Harisankar Temple

An ancient shrine situated in the Balangir District, Harisankar Temple is one of the ancient temples of Orissa . It is on the southern slope of the Gandhamardan Hills, which stand along Balangir-Sambalpur border.

This 14th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is noted for its charming design and exquisite architecture, which is different from the more well known Orissa style.

The place is known as Harishankar after Hari Lord Vishnu and Sankara Lord Shiva, the dual deities of Hindu mythology. The plateau between the two temples is strewn with ancient Buddhist ruins. Which are considered to be remnants of the ancient University Parimalgiri.

The foaming waters sparkle vibrantly, acting as a enjoyable contrast to the unmelting hardness of the granite bed from which it cascades through the sun-dappled jungle.

Echoing its joyful song, birds and bathers thronging the pool shaped by the swirling waters seem to give thanks to 'Hari' and 'Shankar', the reigning deities of Harishankar Temple perched on the southern slope of Gandhamardan Hill. The hillside is well-known for medicinal plants.

Getting There

Harisankar Temple is about 81 km from Balangir.

Balangir is connected by road to the state capital Bhubaneswar which is 327 km in the west. In Balangir, taxis, buses and autos are available easily. There are a number of moderately priced hotels in the town.

Balangir Railway Station on the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur-Titlagarh railway line of South Eastern Railways is the city's railway link to the national railway network.

The nearest domestic / international airport is Swami Vivekananda International Airport, located in Raipur, 250 km west of Balangir. It is about four and a half hours drive to Swami Vivekananda International Airport from Balangir. To make arrangements for a taxi from Airport to Balangir, contact one the taxi operators and travel agents that have counter in the Airport.

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