Nrusinghanath Temple is located at the foot of the Gandhamardan Hills in Paikmal, Bargarh district, Odisha. The temple sits close to the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. The area is surrounded by thick forests, natural streams, and medicinal plants. The surroundings are calm, cool, and naturally beautiful, making it a peaceful pilgrimage destination.
The main deity is Lord Nrusinghanath, a powerful form of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha. The idol is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) stone that naturally emerged from the hill. The Lord here is worshipped as Marjara Keshari Narasimha, a rare form that combines the grace of a cat and the strength of a lion. The sanctum always stays cool because natural water flows beneath the hill, giving a divine vibration to the place.
The temple is built in the Kalinga style using strong stone blocks. The structure consists of a garbhagriha (sanctum) with the swayambhu deity and a mandapa (prayer hall) supported by carved stone pillars. The walls have carvings of gods, sages, animals, and floral patterns. Behind the temple flows a sacred spring known as Bhakti Dhara. The entire Gandhamardan range has 22 natural springs, believed to have medicinal and healing qualities.
The earliest temple at this site is believed to have existed between the 8th and 10th centuries CE. The present structure was rebuilt in the 14th century by King Baijal Dev. Historically, Gandhamardan Hill was a major Buddhist learning centre with several monasteries. Later, the region became an important centre for Narasimha worship. Over centuries, sages, travellers, and devotees have regarded Gandhamardan as a spiritually and naturally sacred hill.
According to the Sthalapurana, after Lord Narasimha killed the demon Hiranyakashipu, his anger shook the world. None of the gods could calm Him. Young Prahlada, with full devotion, travelled to Gandhamardan Hill and performed deep meditation. His sincere prayers cooled the Lord’s anger, and Narasimha appeared here in a peaceful form. This gentle form became known as Nrusinghanath.
A unique local legend says that a dangerous demon once troubled the sages living in these forests. To protect them, Lord Vishnu took a special form called Marjara Keshari Narasimha, combining features of a cat and a lion. In this rare form, the Lord defeated the demon on the slopes of the hill. After the victory, his divine energy remained in a natural stone formation, which became the swayambhu idol of Nrusinghanath.
Another belief connects Gandhamardan Hill to the Ramayana. People believe that this hill was part of the Sanjeevani mountain carried by Lord Hanuman to save Lakshmana. Because of this, the hill contains many rare medicinal plants and healing springs, adding to its sacredness.
Sages like Parashurama, Ved Vyasa, and Kapila Muni are believed to have performed penance on this hill, making it a place filled with the spiritual energy of ancient tapas. The discovery of the natural stone deity by local shepherds confirmed the divine presence, and the temple was built later around this sacred stone.
The main festival of Nrusinghanath Temple is Nrusingha Chaturdashi, celebrated in April–May with special abhishekam, decorations, and lighting of many lamps. Large numbers of devotees visit the temple on this day. Magha Mela, held in January–February, is another important event where devotees take holy baths in the natural springs and offer prayers. During Kartik Purnima and the five days of Panchuka, the temple performs deep worship, lamp offerings, and bhajans. The temple also celebrates Rama Navami and Krishna Janmashtami with traditional rituals, chanting, and special pujas.
