The Sri Nilamadhav Temple is a very ancient and famous Vishnu temple, situated on the Banks of the Mahanadi River at Kantilo. It is located near the twin hills with a surrounding forest. The steady flow of the sacred water from the feet of Lord Nillamadhav is another attraction for the site. Here lord Sidheswar is also present which another attraction of the place.
Lord Nilmadhava occupies a central place in the cult of Lord Jagannath. Even to this day, the temple of Lord Nilamadhav is present in the Jagannatha temple at Puri on the right side of the Lakshmi temple.
HISTORY:
All this originated in a small cave in the Brahmadari hills on the Banks of the Mahanadi River, now known as the Kantilo of Nayagarh district. Here, the local Sabara Chief Biswabasu worshipped Kitung for god was known in the Sabara dialect. According to the Parana’s, the deity was originally worshipped as an Indranila gem image, known as the “Nillamadhav”.After a long time, Darumurti is coming. The three rivers are situated near the confluence of Mahanadi, Kuanria, and Kusumi. The structure of the temple is like the Jagannath temple at Puri. It is arranged on the correct bank of Mahanadi.. This is known as the Triveni junction of Odisha. As Beni-Madhava is in Prayag, so Nila Madhava is in this place.
FESTIVALS:
Magh Saptami festival or Ratha Saptami is one of the best festivals in this place. Here a fair is organized on the Ekadashi of the month of Magha. Another festival is” PUSHA PURNIMA”. Lord Nilamedhab is decorated with gold ornaments on this occasion.
LOCATION:
The Kantilo is situated on the bank of the Mahanadi River in the Kendarpada block at Nayagarh district. The nearest railway station is Nayagarh city and the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. It is 33 km far from Nayagarh bus stop and 73 km far from the state capital Bhubaneswar. It is recommended that in the event that you intend to travel via train, it is smarter to get down at Bhubaneswar station as there will be incessant transports for Kantilo. Roads are connected to Kantilo which provides regular bus Services.
