Brahmeshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha state of India. This temple is located at a distance of 3 km from Bhubaneswar. This temple is completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Brahmeshwar Temple was built in the late 9th century CE. Brahmeshwar temple is decorated with very beautiful artworks from inside and outside. This Hindu temple can be dated with great precision using the inscriptions originally made on the temple. They are now lost, but their records preserve information from around 1058 CE. The temple was built by his mother Kolavati Devi in the 18th year of the Somavamsi king Udyotakesari, which corresponds to 1058 CE.
It is believed that the Brahmeshwar temple was built in the 9th century. However, according to information gathered from the numerous sculptures, carvings and inscriptions on the walls of the temple, the temple is likely to have been built in the 11th century, commissioned by Queen Kolavati Devi of the Somavanshi dynasty of Odisha.
It is said that it was she who started the tradition of offering beautiful women called Devadasis to the deity. These women would worship the deity and also perform music and dance for him. A glimpse of the Devadasi tradition can be found in the inscriptions in the complex. It is also believed that Tantric religion was also followed in the temple. The terrifying figures of Lord Shiva and Chamunda inscribed on the walls of the temple are proof of this.
Mahashivratri is the main festival, which is celebrated every year with great pomp and show in the temple. On this auspicious day, a large number of visitors throng the temple to offer prayers to the deity. Apart from Mahashivratri, other festivals like Kartik Purnima and Diwali are also celebrated in the complex.
Brahmeshwar Temple is famous for its artistic sculptures, especially for the sculptures in the temple tower and verandah.
The temple was built by his mother Kolavati Devi in the 18th year of the Somavamsi king Udyotakesari, which corresponds to 1058 CE.
Devotees can enter the temple as early as 6 am. The closing time of the shrine is 8 pm. It remains open on all days of the week.