According to popular legend the temple is testimony to Odisha’s eternal love story. Yes even Odisha has a poignant story of starcrossed lovers. It is said that long time back there was a simple village boy by the name of Kedar who fell in love with a village belle Gauri. The two lovers decided to elope as their families were against their relationship. During their escape Kedar was killed by a tiger while looking for food. The news of his death was too much for Gauri to bear, who jumped to her death in a pond which is located in the temple complex.
Hearing their story the then King Lalatendu Kesari decided to build a temple to commemorate their eternal love.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Kedareswar and his consort Goddess Gauri. Till today young couples throng the temple to seek blessings for a happy life after marriage.
Sitalasasthi which falls towards the end of the summer and before the rains (a festival to call upon the Lord Shiva for reprieve from the heat of the summers) is a major festival observed in the temple. Here the temple hosts the marriage of Lord Lingaraja with Goddess Gauri.
Timings | 6.30 AM to 8.00 PM |
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Entry Fee | Free |