Yameshwar Temple

The Yameshwar, or Jameshwar, Temple stands near Bharati Matha in the Jameshwar Patna area of Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Shiva and Yama, the god of death. It dates from the 13th or 14th century, in the time of the Eastern Ganga kings. The main tower follows the rekha deula form, while the porch hall is in the stepped pidha style and has a detached mandapa; the outer enclosure is of laterite.

Because the temple is built of sandstone, weather and natural disasters have worn parts of it, but much carving survives: guardian deities of the directions, loving couples, nayikas, erotic scenes and processions of elephants. Inside, a Shiva linga sits in a round yoni base. Jiuntia, Shivaratri and Kartik Purnima are the main festivals, Mondays and Sankranti days are considered especially auspicious, and devotees believe a visit during the Bharani nakshatra frees them from suffering.