The Naganatheswar temple belongs to Sri Naganatheswar Shiva, situated at the `Nagena` village about 20 Km from Dhenkanal. It is the most ancient Shiva temple and was constructed during the reign of the Keshari dynasty.According to scholars, Pandit Nagendranath Mohapatras `Naganath satakam, it is one of the 12-yotir lingas.
In the stotras of the `Awashyotirlinga` one of the yotirlinga is in the Daruka-Vana or Neem forest. The neem forest still subsists in the premises. The sloka of rdwadasha yotirlinga states that Naganath temple is situated in the southern most part of Anga Kingdom. However, in close proximity, exists a debri of a fort, which is still unidentified. Here river Bahmani turns to north, which is as holy as the Gangas.
