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Nrusinghanath Temple, Durgapali

Nrusinghanath Temple

The Nrusinghanath Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Nrusimha, the fierce half-man, half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, also revered locally as Marjara Keshari.

“जहाँ पर्वतों की गोद में नृसिंह देव विराजमान हों, वहाँ केवल आस्था नहीं, मुक्ति का मार्ग भी मिलता है।”

― Nrusinghanath Temple

It stands near Paikmal at the base of the Gandhamardan Hills, a region known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

Mythological Significance & History

The temple was established in the 15th century CE by King Baijal Singh Dev (of the Patnagarh/Patna lineage).
Legend recalls how Marjara Keshari, in feline form, subdued the tyrant Musika Daitya (Mouse Demon) who fled into a tunnel and never emerged—symbolizing divine protection. This myth is immortalized in the Odia text “Nrusingha Charitra” by Jamuna Kandhuni.
The revered Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang described the region as a hub of Buddhist learning known as Parimalagiri, highlighting its ancient scholarly roots.

Significance of the Temple

Lord Nrusinghanath represents divine protection against tyranny and oppression, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The temple draws thousands of pilgrims each year, especially during the Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi—known locally as Nrusingha Chaturdashi—and during solar and lunar eclipses.
The surrounding Gandhamardan Hills, believed by legend to contain medicinal herbs from the Sanjeevani Parvat, add layers of mythic and ecological significance.

Architecture of the Temple

Standing only about 45 feet tall, the temple is built in the Kalinga Deula style, featuring a compact layout with the garbhagriha (sanctum) and a jagamohana (antechamber) with three entrances supported by four pillars each.

It is set amidst lush forests and close to the Papaharini stream, which forms sacred pools nearby—these natural elements enhance the temple’s tranquil ambiance.

Sculptures of Pandava figures, Ganapati, horses, and mythological icons are carved out on nearby rocks, including depictions of the Pandava brothers and an image of the Sun God atop a pedestal with seven horses—reflecting the region’s deep mythic heritage.

How to Reach to Temple

By Road:
The temple lies 110 km west of Bargarh, 64 km from Sambalpur, and around 165 km from Bhubaneswar. Regular bus services and taxi routes are available via Paikmal.

By Rail:
The nearest station is Bargarh Road (Khariar Road), about 50–60 km away.

By Air:
The closest airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, approximately 100–120 km away.

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Temple Location

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