Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Kedargouri Temple
Kedargouri Temple
Kedargouri Temple is an ancient temple nestled in Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gouri.

Share this Article:

Kedargouri Temple, OdishaKedargouri Temple is an ancient temple nestled in the Odisha state of India. It is one of the eight Astasambhu Temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gouri, the temple is situated within the same premises next to the Mukteswar Temple. Locally, Lord Shiva is referred by the name of "Kedareshwar". The temple is surrounded by Dutiya Kedaresvara on its west, Kedara kunda on its east, Gouri temple on its southern and compound wall on its northern side.

Legend of Kedargouri Temple
The legend goes that king Lalatendu Kesari, after a tragic episode relating to two lovers Kedar and Gouri, had built this temple in their memory. The story goes like this that there lived a lover couple named Kedar and Gouri who decided to marry. However, the society did not approve their marriage. So, they had to flee from the village. During journey Gouri felt hungry, so Kedar went in search of food and was killed by a tiger. Gouri couldn"t take the pain so she too gave her life by jumping into the pond. Thus, the king built the temple to honour their love.

Architecture of Kedargouri Temple
The temple is pancharatha. It is designed with a vimana and jagamohana. On elevation, the vimana is in rekha order while the jagamohana is in pidha order. With fivefold divisions of the bada, the temple has a panchanga-bada. The bada is adorned with attractive sculptural embellishments. The mastaka is composed of usual beki, amlaka, khapuri, kalasa, and ayudha. The gandi of the jagamohana is set with eleven receding tires. The Mastaka comprises of beki, ghanta, amlaka, khapuri, kalasa and ayudha.

Significance of Kedargouri Temple
Beside the temple a perennial stream subsists. According to Kapila Samhita (a religious text) a single sip of water from the tank absolves the drinker from the repeated cycles of birth and death. Near the temple there is a `Khirakunda` and another Marichi Kunda`. The water of Khira Kinda is considered hygienic and digestive for which it is carried to different places for drinking purpose. The water of Marichi Kunda is auctioned on Asokastami day and consumed by sterile women who want to conceive. Every year during Shital Sasthi, Lord Lingaraja takes his marriage procession from Lingaraj temple to Kedar Gouri and there he gets married to Parvati.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.