Nilamadhav Temple

Sri Nilamadhava Temple is very new and famous Vishnu temple which is near to the bank of Mahanadi,in Kantilo. which is present near to the twin hills with a surrounding forests. A permanent flow of holy water from the feet of Lord Nilamadhava. Lord Siddheswar is also present which are the highlights of the place.

Lord Nilamadhava occupies a central position in the cult of Lord Jagannath.Even now also Lord Nilamadhava shrine is present on the right side of Lakshmi temple in Puri Jagannath Temple.

Location

It is located in a block called Kantilo,in Nayagarh District.Nearest railway station is Khurda.Roads are connected to Kantilo which offer regular bus services.

History

It all initiated in a small cave in the Brahmadri hills situated on the banks of Mahanadi, which is known as Kantilo of Nayagarh district today. Here, Biswabasu the local Sabara Chief worshipped Kitung, as the God was known in the Sabara dialect. According to the Puranas, the deity was originally worshipped in the form of an Indranila gem image known as “Nilamadhava". The daru murty came much later.Located near the confluence of three rivers Mahanadi, Kuanria and Kusumi the temple structure is like the Jagannath temple of Puri. It stands on the right bank of Mahanadi. It is called triveni sangam of Orissa. As there is Beni-Madhava in Prayag, so as here Nilamadhava.

Festivals

• Maagha saptami Festival or Ratha Saptami is the best festival over here.
• A fair is held on the Ekadashi of the month of Maagha

See also

• Jagannath
• Madhava (Vishnu)

Reference

• information regarding the blue hued lord
• image of the temple
• story of Nilamadhav
• reports on archaeological survey