History:

and Significance Nilakantha Temple or Kantilo temple is a famous Lord Shiva temple located near Kantilo in the Nayagarh district of Odisha, India. The temple is believed to be built in the 16th century. The temple is particularly known for the Lord Shiva Lingam worshipped at the temple. The deity of the temple is Lord Nilakantha Mahadev, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are believed to have taken this form to kill Arunasura. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Baneswar located close to the Nilakantha Temple. The Nilakantha Temple is held in great reverence by devotees. Every year on the 12th day of the Hindu month of Magha, devotees gather to celebrate the Mahashivaratri festival where thousands of devotees offer prayers and chant mantras. The temple also hosts the Lord Shiva Rath Yatra, the most significant event of the year and celebrated with great devotion and religious fervor. The main highlight of the temple is a grand wooden chariot made of sandalwood and decorated with silver and gold. It is believed that the chariot was given as a gift to the temple by King Mukunda Deva in the 17th century. Nilakantha Temple also holds great historic significance. One of legends associated with the temple states that King Mukunda Deva who was visiting the temple noticed a peculiar structure in the temple premises and upon further inquiry found out that it was the remains of the palace of Niladri Mahavir, the late King of Nilgiri kingdom located nearby. The temple is also believed to have been an important center of education in the past. Apart from being an important center of religious and historic significance, Nilakantha Temple is also a popular destination for travelers, as it is located close to the gorgeous Kantilo Lake in the lap of lush green hills. The Nilakantha waterfall is also a must-visit in the region. It is one of the best temple in Odisha which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Nilakantha Temple is located in the small village of Kantilo, in the Nuapada District of Odisha, India. 2. This small temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century. 3. The temple is constructed in the traditional Rekha Deula style of architecture, which is a common form of temple architecture in India. 4. The temple complex includes a main temple, a Shiva Lingam, an image of Parvati, a sikhara (spire), and a nijograha (inner shrine). 5. One of the highlights of the temple is the 24-stepped stone staircase, built in the 13th century. 6. There are two other temples located at the same site, dedicated to Lord Kumar and Lord Vishnu. 7. The main Shiva Lingam is said to be five-headed and is covered in a golden crown. 8. The temple is an important pilgrimage centre, and it draws large crowds of devotees during the annual Mahashivaratri and other religious festivals. Here are some facts about the Odisha temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Odisha

Worship Method:

The worship method of Nilakantha Temple - Kantilo in Odisha is Hindu tantric puja. As a shaivaite temple, the priests perform puja or worship according to the tantric traditions known as 64 Tantras. The puja consists of offering of flowers, diyas, vermilion, incense sticks and performing rituals such as offering obeisance to Lord Shiva as Kotilinga. Bell ringing and chanting of mantras, like Rudra Gayatri Mantra, are also integral parts of the puja practice. Special festivals and rituals are organized by the temple authorities throughout the year, which include Chandan Yatra, Shivaratri, Guru Purnima, Dol Purnima, Chaitra Purnima, Hanuman Jayanti etc. This most visited temple in Odisha

Opening Timing:

The Nilakantha Temple in Kantilo, Odisha opens at 4:00 am and closes at 11:00 am every day. top temples in Odisha

How to reach:

The Nilakantha Temple at Kantilo is located in Nilgiri Block of Balangir district in the state of Odisha in India. The nearest airport to the temple is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, located about 225 km away from Kantilo.Those willing to travel by rail can reach the Balangir Railway Station which is about 32 km from the temple.The temple can be reached by road via National Highway 199, which is an all-weather road. There are regular state-run and private buses that connect nearby towns and cities with Kantilo. Tourists can also opt to rent a cab from nearby cities. famous temples in Odisha