Bharateswar Temple

The Bharateswar temple is a Shiva shrine in Bhubaneswar, standing on the left of the road from Kalpana Chowk to the Lingaraj temple, opposite the Rameswar temple. It was built in the later 6th century under the Shailodbhava kings, making it one of the oldest temples still standing in Odisha. Its date is supported by its plan and by an inscription on the lintel of the neighbouring Lakshmaneswar temple.

The sanctum holds a Shiva linga in a circular base and Shivaratri is celebrated here. The sandstone building has a rekha tower of the early Kalinga type, three-part in plan and in elevation, and its old carving is still visible. The entrance is low, reflecting the belief that worshippers should bow before the god. The Odisha State Archaeology department has restored parts of it.