Akhandalmani Temple : |
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The celebrated Akhandalamani temple, the abode of "Lord Siva" is located at the bank of river Baitarani, at Aradi, 37km away from the district head quarter of Bhadrak towards east by road via Asurali, Kothara and Dhusuri.
The temple was built by the King of Konika Shri Harihara Bhanja and his chief queen Satyabhama Patadei. The temple is about 150 ft high and all the stones used for its construction was brought from the historic hill of Lalitgiri near Chandikhol. The main entrance hall was built by a sage named Shri Narasingha Pratap Kumar and the surrounding wall of the temple was built by a noted sage named Shri Darshan Sekhara Das. Fairs and festivals observed at the temple of Akhandalamani, but the principal among them is the Mahasivaratri. On this day pilgrims and devotees within and outside the state are assembled and worship Akhandalamani at Aradi. Devotees come to Aradi in large number from different areas in the month of Sravana to worship the God and pour holy water over the lingam. The devotees carry holy water from different rivers of India like Ganges, Baitarani, Mahanadi, Salandi etc. |
