Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal (History, Architecture, Built by, Location, and Stairs)

The Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal is one of the most popular and revered shrines in Odisha, located at a distance of 25 Kilometres from Dhenkanal. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated atop a hill called Kapilash, which is about 2239 feet high and has 1400 steps to climb. The temple has a rich history and is believed to have been built during the 8th century by King Narasingh Deva I.

The temple has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the years and now stands as a stunning example of Kalinga architecture.

One of the most striking features of the Kapilash Temple is its location. The temple is situated on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It is said that the hill itself is named after the famous sage Kapila who is believed to have meditated at this spot.

The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. The temple complex is spread over a vast area and comprises several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.

The main deity of the Kapilash Temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam. The lingam is believed to have been self-manifested and is considered to be extremely powerful. It is said that worshipping this lingam can grant one’s wishes and bring good fortune.

The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Shivaratri festival. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country.

Apart from its religious significance, Kapilash Temple is also known for its architectural beauty. The temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The walls of the temple are adorned with images of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.

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History of Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal

According to legend, the temple was founded by King Narasingh Deva I of the Somavamsi dynasty in the 8th century AD.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on top of Kapilash Hill, which is approximately 2239 feet high. The hill itself is named after the famous sage Kapila who is believed to have meditated at this spot.

Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and additions, with the most significant one being carried out by King Anangabhima Deva III in the 13th century. During his reign, the temple was expanded and embellished with exquisite carvings and sculptures.

The Kapilash Temple has also been mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Skanda Purana and the Madala Panji. The Madala Panji is a chronicle of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, which also contains references to various other temples in Odisha, including the Kapilash Temple.

During the medieval period, the temple came under the control of several different rulers, including the Ganga dynasty and the Marathas. It was also patronized by various other kings and nobles, who made generous donations to the temple.

In the 19th century, the temple came under the protection of the British colonial authorities, who recognized its historical and cultural significance. The temple was later declared a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.

Today, Kapilash Temple is one of the most popular and revered shrines in Odisha. It attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and show at the temple. The temple’s rich history, stunning location, and religious significance make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Interested in history? Consider reading: History of Odisha

Architecture on Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal

The Kapilash Temple, located in the district of Dhenkanal in the Indian state of Odisha, is a stunning example of Kalinga architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on top of Kapilash Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The temple complex is spread over a vast area and comprises several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities. The main temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture, which is characterized by its intricate carvings and sculptures.

One of the most striking features of the Kapilash Temple is its entrance gate, which is decorated with intricate carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. The gate leads to a courtyard, which is surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.

The main temple is a towering structure, with a pyramidal roof and several smaller spires. The walls of the temple are adorned with images of various deities, as well as scenes from Hindu mythology.

The interior of the temple is equally impressive, with a large hall supported by intricately carved pillars. The sanctum sanctorum houses the lingam of Lord Shiva, which is believed to have been self-manifested and is considered to be extremely powerful.

The temple also has a Natya Mandap, which is a large hall used for religious and cultural performances. The Natya Mandap is supported by beautifully carved pillars and is adorned with images of various deities.

Apart from the main temple, the Kapilash Temple complex also contains several other smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, as well as a sacred tank and a meditation hall.

How to reach Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal

The Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal is situated on the top of a hill, and there are a few ways to reach it:

1. By Road: Dhenkanal is well-connected by road to major cities in Odisha such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Sambalpur. From Dhenkanal, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kapilash Temple.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Kapilash Temple is Dhenkanal railway station, which is located about 25 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Kapilash Temple is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is located about 90 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

Once you reach the foothill of the temple, you need to climb around 1,400 steps to reach the top.

Festivals celebrated at Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal

Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Several festivals are celebrated at the temple throughout the year. Some of the major festivals celebrated at Kapilash Temple are:

1. Maha Shivaratri: Maha Shivaratri is one of the biggest festivals celebrated at Kapilash Temple. It is celebrated in the month of February or March and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva on this day.
2. Raja Parba: Raja Parba is a popular festival celebrated in Odisha, and it is celebrated at Kapilash Temple as well. The festival is celebrated in the month of June and is dedicated to the onset of the monsoon season. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people engage in various cultural activities.
3. Kartik Purnima: Kartik Purnima is celebrated in the month of November and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees take a dip in the nearby lake and offer prayers to Lord Shiva on this day.
4. Dola Purnima: Dola Purnima is celebrated in the month of February or March and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna and engage in various cultural activities.

These are just a few of the major festivals celebrated at Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, and thousands of devotees visit the temple during these festivals.

Places to visit near Kapilash Temple Dhenkanal

There are several places to visit near Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Saptasajya: Saptasajya is a beautiful hill range located about 20 km from Kapilash Temple. It is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular picnic spot among tourists.
2. Joranda Waterfall: Joranda Waterfall is located about 30 km from Kapilash Temple and is a popular tourist destination. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, and the view is breathtaking.
3. Dhabaleswar Island: Dhabaleswar Island is located about 60 km from Kapilash Temple and is a beautiful island in the Mahanadi River. The island is home to a famous Lord Shiva temple, and the view of the river from the temple is stunning.
4. Balaram-Ambika Temple: Balaram-Ambika Temple is located about 25 km from Kapilash Temple and is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Ambika. The temple is known for its intricate architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site.
5. Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary: Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Kapilash Temple and is a popular destination among nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to several species of birds and animals, and the view of the hills is breathtaking.

These are just a few of the many places to visit near Kapilash Temple in Dhenkanal. There are several other temples, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries in the region that are worth visiting.

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