Dhavaleswar Temple is located on the shoreline of River Mahanadi, 37 km from Cuttack city in Odisha. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Dhavaleswar. The phallic god Lord Dhavaleswar is positioned on a hillock of Dhauli and approached by 2 flights of steps - one from the north and the other from the south. It is around 35 kms from Bhubaneshwar. Dhavaleswar Temple is approachable from Chahata Ghat. Since it is situated in an island in the middle of the Mahanadi River, boats are the only means of transport to reach the temple.
Devoted to Lord Shiva, this godly shrine with its pure green environment lifts up one"s spirits to a morally superior plane. Here the enchanting water spread of Mahanadi provides ample opportunities for water sports. The antiquity of the temple coupled with its serene ambience make this place an ideal visiting place and one of the important temples of Odisha. Because of the unique location, deep inside the lap of nature it has become the most favourite picnic spot of the people of Cuttack and nearby places.
Legend of Dhavaleswar Temple
Legend says that once a thief stole a black bullock and took shelter in the Shiva temple. The thief prayed to Lord Shiva. To save a devotee from disaster, the God had turned a black bullock into white. The word "Dhavaleswar" is an amalgamation of two words, "Dhaval" meaning White and "Eshwar" meaning God.
Dhavaleswar Island
Dhavaleswar is a tiny island located on the Mahanadi River and is only 4 km from city of Cuttack. The island got its name from Dhavaleswar or Shiva temple located here. It is 37 km by road from Cuttack and 5 km through water.
Sculptures at Dhavaleswar Temple
Although the temple is a new construction, yet sculptures date back to the period of 10th century A.D. which is discovered in the temple premises. One among them is the matrimonial procession of Lord Shiva with his vehicle Nandi.
Festival at Dhavaleswar Temple
As a religious center, Dhavaleswar throngs with religious activities throughout the year. The place is widely visited by devotees, particularly during the time of the Dhavaleswar Mela, Shivaratri and Bada Osha during the month of November. On the full moon day of the month of Kartika, countless devotees assemble and observe Bada Osha and have a sight of the God.
