The Lost Story of Indralatha Temple, Odisha.

Indralatha temple is an ancient Hindu temple where Lord Indra first worshiped Mahadev in Earth. Hence He constructed a temple dedicating Mahadev. In 21st century this Indralatha Temple bears the forgotten past of Hindu Purana.The temple stands alone with so many lost stories in its broken bricks.  

Image Source: Wikipedia

How many unknown stories have been hidden behind the ancient bricks of the temple,those days of improvements, art, affections and then the days of persecution came with the invaders. Many people have come and gone visiting the temple who has ever thought of those days ? Today the attenuated temple stands with a monument all that was lost in the ocean of time.The temple is situated in Bangomunda, a rocky hill area in Balangir district (Near Ranipur jharial) Odisha.Devotees from all over India come to visit this temple. Orissa's Indralath Brick Temple is of special importance to the Hindu devotees visiting Orissa. Apart from this the daily pujas and rituals are done here by the authorised priests of the temple.

Architecture

It is not not clearly known when and by whom these shrines were constructed and in which time period of regime. But, Some archaeologists opine the temple was constructed between 6th to 8th century, after observing the brick style of architecture. The sikhara has a height of approx 70 feet. It stands on a elevated sandstone platform. Indralatha is one of the rare example of such beautiful and unique intact brick styled temple, whose Vimana or Shikhara survived alone and the other structures are destroyed.The old Shivlinga, made of standstone, was built outside the temple which indicates the Shivlinga was attacked and displaced on the outside.The recently established Shiva linga can be found in the innermost sanctum room of the temple, along with some ancient images of Lord Vishnu, Nrihimhadev, Kartikeya, Ganesha and mother Parvati and Mahadeva. The fine details and small 3D sculptures of the ancient brick temple attracts the visitors. 

Festival 

The temple celebrates Maha Shivaratri and Janmastami every year with excellent devotion and joy, which attracts the devotees. Archaeological Survey of India maintains the temple, though the temple needs more care and attention of ASI.