Baba Bhusandeswar Temple

Baba Bhusandeswar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhograi Village in Bhograi Tehsil in Balasore District in Odisha. The temple is situated on the bank of Subarnarekha river.

This temple is a simple structure enshrining a massive Shiva Linga called Bhusandeswar in the sanctum. The Linga is about 12 feet tall and 14 feet wide carved out of a single black granite stone. Only, the upper and the middle portion of the Linga is visible. It is said that the lower part of the Linga is said to be buried in the ground. The Shakthi peedam encircling the visible portion has been recently made. The middle portion is octagonal in shape about 12 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height. The Linga slightly tilted towards the right side. The priest need to climb up on a podium to reach the top of the Linga to perform the daily rites and rituals.

Legend

As per legend, Lord Shiva gifted this Shiva Linga to his ardent devotee, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka during Treta Yuga. Lord Shiva warned Ravana not to place the Lingam anywhere during his journey back to Lanka. Indra and the devas were present during this incident and were taken aback. Ravana was on his way to Lanka with Linga in his Pushpaka vimana. However, he felt tired and decided to place the Shiva Linga on the ground. He took rest at this place.

After resting for a while, he decided to continue his journey to Lanka and tried to lift the Shiva Linga. He was not able to lift the Linga. Ravana realized that he did not follow the instructions of Lord Shiva and left the Linga and returned to Lanka. It remained in the wild for several centuries. A Marwari businessman from Jaleswar had a dream about this Shiva Linga. He came here and searched for the Linga in the forest. Ultimately, he found the Linga and built a temple for enshrining this Linga.

Maha Shivaratri is the most famous festival celebrated here with much fanfare.