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Famous Shiva Temple near Cuttack in Orissa

The famous Shiva Temple at Mancheswar near Cuttack in Orissa is the Dhabaleswar Temple located on the island of Dhabaleswar on the Mahanadi River. It is situated at a distance of 35 km from Cuttack via Choudwar. This Shiva temple is believed to have built in 10th and 11th century AD.

Legend has it that Shiva here and turned a black calf into a white calf to protect a thief who had taken refuge in the temple. The thief was being chased by angry villagers. The miracle saved the life of the thief and turned a new man. He confessed to what had happened to the people. From that day Shiva is here worshipped as a Dhabaleswara.


Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Shivling in the temple. There are numerous subsidiary deities in the temple. The temple is also noted for its architecture.

Devotees can use ferry to reach the temple. Another option is to use a hanging bridge.