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The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is home to numerous temples and sightseeing spots. One such destination in the Old Town of Bhubaneswar is the Kapileswar Temple, which is a must-visit for every tourist. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is reportedly believed to be the birthplace of the god and is the primary reason why the shrine holds so much power and significance among the devotees. As you plan the specifics of your next trip to Odisha, ensure that you don’t miss out on exploring the majestic Kapileswar Temple.
Quick Details
Address: Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Deity: Lord Shiva
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Architecture: Kalinga style
About Kapileswar Temple
Photo: Bijoymishra / Wikimedia Commons
Kapileswar Temple is one of the most spiritually empowering temples in the region. Inside the sanctum, the Shiva lingam is placed in the centre of a yonipitha and it is a “living” temple since it faces towards the east. As previously mentioned, legends depict that this is the birthplace of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most significant Shiva shrines in India. Inside the temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kapileswar, which is where the temple’s name comes from. It is said that the temple’s origins date back to the 14th century when it was built during the reign of Kapilendra Deva, the Odia monarch. It is one of the oldest temples in the region.
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Things To Do
Now that you have an elaborate understanding of the temple’s history and architecture, you must be aware of the list of activities that you can indulge in while you are exploring the Kapileswar Temple.
1. Attend The Daily Aarti
Photo: suketdedhia / Wikimedia Commons
The most important spiritually uplifting experience that you can experience inside the Kapileswar Temple is to attend the daily aarti. It is performed twice every day, once in the morning and once in the evening. During the evening Aarti, the temple is illuminated with oil lamps, enhancing the sanctity of the temple and the rituals that are performed. You can witness these in real-time while performing darshan of the lingam inside the inner sanctum. The combination of the rhythmic chanting of the aartis alongside the smell of the incense truly charges up the place.
2. Explore The Temple Complex
Photo: Anupam Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kapileswar Temple is extensive and since the temple complex is huge and has multiple different parts to it, you have to take your time to explore the entirety of the temple. This includes offering your prayers at the main temple shrine and then making your way to explore the other shrines in the temple. Since the temple is quite peaceful and open, it also makes for a great spot for you to relax, unwind and meditate.
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3. Participate In Religious Festivals
Photo: Chandan Parihar / Pexels
Since the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main festival in the temple is Maha Shivaratri. It is celebrated with a lot of vigour every year. So, if you want to soak in the spirit of the festival and truly witness the rituals that take place, consider visiting during the days of Maha Shivaratri. Thousands of devotees, during that period, visited the temple to offer prayers, observe fasts, and participate in special rituals. There are special pujas performed throughout the night as well.
4. Marvel At The Temple’s Architecture
Photo: Arga / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The architectural details of the Kapileswar Temple in Odisha are quite mesmerising. The temple is made of light grey sandstone and built using dry masonry construction techniques. Also, one of the main attractions there is the 62-foot elevated structure, plain walls, and plain doorjambs. The gandi is 1.40 metres high and the mastaka is 0.80 metres high, which have intricate carvings on them. If you are interested in taking Kapileswar Temple photos, start with the architecture.
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Places To Visit Around Kapileswar Temple
Kapileswar Temple is located in Bhubaneswar, which is also known as the “City of Temples.” So, there are numerous temples and sightseeing spots to explore nearby.
1. Lingaraj Temple
Photo: Ajit Kumar Majhi / Wikimedia Commons
A short walk away from the Kapileswar Temple, Lingaraj Temple is one of the largest temples in Bhubaneswar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the architecture of this temple is nothing short of a masterpiece. The temple’s 180-foot-high spire dominates the skyline and inside the vast temple complex, you will find numerous other shrines dedicated to other deities. It is a significant pilgrimage site, beckoning tourists from across the country.
Distance From Kapileswar Temple: 1.7 Km
Timings: 6:30 AM – 9 PM
2. Mukteshwar Temple
Photo: Siva Seshappan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mukteswar Temple is often termed as “Gem of Odisha,” and is another popular temple that is near the Kapileswar Temple. It was established in the 950–975 CE and the main highlight of this temple is the exquisite Torana, which represents the charm of the Kalinga architecture. Also, the surroundings of the dham are reportedly great for hiking and other adventure activities, adding to its charm even further.
Distance From Kapileswar Temple: 2.1 Km
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
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3. Rajarani Temple
Photo: Lnm8910 / Wikimedia Commons
Another century-old temple that you must visit when in Bhubaneswar is the Rajarani Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that the reason why the temple is named “Rajarani” is because of the blend of yellow and red sandstone. It was originally named Indreshvara. It was also named the “love temple” since it had illustrations and erotic drawings of men and women on it.
Distance From Kapileswar Temple: 650 metres
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
As Kapileswar Temple is located in the main city of Bhubaneswar, you can find numerous hotels and guesthouses, catering to your budget. If you are looking for budget-friendly stays, you can consider booking your stay at The Ginger Inn, The Midland or Hotel Garden Tree. For a luxury stay, you can book your stay at Lyfe Bhubaneswar, Mayfair Lagoon or Vivanta Bhubaneswar.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Chan Walrus / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are numerous restaurants in the close vicinity of Kapileswar Temple, enabling you to taste the local flavours of Odisha. Some of the must-visit restaurants are Venus Inn Restaurant, Keeva Restaurant and Hare Krishna Restaurant. You can also check out cafes and bars like MEZÉ Turkish Bar, 9th Street and Beyrut Classy Dine.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Lisa Fotios / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For a well-rounded experience exploring the Kapileswar Temple, be aware of a few reminders:
- As Kapileswar Temple is a place of worship, it is advisable to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
- Follow the temple’s customs and rules, such as removing your shoes before entering the sanctum.
- The temple can get crowded and hot during the midday, so plan your visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
- While entry is free, donations are welcome, and it’s advisable to carry some cash.
- Bhubaneswar can be hot, especially in summer, so carry water with you to stay hydrated.
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Among the many Shiva temples in Bhubaneswar, Kapileswar Temple is one of the most celebrated and important ones in the area. Both the spiritual and historical aspects of the temple make it stand out, promising the devotees a fulfilling experience. The temple’s central location also makes it easier to visit, so ensure that you have a well-planned itinerary. You can confirm all the bookings for your next Odisha vacation with TripXL for a lasting impression.
Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
