The famous Shiva Temple at Mancheswar near Cuttack
in Orissa is the Dhabaleswar Temple located on the island
of Dhabaleswar on the Mahanadi River 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.