- Shiva
Astasambu Temple
- Tiadi Sahi,Odisha
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Overview
Astasambu Shiva Temples are a collection of 8 Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, India. A small temple is dedicated to Shiva located in Tiadi Sahi of Puri. In local language ‘Asta’ means ‘Eight’ and ‘Sambhu is another name of Shiva.
About The Temple
Like all the other Astasambu temples, this also belongs to the Kalinga architectural style. The material used for building is grey sandstone and dry masonry was the technique used here similar to the Astasambu temple. This temple contains a vimanam (tower) and a porch facing the front side.
When elevated, vimanam is 4.15 m tall and it belongs to the Rekha order. The highlight is that, here, the deities and the architectural style is simple making it look all the more serene and ancient.
About The Deity
Astasambu temple houses a cluster of eight Shiva Lingams made of precious stones. Each one of them is of a different colour. Thus they are appealing to devotees. The Shiva Lingams appear to be in different colours when looked at from different directions. Due to the reflection of sunlight, the colour of the Lingams changes. These eight Shiva Lingams are named after different names of Shiva such as Markandeshwar, Yajneshwar, Nilakantheshwar, Vilveshwar, Kabalamochana, Baleshwar, Isaneshwar and Pathaleshwar.
Legend and Stories
History
This temple, like other 7 temples of the Astasambu temples was constructed in the 10th century. Shiva was the main deity of the Bahmukar kings. Hence, these temples came to be addressed as the Astasambu temples.
Legend
This is another ancient temple connected with the Poori kings. It is said that Astasambu cured once the ancient king from a fatal disease. As per the legend, the Shiva lingams here are ones that were captured when the kings defeated opposing kingdoms. The Astasambu temple is a small temple on the campus of the Sri Radha Rasik Raj temple. These are the family deities of Maharajah Pratap Rudra and were worshiped even before the time of Sri Chaithanya Mahaprabhu. Also in this temple are Gaura Nitai idols that were personally installed by Maharaja Pratap Rudra.
Festivals
Maha Shiva Rathri is celebrated at a grand scale in this temple. The months of September to November are the best time to visit this temple.
Accessibility
Airport
The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar.
Railways
Bhubaneswar railway station is the nearest railhead.
Road
Bhubaneswar is well connected to other major cities by regular buses.
Temple Address
Astasambu Temple,
Tiadi Sahi,
Bhubaneswar,
Orissa.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To be cured from diseases
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM.