Leaning Temple of Huma

The Leaning Temple of Huma is a 17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Bimaleshwar, located in Huma village on the banks of the Mahanadi River about 23 km south of Sambalpur, Odisha. Famous as one of the few leaning temples in the world, its main vimana tilts noticeably while smaller shrines also lean at varying angles. The temple is an important pilgrimage site, known for its unique architecture, riverside setting and sacred Kudo fish.

Visitors can expect a riverside temple complex on the Mahanadi River with the main leaning vimana dedicated to Lord Shiva and several smaller leaning shrines. The complex includes a courtyard, stone architecture, steps leading to the river ghat, and views of the river where large sacred Kudo fish gather to be fed. The atmosphere is that of an active pilgrimage site with devotees, priests, small shops selling offerings, and monkeys around the premises.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century by Chauhan King Baliar Singh of Sambalpur. The main temple dedicated to Bimaleshwar Shiva is noted for its tilt, which is attributed to geological subsidence or structural factors rather than intentional design. It is considered one of only a few leaning temples in India and the world.

An important Shaivite pilgrimage centre in western Odisha, revered as the abode of Lord Bimaleshwar. The annual Maha Shivratri festival draws large numbers of devotees. The Kudo fish in the Mahanadi at Huma are considered sacred and associated with the deity, and feeding them is part of the visitor tradition.