Labesvara Siva Temple Discover the 15th-century Labesvara Siva Temple near Bhubaneswar, built in Kalinga style and lost in time. Learn about its architecture, legends, and current state of decay.
Tucked away in the quiet outskirts of Old Town Bhubaneswar lies the Labesvara Siva Temple, a centuries-old shrine that stands as a silent witness to Odisha’s architectural brilliance. Built in the 15th century CE, this temple is a modest yet elegant example of the Kalinga style of temple architecture, once the pride of the Eastern Ganga dynasty’s artistic legacy.
Today, the Labesvara Siva Temple Bhubaneswar is forgotten by most travelers — its laterite stones weathered, carvings eroded, and rituals fading — but for those who seek serenity amid ruins, it’s a soulful discovery.
Contents
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Labesvara Siva Temple |
| Location | Near Bhubaneswar, Odisha (Old Town region) |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Lingam) |
| Date of Construction | 15th Century CE |
| Architectural Style | Kalinga (Rekha Deula) |
| Material Used | Laterite stone |
| Present Condition | Partially dilapidated |
| Significance | Local pilgrimage & archaeological heritage |
| Managed by | State Archaeology Department, Odisha |
Historical Context of the Labesvara Siva Temple
The Late Kalinga Period
The Labesvara Siva Temple belongs to the later phase of the Kalinga temple tradition, which spanned from the 7th to 15th century CE. This era witnessed a simplification of form and ornamentation compared to grand monuments like Lingaraj or Rajarani Temple, yet retained the core sanctity of Odishan craftsmanship.
A Shrine of the Common Faith
While earlier Kalinga temples were commissioned by powerful dynasties, temples like Labesvara were often built by local guilds and villagers. The name “Labesvara” (possibly derived from “Laba Ishvara,” or “Lord of the Residue”) hints at its origin as a community shrine — a spiritual center for local worshippers rather than royal patrons.
Architecture of the Labesvara Siva Temple
Rekha Deula Form
The temple features the classic Rekha Deula structure — the curvilinear spire (shikhara) rising over the sanctum (garbhagriha). Despite erosion, its vertical lines and ribbed projections reveal strong Kalinga influences.
The sanctum houses a Shiva Lingam on a circular yonipitha, with a small nandi (bull) idol facing eastward at the entrance.
Carvings and Material
Constructed mainly from laterite stone blocks, the temple’s exterior carvings are now faint, but traces of floral motifs and miniature figures still glimmer under the moss and time-worn surfaces. The doorjambs, though damaged, display intricate scrollwork typical of post-classical Odishan art.
Dimensions and Layout
- Vimana height: ~4.5 m
- Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Square chamber (~2.8 m × 2.8 m)
- Orientation: East-facing (sunrise direction)
- Additional elements: No jagamohana (porch), indicating a small village temple plan
🪔 Did You Know?
The temple’s bada (base) still follows the Panchanga division — pabhaga, jangha, baranda, gandi, and mastaka — a hallmark of traditional Kalinga design.
The Present Condition – Fading Glory
The Labesvara Siva Temple Bhubaneswar now sits half-hidden amidst wild grass and encroaching residential houses. The vimana’s top portion has partially collapsed, and rainwater has caused surface erosion.
Despite its condition, the temple continues to attract local devotees during Shivaratri, who light lamps and offer water and flowers to the aged Shiva Lingam.
Several heritage enthusiasts have petitioned for its inclusion under the ASI-protected sites list, but it remains maintained only by local caretakers and priests.
Cultural and Religious Significance
For the villagers around Bhubaneswar’s Old Town, Labesvara Siva Temple is not just an archaeological ruin — it’s a living memory of ancestral faith.
During festivals like Kartika Purnima and Mahashivaratri, the temple revives momentarily with chants, oil lamps, and offerings, transforming the decaying structure into a vibrant nucleus of devotion.
The Shiva Lingam here is believed to represent Aghora, one of the five sacred aspects of Shiva, linked to transformation and dissolution — fitting for a temple surviving the tests of time.
Location and How to Reach
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Biju Patnaik International Airport (5 km) |
| By Train | Bhubaneswar Railway Station (4 km) |
| By Road | Accessible via Tankapani Road / Old Town area |
| Nearby Landmark | Near Bindusagar and Kapilesvara Temple |
| Google Maps Pin | “Labesvara Siva Temple, Bhubaneswar” |
Nearby Temples and Heritage Spots
- Lingaraj Temple – The grandest Shaiva shrine in Odisha.
- Kapilesvara Temple – Another ancient Shiva temple nearby.
- Rajarani Temple – Known for its exquisite sculptures.
- Vaital (Baitala) Deula – A Tantric temple dedicated to Chamunda Devi.
👉 Plan your Bhubaneswar temple route on Templesmap.com Bhubaneswar Trail.
Preservation Efforts
Archaeological Observations
A 2012 report by the Odisha State Archaeology Department recorded the site as “structurally weak but historically valuable.” Conservation experts emphasize laterite reinforcement and vegetation clearance to prevent further decay.
Community Maintenance
Local priests perform limited maintenance, clearing debris and performing abhisheka rituals. Grassroots groups have started documenting it through digital heritage projects and photography walks.
FAQs
Q1: Where is the Labesvara Siva Temple located?
It’s situated in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar, near Bindusagar Lake.
Q2: What is unique about this temple?
It’s one of the few surviving 15th-century laterite Shiva temples in Odisha, built in the Rekha Deula style.
Q3: Is it open to visitors?
Yes, the temple is open to the public, though with minimal facilities.
Q4: Who maintains the temple?
Local devotees and the State Archaeology Department of Odisha.
Q5: What festivals are celebrated here?
Primarily Mahashivaratri and Kartika Purnima, observed by the local community.
The Labesvara Siva Temple Bhubaneswar is not a monument of grandeur but of endurance — a structure that continues to breathe amidst neglect. Its moss-covered stones whisper stories of faith, artistry, and time’s slow erosion.
For those seeking the soul of Bhubaneswar beyond Lingaraj’s majesty, Labesvara offers quiet reflection, a sacred relic of devotion fading gracefully into eternity.
👉 Discover more hidden Kalinga temples at Templesmap.com.
Useful Links
Author: Alpha v8 Blog Writer GPT
Bio: Temple architecture historian documenting India’s lesser-known heritage for Templesmap.com