The Panchalingeswar Temple, representing the 5 Lingas of the Hindu mythology is situated in the verdant Nilagiri Hills in Odisha. The literal meaning of panchalingeswar is “abode of the five Lingas” which were made by Sita (Lord Rama’s wife) during her exile period. Since then, these Lingas are believed to be housed in the panchalingeswar temple itself, hence the name.
To add to the charm of this temple, there exists a natural spring whose water comes from the perennial streams flowing from the surrounding hills. This natural spring bathes the Lingas and provides a spectacular and mesmerizing view for visitors. This spectacle can even be captured and stored in visual memories by visitors through panchalingeswar temple photos. It is believed that when one lies down on the floor and touches the Lingas on the side of the rock beside the stream will help in fulfilling your wishes.
Not only a spiritual miracle, but Panchalingeswar Temple has its charm in being nature’s splendor as well. The whole temple is covered with complete lush greenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, serene streams, a tranquil atmosphere, and a picture-perfect setup. Even some of the panchalingeswar hotels provide a great and much closer view of this temple’s beauty.
There exist a lot of reasons why Panchalingeswar Temple has become a must-visit destination for a lot of nature and travel enthusiasts. Let’s explore some of these reasons one by one in the following article.
History and Mythology of Panchalingeswar Temple:-
It is quite clear from the introduction that Panchalingeswar Temple is well-known for its 5 Lingas established and formed since the times of Ramayana. However, these 5 Lingas were made by Mata Sita in the panchalingeswar temple balasore as a representation of the 5 natural phenomena, i.e., wind, fire, water, earth, and sky.
The position of these Lingas is in such a way that the pure water from the streams of the surrounding mountains is continuously poured upon them. All the rituals performed in the temple are centered on this flow of water itself. It is believed and experienced by a lot of devotees that when a person lies down on their back prostrate and touches the Lingas, their wishes are most likely to come true.
Along with having a strong connection with Mata Sita and Lord Rama, this temple has an intense connection with Lord Shiva as well. It is believed that Banasura, a follower of Lord Shiva and a powerful Asura king worshipped the Lord with great devotion here. Even if this is a belief that devotees of both Lord Shiva and Lord Rama have, no solid proof or architectural evidence has been found to support this belief till today.
Location and Accessibility of the Panchalingeswar Temple:-
From all over Odisha, various cities and towns provide the most accessibility to reach the Panchalingeswar Temple. Chandipur and Balasore are the 2 topmost places from where Panchalingeswar can be easily accessible. From Chandipur, the chandipur to panchalingeswar distance is about 45 kilometers, and from Balasore, it is approximately 30 kilometers. It takes about 55-60 minutes to reach Panchalingeswar from Balasore and about 1-1.5 hours from Chandipur.
Visitors can take auto-rickshaws, taxis, or buses to cover the distance from both Balasore and Chandipur to Panchalingeswar. The exact Chandipur and balasore to panchalingeswar auto fare is not fixed but can be calculated according to the current fares, distance, and popularity of the transportation. However, to make auto-rickshaw rides affordable for yourself, make sure to ask the total fare that would be required beforehand.
Panchalingeswar Temple: Architecture and Surroundings:-
Not only the Panchalingeswar Temple but its surroundings are equally serene and mesmerizing. The temple is covered by Nilagiri Hills which is an important source of water which is showered on the Lingas 24 by 7. On the rooftop of the temple, the whole panoramic view of the place can be seen with beautiful landscapes around and scenic masterpieces in which the temple is enclosed.
Best Time to Visit Panchalingeswar Temple:-
One of the best times for a panchalingeswar tour would be during the winter season. It is a well-known fact that during the winter season, the weather conditions are much more stable in Odisha and nearby places. That is why visitors can enjoy their trip to the fullest without getting interrupted by any sudden weather change at all. Also, taking perfect shots and beautiful panchalingeswar photos can be possible in the winter season, during the months of October to March.
During the winter season or in the months of October to March, various festivals can also be enjoyed by the visitors. These festivals include Magha Saptami, Shravan Month, and Maha Shivaratri. These festivals awaken visitors and devotees to the spiritual side of the world and can also cause miracles in the lives of true believers and followers. That is why visiting the panchalingeswar temple odisha during winter will be the best decision undoubtedly.
Where to Stay while Visiting Panchalingeswar Temple – Accommodation Options:-
There exist numerous hotels and resorts in panchalingeswar where people can stay comfortably and affordably. One such accommodation is panthanivas panchalingeswar where a budget-friendly stay can be done for as many days as you wish. Also, the surroundings and overall atmosphere are very happy and beautiful.
Other accommodation options are Sai Iswari Hill View Resort, and Panthasala (KR Resorts), where luxury and affordability can go hand-in-hand to some extent. The price of staying in Panthanivas is as low as Rs. 800-1000 for 1 night, and even at luxury resorts or hotels, the price ends up being Rs. 3000-8000 for 1 night.
Things To Do in Panchalingeswar Temple:-
In and around the Panchalingeswar Temple, things that visitors can do are –
- Trekking in Nilagiri Hills,
- Nature walks on Chandipur Beach,
- Getting spiritual experience at the temple, and
- Exploring the sceneries, landscape, and viewpoints of the temple.
Panchalingeswar Temple Tour Itinerary:-
The most common suggested itinerary of Panchalingeswar temple is a 1-2 day trip. In 2 days, Panchalingeswar temple and Chandipur Beach can be explored in detail. For those who have extra time, other temples and tourist attractions can also be explored.
FAQs:-
1. Why are the 5 Lingas of the Panchalingeswar Temple so significant?
The 5 Lingas of the Panchalingeswar Temple were made by Mata Sita, the wife of Lord Rama while she was in exile. Its charm resides in the fact that all these Lingas are continuously bathed by serene waters that come from the streams of the mesmerizing mountains surrounding the temple.
2. What are the most important things to keep in mind while visiting the Panchalingeswar Temple?
While visiting the panchalingeswar odisha temple, the things that need to be kept in mind are: carrying all the essential items such as water and nutritional food in bulk, carrying first-aid kits, wearing comfortable footwear and clothes, lying down on your chest so that you can touch the Lingas, and dressing moderately to show respect to the temple and its sanctity.
3. Apart from the Panchalingeswar Temple, what are other attractions that visitors can explore?
Apart from panchalingeswar balasore temple, other attractions that visitors can explore are: Emami Jagannath Temple, Nilagiri Palace and Falls, Chandipur Beach, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, and Khirachora Gopinath Temple.
4. When would it be most appropriate to visit the Panchalingeswar Temple?
Visiting the panchalingeswar mandir would be best during the winter season from October to March. These months will be best to visit this place because of the presence of very calm, cool, and comfortable weather. During these months, many festivals are celebrated in the Panchalingeswar temple and other temples in Odisha that visitors can witness.
5. What is the distance between Panchalingeswar and Balasore?
The balasore to panchalingeswar distance is about 17-18 miles. It takes approximately 55-60 minutes to reach Balasore from Panchalingeswar and vice versa.
Conclusion:-
To conclude, Panchalingeswar Temple is surely a treat for all the spiritual visitors who want to experience Earthly heaven and get mesmerized by it. With proper timing, planning, and execution, your trip to Panchalingeswar can be made into a memory that you would never want to forget lifelong.
