Landing in Odisha

Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar- Odisha

One of the largest mandirs in the city 

As old as the 7th century, flaunting the Odissi architecture 

The Lingaraja mandir is devoted to Prabhu Shiva 

The 8-inch lingam is said to be a Swayambhu

Rising from the earth as naturally as the air we breathe 

Source: Native Planet

The mandir has yet another fame as a land of Hari-Hara

Bringing together the bhakts of 

Prabhu Shiva and Bhagwan Vishnu 

While gaining a mention in the Brahma Purana

Source: RVA Temples

An interesting piece of history adds charm to this land 

With a claim that Prabhu Shiva expressed 

His favoritism for Bhubaneshwar than the much revered Banaras

Maa Parvati was intrigued and decided to investigate 

Source: India the Destiny

She descended as a cattle girl in the city 

To explore its beauty 

Two demons blocked her path

Proposing their desire to marry her 

When her refusal failed to dent their eagerness

Maa Parvati vanished and went back home

And they say Prabhu Shiva created the Bindu Sagar Lake 

To give the place its importance in the space of the time 

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Lankeswari Temple, Mahanandi- Odisha

 A small temple is located in the river Mahanadi 

It drowns during the floods and stands high again 

Year after year, as bhakts come 

And pray to Devi Lankeshwari in Sonepur 

Source: Bande Odisha- Facebook

Sonepur has another name- Paschime Lanka 

Denoting that the king Raavana from the Tretayuga 

Had controlled Sonepur as Dwitiya* Lanka 

And brought the murti of Maa Lankeshwari 

From Lanka to protect this land as his own 

Source: OdiKala

Now it’s the local fisherman community, 

The Kaivarta’s who pray to Maa Lankeshwari 

To keep them safe as they sail the rough waters in the seas 

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Note: 

Dwitiya is second 

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Source: 

https://www.mahashivratri.org/shiva-temples/lingaraj-temple.html

https://www.thrillophilia.com/attractions/lingaraj-temple-bhubaneswar 

https://subarnapur.nic.in/tourist-place/lankeswari-temple/

http://www.indiamapped.com/temples-in-india/odisha-lankeswari-temple-sonepur/

https://www.ishtadevata.com/temple/lankeswari-temple-sonepur-subarnapur/

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