Kapilash Temple

Kapilash Temple, also known as Chandrasekhar Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located atop Kapilash Hill in Dhenkanal district, Odisha. Situated at about 2239 feet above sea level in the Eastern Ghats, it is reached by a flight of 1,352 stone steps. Built in the 13th century in Kalinga architectural style, it is a major Shaivite pilgrimage centre and scenic viewpoint overlooking forested hills.

Visitors can expect a hilltop temple complex set in dense forest on Kapilash Hill, accessible via a long stone stairway of 1,352 steps or a ghat road. The main shrine houses a Shiva Lingam and displays Kalinga-style stone architecture with carved walls. The surroundings offer forested slopes, viewpoints over the Dhenkanal plains, smaller shrines, and stalls along the approach. The site is active for worship and becomes crowded during festivals.

The temple is attributed to the Eastern Ganga King Narasinghadeva I in 1246 CE and exhibits classic Kalinga temple architecture. It has long served as a prominent Shaivite centre in Odisha and is associated with sage Kapila, after whom the hill is named.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Chandrasekhar, the temple is one of the most revered Shaivite pilgrimage sites in Odisha. It draws large congregations during Maha Shivaratri and other Shiva-related observances, and is regarded as a sacred site linked to sage Kapila's meditation.