shobhneshr mndir Sobhaneswara Temple - Hindu temple in Niali - Khordha, India

Sobhanesvara Temple , Niali , Kataka (Cuttack Dist) , Odisha 12th a.d (1190-98) Indeed a Jewel box among the Ganga architectures in the Kataka district . Lost in time , and also the attention of ASI to recover them , until the Odisha State Archaeology took this temple to repair. It is situated just 300 meters away from the SH-60 with a prominent sign on the right hand side , just after entering Niali town. The temple is truly majestic in its artistic craftsmanship and very difficult to perceive it on first look. Then when you go through the Parikrama you get to see detailed carvings on stones that reflecting a rich culture and tradition that prevailed during the Ganga Rule. It is a living temple, enshrining a Sivalinga within a circular yonipitha. Local Legends in Prachi Mahatmya and Mangala Puran narrate that Lord Sobhanesvar punished one Yogini - Chandra Ghanta and protected Odia sailors (Sadhaba Pua), those were passing through the water route of river Prachi. Since then there is a small temple dedicated to Yogini in the name of Chandra Ghanta Harchandi behind the main Sobhanesvar temple. The architectural and sculptural features assign the temple to the 12th century A.D. However, an inscription on the eastern wall of the Jagamohana records that the temple was built by a Nagavamsi king named Vaidyanatha, most likely a vassal of the Ganga rulers and he possibly renovated/ repaired or maintained the temple after the fall of the Gangas. Originally the care takers of this temple were, the Gangas, followed by the Nagavamsi king Vaidyanatha but now it is under the Orissa State Archaeology and declared as a protected monument. The temple is Rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana of Kalingan order. It stands on a low platform. Originally the temple had a vimana, jagamohana and natamandira as evident from the remnants. Nisha-shrines were added infront of the parsvadevata niches later on. Built in ashlar masonry, the temple is a bright example of a Kalingan order monument and is believed to have had a nata mandir or dance hall in the past. The interiors are of made of sandstone while the compound wall is made mostly of laterite. The Vishnu and Shaivaite shrine is a protected monument of state archaeology . External Features - The temple is decorated with architectural designs like chaitya medallion, vajramundi, naga-nagi pilasters, lattice window etc, sculptural motifs such as divinity like Astadikpalas, Chamunda, Jaina Tirthankara, Ganesa; nayikas (Salabhanjika, Darpana, Alaskanya, Chamara bearer), lingapuja scene, sikshyadana, royal court scene and domestic scenes like women fondling child, nourishing child, women carrying vanity bag, couples, erotics etc and jagrata motifs on the ganthiala, gaja-vidala and nara-vidala on the conjunction of the paga of the outer walls. This masterpiece needs the attention of ASI experts now, since it located very near to River Prachi. This was a quick visit with Manish and Yash to this place on 28th Dec , afternoon.

1. "Sovaneswar Shiva" Temple is placed in a Really Great location. 2. Nearest Atmosphere is Calm, Peaceful whole Day, Whole Night. 3. Open Everyday, But morning & evening TimE is appropriate to Visit. 4. Temple is well Decorated. 5. Priest (Pujak) are very Nice & Well behaved. 6. The Huge Bull is a Point of attraction of this Temple. 7. Clean & hygienic Inside & outside of the Temple. Visited on February 6, 2021 & my experience was Great. Jay Bholenath.

This temple is very close to niali chhak. Lord Shiva's devotees visit this place on every divine occasion. It has a Large bull structure of Nandi in front of the entry gate.

This place is very silent and cool place and big stachu bull....is here pls come and enjoy spiritual

Built by Narashinga dynasty in 12th century.

One of the oldest temple of Odisha...

A very peaceful place away from the humdrum of city life..The priests are very humble and one can really feel connecting to the Lord with Puja being done sincerely by the priests. It's said you get what you seek from the abode of Lord Sovaneswara and true to the saying, the environment is such that your prayers will be heard. That's the charm of this mystic 12th century Shiva temple.

Contemporary to konark sun temple built during 12th to 13th century A. D.. The temple depicit a great stone work on its wall .This temple along with 08 kilometers away Madhab temple and Mangala temple of kakatpur makes a good 06 hours destination for a traveller from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. All these places are on the bank of holy river Prachi. A small museum and a colossal "Brishav" Statue are the addition of Sovaneswar temple.