Sri Dutikeswar Mahadev Temple is located in Deuli village near Nayagarh, Odisha.At the foot of the Sulia hills, 32 km from Nayagarh, stands the shrine of Sri Dutikeswar Mahadev. A centuries-old banyan tree, popularly known as Kalpabata, stands majestically in front of the temple beside a pond.
The temple’s main deity is Sri Dutikeswar Mahadev, a form of Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga in the sanctum is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), meaning it emerged from the earth. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva resides here in his purest form and blesses those who come with true devotion. A statue of Nandi, Shiva’s divine bull, sits in front of the sanctum, facing the Linga, as in all traditional Shiva temples.
The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old. According to historians and local priests, the temple may have been built during the time of the Eastern Ganga dynasty or earlier. Over the centuries, the temple has been maintained and worshipped by the local villagers and sages who consider it a sacred seat of Shiva worship in this region.
The temple follows the traditional Kalinga architectural style, known for its tall curved spire called the Rekha Deula. It is built from local laterite stone and has a simple but elegant design. The entrance opens into a small mandapa (hall), leading to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where the Shiva Linga is placed. A small pond lies beside the temple, adding to the serene environment.
In front of the temple stands a massive ancient banyan tree, believed to be several hundred years old. Locally called Kalpabata, it is considered a wish-fulfilling tree. According to belief, Sage Dutika meditated under this very tree, and its energy is still powerful. Devotees tie threads around the tree and offer prayers for health, family well-being, and success in life.
Long ago, in the dense forests of Nayagarh, there lived a wise and devout sage named Dutika Muni. He was a great tapasvi (ascetic) and a deep devotee of Lord Shiva. Dutika Muni chose a remote, serene spot in the forest, where the present-day temple now stands, to perform intense penance.
He meditated under a large tree for several years, chanting Shiva’s name and living only on forest fruits and water from a nearby stream. His goal was not material gain, but to have darshan (vision) of Shiva and attain moksha (liberation).
Impressed by his unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Dutika Muni in the form of a Jyotirlinga, a glowing column of divine light. Shiva granted him moksha and blessed the place to be a sacred site where future generations could worship and attain spiritual merit.
The linga that emerged from the earth was named Dutikeswar, meaning “Ishwar (God) of Dutika Muni”.
It is said that in times of drought or natural calamities, prayers offered at Dutikeswar Mahadev bring rain, protection, and peace to the surrounding villages. The temple is considered to be a guardian of the region.
It is said that in times of drought or natural calamities, prayers offered at Dutikeswar Mahadev bring rain, protection, and peace to the surrounding villages. The temple is considered to be a guardian of the region. Pradosha Vratam and Chaturdashi days are also observed with special rituals. Local villagers organize bhajans, yagnas, and annadanam (food offerings) during major festivals.
