Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda in Odisha is dedicated to Bhagavan, the sun god in Hinduism. The shrine is located around 30 km from
Aska and around 70 km from Berhampur.
Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda is made out of wood and is
sometimes referred as the Wooden Konark.
A historical report states that the murti in the temple was
found by a cattle herder, who accidentally struck his foot against the murti,
which was buried, underground. People of the area unearthed the life-size image
and installed it at the Buguda temple in the 18th century. There is a belief
that the murti is the lost murti of Konark’s Sun Temple.
Apart from the five-foot main murti, the temple has two
small replicas of the main murti made from copper and wood. The main murti of
Biranchi Narayan is in standing posture with a crown and a scabbard. The murti
is dressed elaborately and holds lotuses.
Built around 200 years ago, the temple is in the shape of a
chariot driven by seven horses. The temple rests on 32 elaborately carved
pillars. The pillars, the wheel of the chariot and the horses are carved out of
stone. The rest of the temple is made out of wood and the highlight being the
ornately carved ceilings.
Detailed carvings are found on the mandapas and entrance
doors. The carvings include scenes from the Ramayana and Shri Krishna Lila.
Important incidents in the life of Shri Krishna from his birth to the killing
of Kamsa are depicted to picture book perfection. Other carvings include
incarnations of Vishnu, Radha Krishna, courtesans, musicians, animals and
depictions of day-to-day activities.
Eye-catching paintings on the walls include themes
from Ramayana. Painted using naturally made colors, the wall paintings have not
lost its sheen.