- Source: Sikhareswar Mandir, Baldiabandha, Dhenkanal, Odisha
The four decade old Sikhareswar( Lord Shiva) Mandir, a Hindu shrine, is situated in Village, named Baldiabandha ,District Dhenkanal of Odisha,India in a greenery environment and against background of distant hillocks. Lord Sikhareswar is another name of Lord Shiva. Sikhareswar literally is derived from a combination of two odia words viz Shikhara means peak of mountain and Ishwar ie Lord Shiva,supreme self.
Lord Sikhareswar has its history,tracing its origin in 13th century AD. As per mythology of Dhenkanal that lord Chandra Sekhar of Kapilash Temple was earlier worshipped as Lord Sikhareswar. Anangabhima Deva,Prince of Ganga dynasty , being directed by lord Jagannath in a divine dream, surrendered before the linga at Kapilash to be released from a sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmain). But the prince who first traced the linga covered with bel leaves, named the lingam asLord Sikhareswar in 13th century AD.https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/mahashivaratri-lakhs-to-throng-kapilash-shrine.html
Here,Linga or lingam as called, is being worshipped as Lord Sikhareswar. Lingam is made of the finest blackstone from a place ,called Khiching in Mayurbhanj District of Odisha,India. Lingam as called in Sanskrit, literally means sign,symbol or mark of God.Mandir means temple in Oriya language. Lingam, in Hinduism, a votary object that symbolizes the god Shiva and is revered as an emblem of generative power.https://www.britannica.com/topic/lingam This temple was built in 1984 by social activist couple,Late Sikhareswar Jena and Late Jamuni Jena of Baldiabandha.
The sanctum sanctorum of this shrine consists of the presiding deity, Lord Sikhareswar[Lingam].There is Sankat Mochan Mandir inside the Sikhareswar Mandir Complex.Every year, Maha Shivaratri, Hindu festival, is celebrated here in Sikhareswar Mandir. Sikhareswar Mandir is listed as one of the famous temples of Dhenkanal for pilgrimage. No gifts and donations are accepted here being a purely non-profitable organisation.
