Kapalamochana Temple Puri

To the south-western direction of the Jagannathtemple there is a mall temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is known as Kapalamochana Temple. The temple is located on the left side of GanduaChauraChowk in Manikarnika Street. From the dakhinadwar (south gate/horse Gate) of the Jagannath Temple the road which leads to theLokanath Temple, on the way there comes ManikarnikaTirtha. Here one can see the Kapalamochana Shiva Temple. There is a sacred pool found in this premises which is known as ‘Manikarnika’. Devotees come to visit Lord Jagannatha temple, also visit theKapalamochana temple
KapalaMochana Temple is one of the Panchapandava temple of Puri. This temple is facing towards east and the presiding deity is a Sivalinga, which is situated 6.60 meters below the present road level. As per the belief, one can get rid of ‘brahamhatya’ (killing of a Brahmin) by worshipping Lord Kapalamochana. KapalaMochana Temple is associated with several festival of Jagannatha temple. KapalamochanaMahadeva participates in the Chandanayatra festival of Lord Jagannath. This temple is also connected with Sitalasasti, Dolapurnima and Rudravisekha of Lord Jagannath Temple. Marriage ceremony, engagement and thread ceremony etc. are observed here.
Inside the Jagamohana of the temple there is a DusaBhuja (ten armed) idol of Goddess Shyamakali. An anicentimage of Lord Ganesha, made of sand stone, housed in a separate temple in the northern side of the temple. This image is without the mount mouse, which speaks of the antiquity of the image. The image of Lord Narasimha is also carved on the temple wall.