Dhabaleswar Temple at Dhauligiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Happy Mahashivratri to all! Today is the festival of Shiva, one among the Trinity of Lords in Hindu religion. As per mythology, Shiva married Parvati today. So, it is considered most auspicious. People keep fast and pray all through the night invoking Lord Shiva.

In Hinduism there are 33 crore Gods and Goddesses, but the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Shiva) are the chief among them, apart from Shakti or Goddess who is considered most powerful.

In one of the G+ messages I read today, this intriguing fact was refreshed in my mind: The Lords who drank Amrit or nectar became 'Dev' (Lord) while the one who drank poison became 'Devon ke Dev' (Lord of Lords) or 'Mahadev' (Great Lord) ,that is, Shiva.


Among 'Sahasranaam' or thousand names of Lord Shiva, one is 'Dhabaleswar'. 'Dhabala' means white and 'Eeshwar' means Lord. This name is given because the Lord's home is Kailash Mountain which is full of snow and ice, and is white.

Staying with names, even 'Bhubaneswar' - my home city, the capital of Odisha state in India- is the name of Shiva only. Shiva is the Eeshwar of Tribhuvan or Lord of the Three Worlds, in Hinduism. No wonder Bhubaneswar has so many ancient Shiva Temples, the most famous being Lingaraj Temple of 11th Century AD. Here thousands have congregated today, as Mahadipa (Huge Flame) will be raised through the height of 180 feet of the temple and lit right at the top to burn all through the night. In every Shiva temple, this will be done tonight and there is festive fervour all around!

Coming to Dhabaleswar Temples in Odisha, these are located in several places with each having their own fascinating origins, as per local folklore:

a) Near Cuttack- Read its fascinating story here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhabaleswar#Mythological_Origin
b) In Gopalpur- It is said that Shri Ram made a Shivling here with white sand.
c) In Khurda Town
d) At Dhauligiri, Bhubaneswar

Among these, Dhabaleswar Temple at Dhauligiri, Bhubaneswar is in a unique location, as the world-famous Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) is also situated here. I had gone here recently as a delegate of 3rd International Buddhist Conference. So, here is a series of photos showing this beautiful temple!

Dhabaleswar Temple with Vishwa Shanti Stupa in background

Huge Lion statues are at entrance of temple, both on the left and the right

The sacred Linga at Dhabaleswar Temple

Written in Odia language: Sri Sri Dhabaleswaraya Namah

Visitors thronging the temple

Maa Kaalika at the Temple. Imposing!

As I prayed silently,

Source: http://magpietales.blogspot.in/2015/02/mag-258.html

 the priest put Trishul shaped chandan (sandalwood paste) and sindoor (red vermilion) on my forehead. [Trishul is a weapon held by Lord Shiva.] I felt grateful at that time. Then, I had forgotten about it being busy in the Conference!

I could remember its presence and immense attractive power and beauty only when another delegate asked me- "Wow! That's beautiful! Where did you get that from on your forehead?!"

Trishul shaped chandan on my forehead! Most unique!

So, here is wishing Happy Mahashivratri to all! May Lord Dhabaleswar give us power of attracting all the good and bless us all!


**Linking this post to Magpie Tales 258, ABC Wednesday (Letter F- fast, fact, full, famous, festive fervour, fascinating, folklore, forehead).