Megheswar Temple

The Megheswar Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva. The temple is located at Tankapani road area in Bhubaneswar, India. Location Megheswar temple is located on the Tankapani Road leading from Ravi Talkies square to the river Daya at a distance of around 1.5 kms from the square. It is located very near to Bhaskaresvara temple. History Megheswar temple was built by the Gangas in the 12th century CE. As per an inscription found here, it was built as per the instruction of Swapnesvara, brother-in-law of the Ganga King Rajaraja during the period of Rajaraja’s brother Anangabhima (1192-95 CE). Temple Layout: Megheswar temple is architecturally very beautiful. It has Vimana of rekha order and the Jagamohana of Pidhe order. It is Sapta ratha on plan. The entrance of the temple complex has a sculpted arch. The temple entrance has two big attractive Naga stambhas. In addition, the relief images of tiny Dwarapalas along with the rivers Ganga and Yamuna are also found at the door jamb. The top portion has a Navagraha panel and Lakshmi below that. It is a living temple enshrining Shiva Linga named Megheswar. A later period small-sized Nandi is facing towards the main shrine. The vimana as well as the exterior walls are full of carvings of dancing ladies. animals such as lions, elephants and Yalis, birds, decorations, and Shiva in different postures. There are three Parsvadevtas (niche idols) that are big in size and very attractive. The niche idols found are Ganesha, Parvati and Kartikeya. Ganesha’s idol appears not to be very old. Kartikeya is found with a peacock and his wife (or female attendant?) Parvati has two female attendants on either side as well as lions.