Kalinga Heritage

I travelled to this lesser known area near about three years back. The attached map shown below is the route from Cuttack to Maniabandha via Banki. Alternatively you can also go to Maniabandha via Athagarh from Cuttack. Route map The village Maniabandha is named with combination of two words i.e. ‘Mani+Buddha’ and ‘Mani+Bandha’ which later transform as Maniabandha. This small village took my attention not because of famous IKAT handlooms but due to Buddhism. There are as many as temples of Buddha exists. Locals tell me that lots of temples are also there burried in the Earth. Temple no.1 Temple no.2 Temple no.3 Temple no.4 Temple no.5 Temple no.6 Temple no.7 Temple no.8 Temple no.9 Temple no. 10 Temple no.11 (Buddha Vihar) Temple no.12 (Naga Gumpha or Naga Cave) Temple no.13 View from Naga Gumpha or Naga Cave Entrance of Naga Gumpha or Naga Cave The celebration of Buddha Jayanti festival in the village with pump and c...

Very near to the banks of Mahanadi , at Subarnapur Village, in Athagarh block. Probably one of most closest replica of Jagannath temple in Puri — and very well preserved . This was perhaps the 5th temple built by Ganga Kings on the Kataka side by Anangabhimadeba III . A Rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana of Kalingan order and very complete. Gorgeously decorated with architectural motifs such askhakharamundis in talajangha, pidhamundis in the uparajangha, and rekhamundi designs in talagarbhika. The maithuna images mostly rajapana scenes are profusely carved in the jagamohana. Animals procession, with musicians also found on the jagamohana entrance. Seeing the Triad inside the sanctum was bliss. This is 40 kms away from Kataka , and place it is located is just stunning . Would recommend to visit the places from October to March. Presenting a photo blog. Note: All photos were taken by Mr. Bikash R. Das. ...

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 ...

Dhabaleswar Temple  is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is situated at a distance of 27 kilometers from the city of Cuttack, in the exotic island of Lord Dhabaleshwar. It is one of the famous weekend tours from Cuttack. The temple, located in an island on River Mahanadi, is embellished with stone carvings that date back to the early 10th and 11th century. The serene ambiance, in which the temple is situated, inspires spiritual feeling among one and all. Entrance to the temple compound The Hanging Bridge The hanging bridge is about 245 feet long. Another attraction of the Dhabaleswar temple is the Suspension Bridge which connects the temple. It was built in 2000. There are two such bridges at Risikesh- “Laxman Jhula’’ & “Rama Jhul’’ having the length of 140 metres and 200 metres respectively. However, the length of DhabaleswarJhula is 254 metres. It is the longest suspension bridge in our country. This bridge facilitate...