Subarnapur: Almost 108 beautiful temples having both architectural and tantrik importance; it is also known for the Sashisena Temple, built in memory of the eternally undying love of Ahimanikya, a minister’s son, and the princess Sashisena. The Sashisena Temple was erected by Biramitra Singhdeo, between 1902 and 1937, in honor of the eternal love between Sashisena, the princess of Amaravati, and Ahimanikya, the son of the minister of that kingdom.
As per the legend, Sashisena, the daughter of Amravati King Vikram Keshari, had fallen in love with Ahimanikya and they secretly married. However, Ahimanikya is infatuated by a witch, Gyanadei Maluni, who manages to put him under a witch spell. She turned him into a lamb during the daytime and a human only at night for sexual gratification by use of her black magic.
Sashisena prayed to Godess Bhagabati, and with the blessings freed Ahimanikya from the witch’s spell. And true love was finally conquered.
Subarnapur is adorned with the very unique Sashisena Temple. Poet Pratap Rai has described this temple in his poem to symbolize a triangular love between Ahimanikya, son of a dewan, princess Sashisena, and witch Jynanadei Maluni. The now-existing memorial temple popularly known as Sashisena temple, without any entrance, thus stands today bearing witness to the tantric practices that flourished in the past in the Subarnapur district.
It is the story of unconditional and pure love between Ahimanikya, a princess Sashisena, and witch Jynanadei Maluni. This eternal love story has gained worldwide fame to this day. The temple presently lies in great ruins and has seen a steady trickle of visitors over the years, allowing an abundance of cobwebs, and dust to cover the tantric murtis, thus nullifying the beauty of the temple.
