Visit Harishankar: Worship Vishnu and Shiva together

If you want to visit a unique temple, where Vaishnav and Shaiva cults have no differences, then Harishankar is the place you should visit. Harishankar temple is the only temple in Odisha where Hari (Lord Vishnu) and Shankar (Lord Shiva) are worshipped together. This place is named after this unity of faiths.

Harishankar temple is located on the slopes of Gandhamardhan hills of Balangir district. The temple has great importance among the locals. Apart from being a holy place, a beautiful stream passing near the temple provides peace and tranquility to the visitors. The scenic beauty of the place enthralls all.

Legend:

It is believed that Pandavas during their 12-year exile had lived in Gandhamardhan hills.  Arjuna killed a cow by mistake. For atonement of his sin, Shree Krishna advised Arjuna to perform Goshanshkara yajna. At the end of the yajna, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishu appeared together and said “for the first time we have appeared together at any place. So, here we will be worshipped together as Harishankar.”

History:

As per historians, rulers of the Chauhan dynasty constructed Harishankar temple during the 12^th century AD. The temple was built by the royal order of Durlabha Devi, a queen of King Vaijjal Deva Chauhan. According to a local legend, once a saint named Uttamacharya worshiped Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu at this place during his penance. It is said that he was granted ultimate salvation by holy gods. A dancing Ganesha image of early 12th century is also present at Harishankar temple.

The place where the temple is located is very cool throughout the year, even at noon. Natural sceneries all around are mesmerizing. There is a Buddha statue with a seven-headed serpent in front of the temple. This hints at the ancient Buddhist heritage of the place. A deer park near the temple is added attraction for the tourists.

Bolangir is well-linked with other major cities or towns in the state by Indian railway networks. After reaching Bolangir, visitors can easily reach the temple. Passenger bus service is available from Bolangir, Titlagarh, Katabanji, and Lathor (Harishankar Road) to reach Harishankar.