Chakresvara Shiva temple is located in Bhubaneswar in Orissa. The Hindu temple built in 10-11 AD is located in the Hatiasuni lane in Rajarani Colony. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Vertical rising residential buildings have been built on the eastern and northern side enclosing the temple. A chakresvara tank has been constructed on the western side of the shrine.

Architecture of Chakreshvari Shiva Temple
Chakreshvari Shiva Temple has been built on a low lying platform. The temple has a pancharatha vimana and a frontal porch that has been renovated. The viman of rekha order stretches from pabhaga to kalasa. The Shiva temple has a bada, gandi, mastaka as well as a trianga bada. The pabhaga at the base of the temple encompasses four mouldings of khura, kumbha, basanta and pata.

An idol of a four armed Lord Ganesha seated on his mount, a mouse has been installed in the lalatabimba instead of the usual Gaja laxmi. It is an exceptional feature for the temples of Bhubaneswar. Images of Parvati and Kartikeya have been installed in the front of the temple. An amlaka stone adorns the southern portion of the temple.

The doorjambs of the Chakreshvari Shiva Temple are richly decked with bands of scroll works such as sakha, puspa sakha, patra sakha and nara that extend from the exterior to the interior portion. Dvarapala niches are constructed on either side of the base of the doorjamb. Two armed Shaivite dwrapala holding a trident with the right hand and varada mudra with the other stand on both the sides. On the upper part of the doorjamb, the niches in the architrave are brilliantly carved with Navagrahas. Lord Surya carries a lotus in his hands, Ketu holds a serpent tail while Rahu holds half moon.

Chakreshvari Shiva Temple organises several festival with much enthusiasm and vigour. Festivals such as Shivaratri, Maker Sankranti and Diwali are celebrated here on a grand scale. Other sacred rituals such as Chandrabhiseka, Rudrabhiseka and Thread ceremony i.e. Upanayana are also conducted here.

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