Hidden away in the quaint village of Paikapada, which is located in Rayagada district, Odisha, is a spiritual surprise waiting to be explored— the intriguing and mystical Pataleshwar Shiva Temple. In contrast to most temples, which reach to the heavens, this sacred site goes underground, which is a cave temple, creating an aura of ancient mystery.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this sacred place is a potent site of pilgrimage for devotees, and a fascinating place for tourists looking for things to see in Odisha away from the usual tourist path. Even the name ‘Pataleshwar’, meaning ‘The Lord of the Underworld‘, alludes to the experience beneath the surface.
A Journey Through Myth and Legend
The atmosphere surrounding the Pataleshwar Shiva Temple is rich with myth. The local tradition says that this is not manmade, but an abode of the divine revealed by the gods themselves. Another well-known tale is that a shepherd discovered the natural cave, and the Shiva Lingam was of Swayambhu (self-manifested) origin.
Ancient stories and narratives like these are an integral part of the social life of the tribal communities of the area, so visiting this site is more than a leisurely tourist adventure; it is a taste of a living story. You can feel the vitality of the temple’s origin at the shrine, which connects every visitor to the ancient spiritual history of Rayagada.
Architectural Marvel: Carved from Living Rock
The design of Pataleshwar Shiva Temple signifies primitive, yet profound, creativity. The primary shrine isn’t constructed but instead hewn out of the natural rock cave itself, producing an amazing rock-cut architecture experience. Once you enter the cooler and darker interior of the cave, you are led to the temple where a daring Shiva Lingam sits prostrate amidst the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
Here, there is also a natural spring that continuously drips down the walls of the cave into a receptacle, which is utilized for the traditional bathing practice of the deity (Abhishekam). This fusion of devotion and nature maintains that sense of fear and tranquillity, a unique spiritual experience.
The Spiritual Ambiance and Rituals
Entering the Pataleshwar Shiva temple, one is engaged in a sensory experience. It is pleasantly cool in the temple, and one can smell the cool rock and a slight hint of incense inside the temple. It is quiet, except for the muted sounds of chanting “Om Namah Shivaya,” and the gentle dripping of the natural spring adds to the sacred lightness and comforting feeling of the cave.
During events like Maha Shivaratri, the cave temple experience becomes an experience in devotional practice for those pilgrims joining this annual ritual, as the temple fills with pilgrims and worshippers who participate in these ritualized acts of devotion. The main ritual is pouring holy water from the spring over the Shiva Lingam, which is considered very auspicious. The sacredness exuded by this space makes up an important asset of spiritual tourism in this area.
The Pilgrimage and Visitor Experience
A trip to the Pataleshwar Shiva Temple is about the journey, not just the destination. The drive to Paikapada, Rayagada, is a scenic route through the lush green beauty typical of Odisha tourism. The best time to do this pilgrimage is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant.
The temple is open for pilgrims all year long, but there is nothing more dramatic than visiting during monsoon season, when everything in nature is lush and bright. Whether one is a devotee of Lord Shiva seeking blessings or a traveler seeking off-beaten historical destinations, the idiosyncratic charm and powerful energy of this underground temple will create a memorable experience.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Opening Time
Pataleshwar Temple’s open timings are every Morning from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Best Time to Visit
The Best time to visit Paikapada Pataleshwar Shiva Mandir is at all times of the year and Maha Shiva Ratri.
Closest Bus Stand and Distance
The Closest Bus stand is Kurumapeta, which is located around 11 KM distance from the Paikapada Rekha Deula temple.
Closest Railway Station & Distance
The Closest Railway Station is Rayagada, located approximately 24 km from Pataleshwar Shiva Temple.
Closest Airport and Distance
The Closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 383 KM distance from Pataleshwar Shiva Temple.
