The Temple of Nilakantheswar Rayagada is 70 kilometers away from Padmapur, while Gunupur is 20 kilometers away. It is renowned for having ancient relics. This location is surrounded by hills and forests. There are five Shiva temples atop the hill: the Dhabaleswar, Manikeswar, Mallikeswar, Nilakhantaswar, and Pudukeswar structures. The story of Dharmakriti, a Buddhist philosopher, and a thousand monasteries is recounted in the inscriptions on the walls of Mallikeswar. There’s a cave on the hill and a permanent water reservoir that looks nice.
The Nilakantheswar Temple, a Buddhist temple situated atop the Jagamanda hills, is the main attraction of Padmapur. Seven rocks make up the entire structure of the temple. Three other Shiva temples, Pudukeswar, Dhabaleswar, and Mallikeswar, are located on the hill. This 7th-century Buddhist temple is the reason Padmapur, in the Rayagada district, is a popular tourist destination. It is common to refer to the temple as Manikeswar Siva’s shrine. The original building was recently expanded with a small cement front hall.
Past Events In the seventh century, the temple was constructed. Based on a Buddhist inscription found on one of the temple’s rocks, eminent historian and epigraphist Padmashri Dr. Satyanarayana Rajguru concludes that the temple once housed the Buddhist logician-philosopher, Dharmakirti. In the Rayagada district of Odisha, it is the only Buddhist monastery. Here is where the Maha Sivaratri festival is observed. For visitors and devotees, Tuesday is a special day to visit this place.
Destination Attractions, Destination Facilities, Transportation, Accessibility, How to Reach
Opening Time
Budharaja Shiva Temple’s opening time is Monday to Sunday 6 am to Evening 7 pm.
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Budharaja Hilltop Park is at all times of the year.
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Budharaja Hilltop Park is at all times of the year.
Nearest Railway Station
The Nearest Railway Station is Sambalpur, which is located around 5 Km distance from Budharaja Shiva Temple.
Nearest Airport
The nearest Airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, which is located around 61 KM distance from Budharaja Shiva Temple and 285 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport.