Nrusinghanath Temple at Bargarh in Odisha is an ancient
shrine dedicated to Lord Nrusinghanath (manifestation of Lord Vishnu). The
temple is located on the sacred Gandhamardan Hills. Legend has it that it is
the same hill which Hanuman carried from the Himalayas to Lanka in the epic
Ramayana.
The main murti worshipped in the temple is carved on a black
granite stone.
Legend has it that a demon took the form of a mouse and started troubling the people of the region.
Legend has it that a demon took the form of a mouse and started troubling the people of the region.
Lord Vishnu then took the form of a feline – Marjara Keshari and chased the mouse demon. It entered into a tunnel and never came out. Lord Nrusinghnath alias Marjara Keshari is still guarding the tunnel at the shrine.
Papaharini stream has its source near the temple.
The construction of the temple is believed to have started in the 9th century AD.
The construction of the temple is believed to have started in the 9th century AD.
One has to walk through numerous steps before reaching the
shrine. There is also a beautiful waterfall in the vicinity of the temple.