Chandaneswar Temple In Orissa

Orissa (presently Odisha) the ancient Kalinga, is the land of Shiva temples. Numerous Shiva temples are found in the whole of Orissa. A significant among them is Chandaneswar Temple.

Location

It is in Balasore district in Odisha. It is about 88km from Balasore district in Odisha but only 6km from Digha.

Ways To Go

CHANDANESWAR TEMPLE

There are numerous ways by which one can reach here. The earliest of them is to come to Digha by train (Tamralipta Express, Kandari Express, Duranta Express) from Howrah Terminal. One can also come from Santragachi Station by local train. One can also come to Digha by private cab and visit the temple. Trains like Puri Express also link Balasore from where one can come by private cab. Buses from Kolkata to Baripada pass through Chandaneswar.

History

The history of the temple is shrouded in mystery. It is behind that the shrine originated of its own and people started worshipping here. Afterwards, a temple following Kalinga Architectural pattern had been erected.

Description Of The Idol

A significant aspect of the temple is the absence of physical lingam in the main temple. It is present in the mind of the faithful devotees. There is a square-shaped hole, denoting the female vagina in the process of creation. This hole is filled with coconut water and water collected from Subarnarekha river. Devotees imagine the presence of Shiva in the lingam in imagination. The sanctified hole is covered with black granite stone. There is a copper five headed snake and a photo of Shiva-Durga denoting the Holy Union that is the basis of progress of civilisation. There is a pipe attached that provides to the sanctified hole incessantly. Devotees present garlands, sweets and other offerings in this sanctified hole. This water is collected from the spot is treated as “Charanamrita” (holy water) and consumed by Devotees.

Description Of Temple Courtyard

There is a main temple in which    the sanctified spot is present. There are many smaller temples around. There is a tall tree in which devotees tie red coloured clothes (cheli) to declare their hidden desire to the lord. There is a big Trishul beneath the temple. There is a Holy Bull facing the sanctified place. The bull is the vehicle l of the lord shiva. There is a big candle stand, in which candies and diyas of ghee are lighted by the devotees. There is a structure of female phallus in front of the temple. There is also a miniature temple of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Shuvadra. Hence it is called the second Puri. Shops selling multi-coloured candies and other items of homage are around the main temple. Brahmin purohits offer their service to facilitate devotees to offer Pujas in lieu of certain amount of Dakshina.

Festivals Celebrated

Maha Vishuva Sankranti (Oriya New Year) attracts millions of visitors. Shiva as Nilkanta is Worshipped on Charaka Days ( in the month of Chaitra ). Devotees observe penance for 13 long days. They accept Paita (Pabitrata) and offer their worship at night on Charaka day. Devotees observe intense penance, not even swallowing their saliva, making us remember Holy Month of Ramzan. They even inflict punishment on their body by piercing nails as a part of purification. Huge fair is observed during this period. This is the best time to visit the temple. Nearly half a million people offer their worship during this anspicious period.

SUBARNAREKHA RIVER

Place To Visit

Around 5km from Chandaneswar, there is Talsiri, the confluence of Subarnarekha with the Bay of Bengal. Its casuarina grouse are breath-taking. There are also Udaypur beach and Digha beach to enjoy the serene, calm beauty of nature. For the devotees there are Kapalkundala temple near Contai and Bhusandeswar Temple that boasts of the largest Shiva lingam in Asia.

The premises of the temple sometimes lack the proper management creating a chaos. It needs proper grooming to make it a popular tourist spot and a part of religious tourism part of Odisha. It is a unique Shiva Temple, a must see for all Baba Bhakta’s. 

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