Harishankar Temple, nestled on the southern slopes of the Gandhamardan Hills, 81 km from Balangir, Odisha is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, worshipped together as Harishankar. This 14th-century temple, is surrounded by thick forests, flowing waterfalls, and holy springs. If you’re keen to visit this divine spot, here’s a simple guide to visit the unique temple.
Fun Fact: The name “Harishankar” mixes “Hari” (Vishnu) and “Shankar” (Shiva), showing rare dual worship.
Mythological Importance
Harishankar Temple carries ancient tales. One story, tied to the Ramayana, says Lord Hanuman carried the Gandhamardan Hills from the Himalayas to save Lakshman, dropping a piece here, where Harishankar appeared. Another tale speaks of a Chauhan king finding the idol in the 14th century by a sacred stream, led by a divine dream. Locals believe bathing in the temple’s spring and praying to Harishankar washes away sins and brings calm. The temple’s dual deity stands as a unique symbol of balance between Vaishnavism and Shaivism, linked to divine harmony.
Historical Overview
The temple was built in the 14th century by the Chauhan dynasty. Queen Durlabha Devi and King Vaijjal Dev Chauhan founded it, with a dancing Ganesha idol from 1200 CE hinting at earlier worship. Balangir, part of the old Hirakhanda region, was a spiritual center. A stone inscription from 1246 CE suggests its age. Today, it draws thousands to Balangir’s holy hills.
The temple’s history runs deep. Buddhist ruins on the Gandhamardan plateau tie it to the ancient Parimalgiri University. British scholars in the 1900s praised its beauty. Recent digs found pottery from 1200 CE, proving its age.
Architecture of Harishankar Temple
Harishankar Temple, on 10 acres of the Gandhamardan Hills, mixes Kalinga and Dravidian styles. The temple is noted for its charming design and exquisite architecture, which is different from the more well known Orissa style.The main shrine, from the 14th century, has a rekha deul tower with carvings of Vishnu’s conch, Shiva’s trident, and flowers on granite. The sanctum holds the Harishankar idol—a rare blend of Vishnu’s Narasimha and Shiva’s lingam. The 3-foot idol, draped in gold cloth, glows under oil lamps. The sanctum’s walls show faint carvings of Narasimha’s battle.
The temple has a mandapa with pillars carved with vine patterns. Smaller shrines for Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Kartikeya sit in the yard, made of black stone. The Ganesha shrine, from 1200 CE, shows a dancing form. The Lakshmi shrine has her with lotuses, for wealth. The Kartikeya shrine shows him with a peacock, for courage.A Buddha statue with a serpent hood points to Buddhist roots.
As a holy place, along with a stream passing on the granite bed, it has given some visitors a feeling of peace. On the opposite of side of the Gandhamardhan hills is the temple of Nrusinghanath. The plateau between the two temples has been found to have ancient Buddhist ruins, which are considered to be remnants of the ancient Parimalgiri University.
Rituals and Festivals
The temple hosts lively festivals. Maha Shivratri, in February or March, is the grandest, with devotees bathing in the spring and offering milk to Harishankar. Janmashtami, in August, honors Vishnu with song nights. Baishakha Mela, in April, brings many devotees and music is played throughout the event. All Ekadashi days, observed each month, inspire fasting and heartfelt pujas for Vishnu, with hymns echoing through the night. Maagha Mela, in January or February, brings pilgrims for vibrant fairs, music, and prayers at the shrine. Sankranti, tied to the harvest, sees families cooking fresh grains and seeking prosperity through worship.
How to Get There:
Air: Raipur Airport, 220 km away, is closest. Taxis take 4 hours, ₹3000-4000.
Train: Balangir Railway Station, 81 km away, connects to Kolkata (8 hours) or Bhubaneswar (5 hours). Taxis cost ₹500-1000.
Road: Buses from Balangir (81 km) or Sambalpur (165 km) reach Harishankar. Taxis cost ₹1000-1500. The hill drive is scenic.
Places to Stay:
Harishankar has Panthanivas (₹1000-2000), run by Odisha Tourism. Balangir, 81 km away, has hotels like Hotel Swayam (₹2000-3000). Stalls sell puri, tea, and Dalma.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March, 20-30°C, is pleasant. Weekdays are quiet. Shivratri is busy, so book early.
Nearby Attractions:
Nrusinghanath Temple, 16 km away via hill trek, honors Vishnu.
Harishankar Waterfall, 1 km away, is a scenic cascade.
Deer Park, 2 km away, has wildlife.
Ranipur Jharial, 105 km away, has 64 Yogini temples.
Pataneswari Temple, 38 km away, is a Tantric shrine.
Final Thoughts
Harishankar Temple in Balangir, Odisha, a holy land in eastern India, is a gem of faith. The divine mix of Vishnu and Shiva fills its hills, making it a must-see among Odisha’s sacred places.
