Padmeswara Temple

Padmeswara temple is located on the top of the hillock Baneswar, situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi in the Padamala village in Cuttack district (near Sidhamula close to Kantilo).

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be built in the 10th-11th century by rulers of Somavamsi dynasty. Recent renovations by the archaeological department has altered the decorative motifs but the temple still retains many decorative motifs such as kirtimukha, chaitya medallion, naga-nagi pilasters, angasikharas, scroll motifs, nayika images, etc. and the parsvadevata images like- Ganesa, Kartikeya and Parvati.

Wall of the temple

Kartikeya as a Parshwadebata

Lady ascetic on the wall

GajaSimha motif

Image from the wall

Shiva and Parvati with their vahanas

Floral motif on the wall

Image from the wall

Image from the wall

Floral motif on the wall

Side view

The temple is pancharatha on plan and panchangabada in elevation and it is a panchyatana class of temple.

Lord Shiva

This image placed on the front doorjamb of the temple depicts Lord Shiva saving young Markandeya’s life from Yama Raja.

There is a small temple inside the complex. The temple is very old and renovated. As per the local persons and priest, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Prajna Paramita.

Temple of Goddess Prajna Paramita inside the complex

Goddess Prajna Paramita

The sculptures of the temple are mostly damaged and the mastaka of the temple is missing for unknown reasons. But whatever remains shows the love of the artist for details and minute decoration.
Thanks…
Note: I am thankful to Mr. Deepak Nayak, who provides the details and photos for this post.