Nrusinghanath Temple

Nrusinghanath Temple

The  Nrusinghanath Temple is situated 164 km from Sambalpur in the foots of the Gandhmardhan Hills, that render the entire surrounding of the temple a serene and beautiful touch. Located at the source of the Papharni stream, the 14th century edifice is also noted for its unique architecture. The four pillars within the Jagmohana dates back to 9th century thus pointing to the fact that the present day temple has been built over a more old structure. The door frames have however been dated back to the 11th century. Stone steps wind up the hillside behind the temple, leading past a waterfall, and eventually curving under the falls to a spot where some beautiful and very well- preserved relief sculptures are found. The climb to the carvings and return journey takes about an hour. On the opposite slope of the hill, is the Harishankar Temple. Between the two temples there is a 16 km. plateau, littered with Buddhist ruins that scholars feel may be the remains of the ancient university of Parimalagiri, referred to by the seventh-century Chinese traveler Hiuen T'sang as 'Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li'.