Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, March 31: The 12-century AD Kedargouri temple complex, situated in the old city area, is all set to get a facelift in the days to come. The department of tourism has now planned to arrange adequate illumination and laser light show on the premises of the temple in order to boost tourism in the temple complex, situated near the Mukteswar temple.
According to the officials in the department, funds have already been earmarked to boost the infrastructure at the temple complex to attract more footfalls and the estimates for the makeover are being made. “The state tourism department has planned to introduce laser light show at the complex and also commence work on adequate illumination at the temple complex, which is inspired by the Kalingam Pancharatha style of architecture,” said S S Rath, tourist officer, department of tourism.
Kedargauri temple is also known as Kedareshwar and forms an important component of the old city also known as Ekamra Khestra. The famous Oriya poet Radhanath Ray’s poem, named after the temple, had made it a part of Oriya literature. According to folklore, the temple is dedicated to the eternal love of a couple – Kedar (male) and Gouri (female). As a result, couples often come to pray here so that they can marry without any obstacles.
Lord Shiva, locally known as Kedareshwar, is worshipped here. The temple falls on the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway around 2 kms from Kalpana square. The sanctum is 2.5 square metres. The south-facing temple is 42-metre high. The structures are made up of gritty sandstone and are decorated with sculpted female figures. Shiva, Ganesa, Kartikeya and Durga are also worshipped here.
