), Parashurameswara Temple (2 KMS):
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety:Be careful of slippery surfaces, especially around the ancient Kund and on the temple steps;
carry water:
Packing:A camera and comfortable, sturdy footwear are essential for navigating the old...Health & Safety:Be careful of slippery surfaces, especially around the ancient Kund and on the temple steps;
carry water:
Packing:A camera and comfortable, sturdy footwear are essential for navigating the old temple precinct's uneven terrain:
Accommodation:Stay in the Old Town area or near Kalpana Square for the best proximity to the city's ancient temples:
Other Different Topics:The temple is often locked/unmanned, so focus on the exterior architecture and the Kund; combine the visit with the nearby Lingaraja Temple and Vaital Deula as part of an Old Town temple circuit:
Reviews
FAQs
Bhubaneswar Itineray And Cost:-
Papanasini Temple Tourism:-
Other Places In Bhubaneswar :-
Other States In India :-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Odisha Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
Near Places
Ananta Vasudeva Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Balaram Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
BDA City Centre
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhubaneswar Zoo
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Biju Patnaik Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bindusagar Lake
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Brahmeswara Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chausathi Jogini Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Daya River Battlefield
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Deras Dam
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ekamra Haat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ganesh Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Gokarneshwar Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities