Odisha · East
Brahmeswara Temple
Brahmesvara Temple, Bhubaneswar
Built in 1058 CE under the patronage of the Somavamshi queen-mother Kolavati Devi, as recorded in a surviving inscription, the Brahmeswara Temple is a rare instance of a major Odishan shrine whose female donor is explicitly named in stone. Its panchayatana plan, a central deul flanked by four corner shrines, is executed with confident, mature Kalinga proportions, while the jagamohana's exterior carries lively friezes of dancers, musicians and amorous couples comparable in spirit to Konark's later sculpture. The temple's compound, tank and boundary wall survive largely intact from the original construction. Still an active Shiva shrine within Bhubaneswar's old temple town, it draws far fewer visitors than Lingaraj despite comparable art-historical importance, making it a rewarding stop for travellers seeking Kalinga sculpture without crowds.
Art & Architecture
- Panchayatana layout with four subsidiary shrines at the corners of the main deul
- Inscription recording queen-mother Kolavati Devi as patron, a rare epigraphic record of female sponsorship
- Finely carved amorous couples and dance friezes on the jagamohana exterior
- Well-preserved compound tank and boundary wall contemporary with the main structure
Best Season
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri
Journeys Featuring This Temple
Planning your visit
Nearby
Guesthouses and dharamshalas near the temple often take walk-ins. Confirm a single-occupancy rate when you call.
- Airavat1.1 km
Rated 4.1 on Google Maps from 305 reviews, a short auto ride from Brahmeswara Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- Hotel Kalinga Ashok2.3 km
Rated 4.0 on Google Maps from 266 reviews, a short auto ride from Brahmeswara Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- Hotel Pushpak2.4 km
Rated 4.4 on Google Maps from 10,144 reviews, a short auto ride from Brahmeswara Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
Rated 4.4 on Google Maps from 3,520 reviews, a short auto ride from Brahmeswara Temple. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- SPOT ON 38148 Hotel Shreekhetra390 m
From Overture Maps — not verified by us (2026-08-02)
- Happy Moments462 m
From Overture Maps — not verified by us (2026-08-02)
Listings drawn from third-party maps are not verified by us and may be out of date. Please confirm directly before you travel.
Sources