Koraput Gupteswar Temple :
Gupteswar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Koraput district of Odisha, India. The temple is situated on a hilltop and is reached by climbing 200 steps. The cave temple houses a 2-metre-high Shiva Lingam, which is said to be growing in size over time. Gupteswar Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and is especially crowded during the month of Shravan.
History of the Gupteswar Temple:
The history of the Gupteswar Temple is shrouded in mystery. Some believe that the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile, while others believe that it was built by the Chola kings. The earliest known mention of Gupteswar Temple is in the 12th-century CE Jain text, the Trisastisalakapurushacharitra. The text describes the temple as a "magnificent" and "beautiful" shrine.
Legends of Gupteswar Temple:
There are many legends associated with the Gupteswar Temple. One legend tells the story of a tribal hunter who discovered the Shiva Lingam inside the cave. The hunter was so impressed by the beauty of the Lingam that he decided to worship it. The next day, when the hunter returned to the cave, he found that the Lingam had disappeared. The hunter searched for the Lingam for many days but was unable to find it. One day, the hunter had a dream in which Lord Shiva told him that the Lingam was hidden in the cave and that he would be able to see it if he came back to the cave with a pure heart. The hunter returned to the cave with a pure heart and was able to see the Shiva Lingam.
Another legend tells the story of a king who was cursed by a sage. The curse made the king infertile. The king went to many temples and tried many different remedies, but nothing worked. One day, the king was advised to go to the Gupteswar Temple. The king went to the temple and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was pleased with the king's prayers and lifted the curse. The king was able to have children after that.
Architecture of Gupteswar Temple:
Gupteswar Temple is a cave temple, which means that it is carved out of a rock. The cave is about 20 metres long and 10 metres wide. The ceiling of the cave is decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. The Shiva Lingam is located at the back of the cave. The Lingam is made of black stone and is about 2 metres high.
In addition to the main cave, there are several other caves near Gupteswar Temple. These caves are smaller than the main cave, and they are not as well known. However, they are still worth visiting, as they offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
The Festivals of Gupteswar Temple:
Gupteswar Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and is especially crowded during the month of Shravan. Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, and it is a time for fasting and prayer. The month of Shravan is also the time for the annual Shivaratri festival, which is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.
During Shivaratri, devotees from all over the country come to Gupteswar Temple to worship Lord Shiva. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and there are special pujas and bhajans performed throughout the night. The highlight of the festival is the abhishekam, which is a ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam. The Lingam is bathed with milk, honey, yoghurt, and other holy fluids.
How to Reach the Gupteswar Temple:
Gupteswar Temple is located in the Koraput district of Odisha, India. It is about 80 kilometres from the town of Jeypore. There are several ways to reach Gupteswar Temple.
By Road:
The nearest major road to Gupteswar Temple is National Highway 26. There are regular bus services from Jeypore and other nearby towns to Gupteswar Temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Gupteswar Temple is Jeypore railway station. There are regular trains from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, to Jeypore. From Jeypore railway station, you can take a bus or taxi to Gupteswar Temple.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Gupteswar Temple is Bhubaneswar Airport. There are regular flights from major cities in India to Bhubaneswar. From Bhubaneswar airport, you can take a taxi to Jeypore and then a bus or taxi to Gupteswar Temple.
Things to Do Near Gupteswar Temple:
Gupteswar Temple is located in a beautiful part of the country. There are many other places to visit in the area. Here are a few suggestions:
- Kalahandi Wildlife Sanctuary: Kalahandi Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and diverse wildlife sanctuary located about 50 kilometres from Gupteswar Temple. The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and rhinos.
- Chitrakonda Falls: The Chitrakonda Falls are a beautiful set of waterfalls located about 75 kilometres from Gupteswar Temple. The falls are surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
- Malkangiri: Malkangiri is a small town located about 100 kilometres from Gupteswar Temple. The town is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Malkangiri Fort and the Malkangiri Museum.
Conclusion:
Gupteswar Temple is a beautiful and historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in a beautiful part of the country, and there are many other places to visit in the area. If you are interested in Hindu temples and Indian culture, then Gupteswar Temple is a great place to visit.
FAQs
- What are the opening hours of Gupteswar Temple?
The temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day.
- What are the entry fees for Gupteswar Temple?
The entry fees for the temple are INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children.
- What are the other things to carry with me when visiting Gupteswar Temple?
In addition to your regular travel essentials, you should also carry a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a hat. The weather in the area can be hot and humid, so it is important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Is there any accommodation near Gupteswar Temple?
Yes, there are a number of hotels and guesthouses near Gupteswar Temple. You can book your accommodation in advance, or you can ask the locals for recommendations.
- What are the best places to eat near Gupteswar Temple?
There are a number of restaurants near Gupteswar Temple that serve a variety of Indian and regional cuisine. You can find everything from simple snacks to elaborate meals.
- What are the other things to do near Gupteswar Temple?
In addition to visiting the temple, there are a number of other things to do in the area. You can go hiking, camping, or white-water rafting. There are also a number of historical and cultural attractions nearby.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to
