Dhabaleswar, is a tiny island situated about 27 kms away from Cuttack,
in Odisha. The place gets its name from the Dhabaleswar temple situated there.
The magnificent yet elegant white structure was constructed by Bir Kishor,
ruler of Khurda. It is said that once he set out on a hunt and during the
course of the hunt,discovered the original temple which was in a dilapilated
state. The king ordered the renovation of the temple.
The name Dhabaleswar, comes from the tale of a
miracle performed by Lord Shiva where he rescued a thief from an angry mob by
converting a black calf into white and appearing as a “sanyassin”. Having seen
his fervent prayers answered by the Lord, the thief took a vow to spend the
rest of his life in the service of the Lord.
The temple dates back to the early
11th century. The temple is embellished with stone carvings of the ancient
era and is situated in a scenic and enchanting location amidst natural
environment. Here 'Bada Osha', observed just a day before Kartika Purnima in
November, is considered the most auspicious of festivals.
The added attraction to the shrine is country's
longest suspension bridge which connects the island to the mainland. Journey to
this ancient temple, especially the last 12 kms which is along the banks of
river Mahanadi is worth an experience. It’s ideal to visit the temple in the
latter half of the day. The pleasant winter sunset and the golden sparkle on
the river are mesmerizing.
Visitors can reach Dhabaleswar from Cuttack by
using boats and ferries or by the foot-over bridge. The serene ambience, in
which the temple is situated, inspires spiritual feeling among one and all. The
establishment of the bridge has also led to the opening of numerous shops at
the bridge's entrance helping the local economy there. The infinity view
of the calm and mighty Mahanadi from the footbridge is beautiful. Apart from
the bridge, one can take the ferry service from one shore to the temple. If you
are an adventurous freak, then this will be your best option to sail through
the clear crystal, large water body of River Mahandi.
Dhabaleswar witnesses more than 13 lakh visitors
annually with important festivals like Shivaratri, Pausha Purnima, Dola Purnima
and Kartika Purnima being celebrated with great aplomb and fanfare. Apart from
the temple’s prasad (bhog), visitors can try out variety of local street food
served by numerous vendors in and around the temple complex. Dhabaleswar boasts
of selling the tastiest “Dahi Vada-Alu Dum” in Odisha.
Apart from the simplistic, pious Dhabaleswar temple,
the island also has an establishment of the Nirupama Group of Hotels. The hotel
is perfect for an overnight stay for tourists and pilgrims who come to visit
the temple. The hotel is in close proximity of the temple and is well equipped
for hospitality and delicious cuisine. It is a great escapade from the hustle
mundane urban life and provides an opportunity to rejuvenate one’s senses in
the piety and the serenity of the environment.
To know more, you can refer to this link: http://nirupamagroup.com/
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