solitude and divine worship. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draw thousands of visitors. The surrounding tree-covered hills give a sense of peace and add to the feeling of faith while visiting the temple. Traveling through many of Phulbani’s attractions will ultimately lead to this temple. Here, both prayer and the immediate surroundings represent peace.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Birupakshya Temple is a sacred place for the followers of Shiva. The temple is commonly referred to as Chakapada and is an important part of the worship of Shiva. People come to temple in search of connection, and prayer can be felt emanating from the stones of the temple. Many people come to the temple at sacred times such as Mahashivratri, and during the monsoon season of Shravan. For many, visiting the temple is less about going to a site and more about connecting to something that is much more ancient.
The sacred site is set high on the ridge just outside of Chakapada, surrounded by dense forest, rolling hills and open fields. There is a beautiful calmness in this area, with absolutely no noise or smoke; instead, it has absolute silence that attracts people to come inwards. Many people travelling through Phulbana’s view point will stop at this location where the lush greenery of nature meets the serene devotion towards God.
The roads lead you to the shrine providing a peaceful experience on your way there as you walk by trees and through neighbourhoods that sit on hilltops. When you arrive to the shrine during a rain, you find more ambiance when you see the moss growing on rocks, and the trees covered with water.
Mahashivratri brings many people to the Birupakshya temple at night when they come to worship in the temple and light lamps. Worshippers will spend the entire night praying and singing, while incense is burning and the old customs of the temple are on display. The feeling that comes from the energy of Birupakshya temple at this time of day is completely different than it is during the rest of the day.
Festivals beyond Mahashivratri light up this place just as brightly. While temple bells ring, folks gather from surrounding villages, drawn by rhythm and memory. Through shared songs and silent rituals, old threads between communities tighten again.
Birupakshya Temple is roughly 25 to 30km from Phulbani and has very good access via road. Phulbani has extensive town connections with the major urban centres of Odisha. After arriving in Phulbani, visitors can arrange for local transport to take them to Chakapada and the temple site.
