Deulajhari Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated
amidst thick forest of Jasmine or Kaibana trees. The shrine is at a distance of
6 km from Athamallik and 90 km from Angul in Odisha. Deulajhari Temple is famous for its
hot springs.
Legend has it that Bhagavan Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman
had worshipped Lord Shiva here during their exile period in the Ramayana.
Shiva is worshipped here as Siddhewara Baba. The other
deities worshipped in the shrine are Kedareswar Baba, Enkari Mata, Maa
Maheshwari, Sri Maheshwar Baba, Sri Jogeswar Baba and Maa Khambeswari.
Currently there are 24 hot springs near the temple. The temperature
of these springs varies from 40 to 60 degree Celsius.
In front of the temple, there are two twin springs, which
contain both hot and cold water. The water in the springs is believed to have
curative properties – it helps in curing skin and nerve related diseases.
The important dates in the shrine in a month are Amavasya
(No moon day) and Sankranti. The important festivals observed in the temple are
Pana Sankranti, Sitala Sashti, Kartik Purnima, Makar Mela and Shivratri.
When astrological calculations match, Baruni Snana
Yoga festival is held in the temple. Devotees take holy bath in the Baruni
stream that flows near the shrine. Baruni Snana Yoga was last held in 1971.
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