Harihara Deula Temple
The Harihara Deula, also known as the Twin Temples, is located near the Mahanadi River in Gandharadi village, Boudh district, Odisha. It has two identical temples, which is why it is often called the “Twin Temples.”
Built-in the late 10th century by the Somavamsi kings, this temple complex is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the harmony between Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
The term “Harihara” represents the combined form of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara), embodying the unity of these two principal deities in Hinduism.
The architecture of the twin temples is supposed to be of the late 10th century, which marks the rising and reforming stage of Kalinga architecture. The builders of this shrine are Somavamsi kings. It marks the harmony between the cults of Shiva and Vishnu. It was built at a time when other parts of India were busy fighting between the two sects following the above two forms of one supreme. The main Vimana is of Rekha Deula.The Jagamohana is of a flat-roofed temple.
Within the complex, the Siddhesvara Temple houses a Shivalinga named Siddhesvara, while the Nilamadhava Temple enshrines a black chlorite idol of Lord Vishnu, known as Nilamadhava, depicted with four hands holding various weapons and ornaments.
According to the story, there was a rivalry between the followers of Lord Vishnu (Vaishnavas) and Lord Shiva (Shaivites), each claiming that their deity was the supreme god. The debate grew so intense that the two groups engaged in arguments and even battles.
To resolve this conflict and demonstrate that both deities are equally powerful, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva decided to appear together in a combined form. Vishnu took the name Hari and Shiva, Hara. Their unity created the form of Harihara, a fusion of both deities, symbolizing the idea that both are manifestations of the same supreme reality (Brahman). This union was meant to show that despite their distinct roles in the cosmic order, both Vishnu and Shiva are essential for the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe.
Major festivals celebrated in this twin temples are Mahashivaratri, Kartika Purnima, Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) and Makara Sankranti. During these festivals special rituals are performed, and prasad is distributed.
