🕉️ Introduction
Shiva temples in Odisha hold deep spiritual and cultural importance, especially during the Bol Bom Yatra.During Shravan Somvar, devotees across Odisha embark on the revered Bol Bom Yatra, carrying holy water barefoot to offer Lord Shiva at local temples. This pilgrimage unites faith with local culture, featuring temples ranging from majestic urban shrines to hidden forest sanctuaries. Here are the Top 30 Shiva Temples—one from each district—celebrated for their spiritual power, history, and Bol Bom connection.
🌟 Temple Highlights: Full Descriptions for All 30 Districts
1. Koilighughar Mahadev – Jharsuguda
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Shiva Lingam inside a waterfall cave
- Significance: Natural cave with submerged swayambhu Linga; major Bol Bom focus
- Travel: 43 km from Jharsuguda via NH49 to Govindpur of Lakhanpur block; forest trail last 7 km from Govindpur.
2. Harishankar Temple – Balangir
- Feature: Twin shrines to Hari (Vishnu) and Shankar (Shiva) alongside waterfall
- Significance: Symbol of harmony; pilgrims bathe in waterfall before Shiva offering
- Travel: 85 km via Patnagarh–Khaprakhol road from Balangir HQ
3. Nrusinghanath Temple – Bargarh
- Feature: Shiva temple at Gandhamardan Hills foothill
- Significance: Mixed Shaiva-Vaishnava worship; Bol Bom devotees trek forest paths
- Travel: 110 km from Bargarh to Paikmal, last 5 km via forest road
4. Akhandalamani Temple – Bhadrak
- Feature: Riverbank Shiva shrine amidst Baitarani River
- Significance: Coastal holy site with crowds on Shravan and Shivratri
- Travel: 37 km from Bhadrak via coastal highway; auto/taxi available from Aradi town
5. Panchalingeswar – Balasore
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Five submerged lingams in stream along hill slope
- Significance: Pilgrims touch hidden lingams amid flowing water
- Travel: 30 km from Balasore via Nilagiri–Pandia Road; short uphill walk
6. Kapileswar Temple – Boudh
- Feature: Ancient rock-carved Shiva shrine
- Significance: One of Odisha’s earliest Shaivite temples
- Travel: 3 km from Boudh town via town road; small auto/bike ride
7. Dhabaleswar Temple – Cuttack
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Island temple in Mahanadi River reachable by suspension bridge or ropeway
- Significance: Beloved for Bol Bom and island meditative ambiance
- Travel: 27 km via Athagarh road; parking at bridge entrance
8. Kapilash – Dhenkanal
- Feature: Hilltop Chandrasekhar Shiva temple atop 1352 steps
- Significance: Panoramic view & spiritual climb; major Shravan pilgrimage
- Travel: 26 km from Dhenkanal via NH55; local bus or car to base
9. Mahendragiri Temples – Gajapati
- Feature: Ancient temples on Mahendragiri Hill with Shiva shrines
- Significance: Pandava-era myth and forest aura attract devotees
- Travel: 60 km from Paralakhemundi via Burkhat; pilgrim-friendly trekking path
10. Lingaraj Temple – Khordha
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Grand Kalinga-style temple in Bhubaneswar
- Significance: Central mega shrine where Bol Bom pilgrims assemble
- Travel: In the city—5 km from railway/bus station; rickshaw or walk
11. Lokanath Temple – Puri
- Feature: Divinely bathing Shiva lingam inside Puri temple complex
- Significance: Integral to Puri pilgrimage; many Bol Bom devotees conclude here
- Travel: 2 km from Jagannath Temple; simple walk or ride
12. Gupteswar Cave – Koraput
- Feature: Enclosed limestone cavern with growing Shiva Lingam
- Significance: Tribal traditions and cave meditation; annual pilgrimage
- Travel: 80 km from Koraput town; further 10 km on forest road near Jeypore
13. Baidyanath Temple – Subarnapur
(Sonepur)
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Healing shrine with medicinal myths
- Significance: Devotees come with water and prayers for ailments
- Travel: 7 km from Sonepur; regular autos and rural roads
14. Yogeshwar Temple – Nuapada
- Feature: Swayambhu Shivling in forest hill near Patora Dam
- Significance: Final Bol Bom destination in road pilgrimages
- Travel: 20 km from Nuapada via Sinapali–Patora road; jeeps available
15. Somnath Temple – Sambalpur
- Feature: Rural shrine with local Shaiva traditions
- Significance: Often visited alongside Huma during Bol Bom
- Travel: 15 km from Sambalpur via local lanes; autos or bikes common
16. Vedvyas Temple – Sundargarh
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Temple at Triveni Sangam of Koel, Sankh & Saraswati
- Significance: For pilgrims carrying holy water from rivers
- Travel: 5 km from Rourkela via Panposh road; shared vehicles available
17. Nilamadhaba (Shiva form) – Nayagarh
- Feature: Combined Shiva-Vishnu worship in rural setup
- Significance: Dual devotion attracts Bol Bom yatriks
- Travel: 14 km from Nayagarh; local auto or bike access
18. Harishankar Mahadev – Balangir (again)
- For second power of Balangir connection with Bol Bom (optional cross-route pilgrim stop)
19. Pataleswar Shiva/Tarangini – Kendrapara
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Village shrine integrating Vishnu–Shiva worship
- Significance: Strong local Bol Bom following
- Travel: 25 km from Kendrapara town; local shared taxis
20. Gonasika Brahmeswar – Keonjhar
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Lingam at source of Baitarani River in hills
- Significance: Rejuvenation point for holy water before pilgrim offering
- Travel: 30 km from Keonjhar via forest road; guided transport advised
21. Pataleswar Temple – Koraput District (Sunabeda)
- Feature: Ancient temple with tribal roots and forest environment
- Significance: Medium Bol Bom gathering site
- Travel: 50 km from Koraput; buses till Sunabeda then local shared transport
22. Mandhata Baba Temple – Bargarh
- Feature: Riverside shrine believed to grant fertility wishes
- Significance: Supplementary Bol Bom stop in Bargarh circuit
- Travel: 85 km from Bargarh town via Padampur
23. Phurli Jharan – Kalahandi
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Shiva shrine beside scenic waterfall
- Significance: Ideal starting pilgrimage site in Kalahandi
- Travel: 95 km from Bhawanipatna via forest route; local jeep access
24. Chakapad Shiva Temple – Kandhamal
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Temple at confluence of three rivers
- Significance: Natural water offering source initiation point
- Travel: 40 km from Phulbani; accessible during dry season via forest road
25. Baiyanath Shiv Mandir – Mayurbhanj (Khiching)
- Feature: Red stone temple in terraced hill form
- Significance: Cultural heritage site and pilgrimage focal point
- Travel: 65 km from Baripada via Khiching Road
26. Bonda Hills Shiva Shrine – Malkangiri
Shiva temples in Odisha
- Feature: Tribal cave temple atop hill
- Significance: Remote, spiritually intimate pilgrimage
- Travel: 70 km from Malkangiri town; rugged terrain—locally guided access
27. Sarala Chandeshwar – Jagatsinghpur
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Twin shrines to Shakti and Shiva
- Significance: Historic tantric and tribal worship center
- Travel: 9 km from Jagatsinghpur; road accessible via Jhankad
28. Bhairabi-Bheemeswar – Ganjam
These Shiva temples in Odisha are also major Bol Bom destinations attracting pilgrims across the state.
- Feature: Majestic double temple complex near Berhampur
- Significance: Large pilgrim fairs during Shravan
- Travel: 30 km from Berhampur via Mantridi Road
29. Deulajhari Shiva Temple – Angul
- Feature: Hot spring and Shiva shrine on forest hill
- Significance: Healing water and peace spot for Bol Bom walkers
- Travel: 50 km from Angul town via Deulajhari Road
30. Baidyanath Temple – Subarnapur (repeated)
- Already included as healing shrine and Bol Bom site near Sonepur
đź“‹ Comprehensive Table of Top 30 Shiva Temples
| Distr. | Temple Name | Town / Landmark | Feature | Route from HQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angul | Deulajhari Shiva | Athmallik | Hot spring & Shaiva healing | 50 km via forest road |
| Balangir | Harishankar Mahadev | Gandhamardan | Hill waterfall twin deities | 85 km via Patnagarh |
| Bargarh | Nrusinghanath Shiva | Paikmal | Forest + waterfalls | 110 km via Paikmal road |
| Bhadrak | Akhandalamani Temple | Aradi | Coastal river Shiva shrine | 37 km via coastal highway |
| Balasore | Panchalingeswar Shiva | Nilagiri Hills | Five lingams in stream | 30 km mountain access road |
| Boudh | Kapileswar Shiva | Boudh town | Rock cut shrine | 3 km town road |
| Cuttack | Dhabaleswar Shiva | Mahanadi Island | Suspension bridge access | 27 km via Athagarh |
| Dhenkanal | Kapilash Chandrasekhar | Hilltop steps | Historic climb & divine view | 26 km via NH55 |
| Gajapati | Mahendragiri Shiva Temples | Mahendragiri mountain | Pandava-era temple | 60 km via tribal road |
| Khordha (BBSR) | Lingaraj Shiva Temple | Bhubaneswar | State’s grandest temple | In city |
| Puri | Lokanath Temple | Puri town | Shiva avatar of Jagannath | 2 km from Jagannath Temple |
| Koraput | Gupteswar Cave Shiva | Near Jeypore | Growing cave lingam | 80 km then forest stretch |
| Subarnapur | Baidyanath Shiva | Sonepur area | Healing myths | 7 km rural road |
| Nuapada | Yogeshwar Shiva | Patora Dam hill | Swayambhu cave | 20 km rural road |
| Sambalpur | Huma Leaning Shiva | Huma village | Tilted stone temple | 23 km via NH55 |
| Sundargarh | Vedvyas Shiva | Rourkela Sangam | River confluence temple | 5 km via Panposh |
| Nayagarh | Nilamadhaba (Shiva form) | Nayagarh town | Dual worship site | 14 km road |
| Kandhamal | Chakapad Shiva | Chakapad region | River confluence | 40 km forest road |
| Mayurbhanj | Khiching Shiva Temple | Khiching hill | Red stone sculpture | 65 km from Baripada |
| Malkangiri | Bonda Hills Shiva Shrine | Khairput tribal area | Cave tribal temple | 70 km difficult terrain |
| Jagatsinghpur | Sarala-Chandeshwar | Jhankad vicinity | Twin tantric shrine | 9 km via Jagatsinghpur road |
| Ganjam | Bhairabi & Bheemeswar Shiva | Mantridi outskirts | Massive temple complex | 30 km from Berhampur |
| Angul | Deulajhari Shiva | Athmallik | Healing springs | 50 km via state road |
| Kalahandi | Phurli Jharan Shiva | Bhawanipatna outskirts | Fall-side Shiva temple | 95 km via segmented road |
| Bargarh | Mandhata Baba Shiva | Padampur town | Wish-fulfilling water shrine | 85 km rural route |
| Kendrapara | Lakhmi Varaha–Shiva shrine | Aul | Vaishnav–Shaiva tradition | 25 km coastal route |
| Balasore | Panchalingeswar | Nilagiri Hills | Submerged lingams in stream | 30 km rugged road |
| Jagatsinghpur | Sarala–Chandeshwar | Jhankad area | Dual deity worship | 9 km road |
| Boudh | Kapileswar Shiva | Boudh town | Rock architecture | 3 km local road |
(*Note: Duplicate rows represent extended temple listings within district repeats when relevant.)
🧠Pilgrimage Route Plan for Bol Bom Across Odisha (Suggested 7-Day Loop)
| Day | Region | Key Temples | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhubaneswar–Cuttack | Lingaraj → Dhabaleswar | 60 km |
| 2 | Dhenkanal | Kapilash Temple pilgrimage | 60 km |
| 3 | Bhadrak + Balasore | Akhandalamani → Panchalingeswar | 100 km |
| 4 | Rourkela (Sundargarh) | Vedvyas Sangam temple → Koilighughar (Jharsuguda) | 200 km |
| 5 | Sambalpur + Bargarh | Huma → Nrusinghanath → Mandhata Baba | 150 km |
| 6 | Balangir + Sonepur | Harishankar → Baidyanath → Yogeshwar (Nuapada) | 250 km |
| 7 | Mayurbhanj + Koraput | Khiching → Gupteswar → return to Bhubaneswar | 300 km |
✨ Tips & Blessings
- Bol Bom Essentials: Carry copper kalash, saffron cloth, holy water jars, chanting beads, and light snacks.
- Timing: Start early morning to avoid heat; evening rituals recommended.
- Dress: White or saffron cotton — no leather, be barefoot near temple premises.
- Stay & Food: Guest houses in district HQs; local homes and dharmasalas available near rural temples.
- Respect Nature & Local Customs: Clean portals, quiet worship, ask permission before photography.
- Local Guides: Especially helpful in tribal districts like Koraput, Kalahandi, and Malkangiri.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide showcases 30 top Shiva temples across all districts of Odisha revered by Bol Bom pilgrims. From cosmic architecture to tribal cave sanctuaries, this journey stitches together history, nature, and devotion. Whether you walk the path in Shravan or follow it online, each shrine carries the divine energy of Mahadev.
🙏 Har Har Mahadev! Bol Bom Satkar!
Bom Bom Bhole. Jay Shiv Shambhu.
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