Megheswar Temple

Megheswar Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on Tankapani Road in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Built in 1196 CE during the Eastern Ganga period, it exemplifies Kalinga architecture with its curvilinear vimana, jagamohana, and intricate stone carvings. Situated near other historic temples of the Old Town area, it remains an active place of worship and is noted for its preserved inscriptions and sculptural details.

Visitors can expect a compact, active Shiva temple complex built in classic Kalinga style with a rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana, detailed stone carvings and sculptures on the outer walls, and a small courtyard. The temple is located in a residential area of Old Bhubaneswar near Tankapani Road, with a relatively quiet atmosphere compared to larger temples. Visitors can view the sanctum, circumambulate the shrine, observe daily worship rituals, and appreciate historic inscriptions and architectural details.

Built in 1196 CE by Svapnesvara Deva, a military officer and brother-in-law of Eastern Ganga king Rajaraja II, the temple is an important example of mature Kalinga temple architecture from the Ganga period. Its inscriptions provide historical details about the builder, period and religious context, and the temple is protected for its archaeological and architectural value.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Megheswar, the temple remains an active Hindu place of worship and part of Bhubaneswar's tradition as a temple city. It reflects Odishan Shaivite traditions, Kalinga craftsmanship, and continues to be visited for daily prayers, Shivratri and other Shaivite observances.