Nilamadhava Temple is an ancient shrine situated on the right-bank of the river Mahanadi in Odisha which is believed to have been worshipped by the Tribal. It is also believed that the temple has been constructed and worshipped earlier than the construction of lord Jagannath temple at Puri. Therefore, this holy land claims priority over Srikshetra (Puri). Another attraction of this place is the Singhanath Temple.
Location of Nilamadhava Temple
It is located in Nayagarh district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated on the right-bank of the river Mahanadi in a block called Khandapada. The nearest railway station is Khurda.
History of Nilamadhava Temple
It is believed that in the ancient days, it all started in a small cave in the Brahmadri hills situated on the banks of Mahanadi. As per scholars, Biswabasu, the local Sabara Chief worshipped Kitung (as the God was known in the Sabara dialect) in this cave. Puranas say that the God was originally worshipped in the form of an Indranila gem image known as "Nilamadhava".
Attractions of Nilamadhava Temple
The main attraction of this temple is architecture as it resembles the structure of Jagannath temple of Puri. It is called Triveni Sangam of Odisha as there is Beni-Madhava in Prayag, so as here Nilamadhava.
The other attractions are the various festivals celebrated here. Amongst all, Maagha Saptami festival or Ratha Saptami is the most popular one. Another famous festival of this temple is celebrated on `Pausa Purnima` when Lord Neelamadhab is decorated with "Gold ornaments`. A fair is organized on the Ekadashi of the month of Maagha.
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