panchalingeswar-temple

Panchalingeshwar – Temple of five Shivalinga

Panchalingeshwar is named after the five lingas graved in the temple. It is one of the famous and most look around temple in Odisha. The temple is landed on top of a hillock near the Nilagiri hill, Balasore, Odisha. It’s a beautiful place for picnic, darshan of Shivalinga and breathe some fresh air from the real nature. This placed is named as Panchlingeshwar due to the five Shivalingas. Another shrine of Banadevi is positioned on top of the Panchalingeswar temple. There is a shrimp lake in front of that temple. According to the local people, this lake is not connected to any external water flows but is self-spurt. It is a place of elite for the nature lovers and deep thinkers.

History of Panchalingeshwar Temple

The Shivalingas are said to have been idolized by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile. Another story tells that the King Banasura worshiped the Swayambhu Lingas at this place given its beauty. A constant stream, which is the main attraction of the area, regularly washes the Shivalingas as it flows over them. To reach to the temple one has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingas inside the water stream. To arrive at the temple one has to ascend 263 stairs.

The Magha Saptami fair and Maha Shivratri fair are two famous festivals celebrated in the temple.

Nearby Attractions

Chandaneswara: It is a place of interest of the tourists, renowned for its primal beach and the homage of Lord Chandaneswara.

Chandipur Beach: It is a small sea resort in on the Bay of Bengal. This beach is famous for the Horseshoe crabs.

Remuna: Remuna is another nearby place of attraction. It is famous for the Khirochora Gopinath Temple.

Khiching: Khiching is popular for housing the age-old Chamunda temple and the Kichakeswari temple.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearby airport is Bhubaneswar airport.

By Rail: Balasore Railway Station is the nearest railway station.

By Road: One can hire taxi from Balasore to Panchalingeshwar and also bus facilities are available.

Best Time to Visit Panchalingeshwar Temple

Best time to visit Panchalingeshwar Temple is from the month of October to February.