LOKANATH TEMPLE

The temple is open from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm. It is an 11th-century temple in Puri close to Jagannath temple to the west. From the cultural point of view of Odisha, the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lingam of the temple is submerged under a natural ground fountain.

The water is usually cleared three days of the year before the festival of Shivaratri on the occasion of Pankoddhar Ekadashi. The water, which has a peculiar smell from the decomposed flowers, honey, sandal paste milk, coconut water, and betel leaves, is then offered to devotees as it possesses medicinal properties. Lokanath means a Lingam shaped bottle gourd.

Lord Ramachandra established the temple. The temple has four parts, like Vimana, which is the main temple, and Jagamohana, the entrance hall. Nata Mandapa, the dancing hall, and Bhoga Mandapa, the offering hall. The temple is built in sandstone and about 30feet from the ground level. The better part of the temple is covered with marbles making the architectural features invisible.

Location: Puri, Odisha 752001.