Chandaneswar Temple is a prominent Shiva temple in Odisha, India, located in Chandaneswar, Baleswar district. On the first day of the Odia calendar, Pana Sankranti (Odia Hindu solar New Year), a large annual fair is held on the site. During this time, the temple attracts a large number of Indian pilgrims.
An Odisha famous “Chadak Mela/Chaitra Mela/Udaa” is held every year in the month of ‘Chaitra’ (from 14 March to 14 April). It will last for 13 days (13 Arghya to 1 Arghya discounting). Paita is accepted by Bhaktas (devotees) (pabitrata). The Bhaktas come from all over the country with their ‘manaskamana.’ The Bhaktas rise in number from the 5th Arghya to the 3rd Arghya. Approximately 3 to 4 lakh Bhaktas exclusively perform their Arghyas (prayer) at night.
Chandaneswar is well-known for its Lord Siva temple. The exquisite white marble house of worship, built in the traditional Kalinga Architecture style of Old Odisha temples, resounds with Hindu mythological stories and sculptural depictions. Swayambhu is claimed to be the Shiva Linga here (or self-originated). This sacred temple’s main feature is a black figure of Nandi. A huge number of worshippers can always be found in the vicinity of the shrine.
Location:
Chandaneshwar is located in the Odisha district of Balasore. Transport is available on a regular basis from Jaleswar in Odisha and Digha in West Bengal.
