Singhanath Temple – A Timeless Jewel in Odisha’s Heritage

Today, I will write about the ancient Singhanath Temple, located near Gopinathpur village in Badamba Tehsil of Cuttack district, Odisha. This eighth-century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and popular among devotees and tourists alike. It has become a renowned Saiva Pitha of the State.

Apart from its stunning architecture, the temple draws thousands of devotees daily, thanks to its scenic surroundings. Inside the temple premises, one can spot Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Maa Dakshina Kali. The temple becomes especially crowded during various festivals, particularly Maha Shivratri.

The Kalingan style of architecture, featuring a rekha deula (sanctum) and a jagamohana (assembly hall), will leave you speechless. The temple is connected to the popular T-Bridge, which is constructed over the mighty Mahanadi River.

Points to Remember Before Visiting the Temple
*Avoid summer, as the hot climate can be uncomfortable. It is better to enjoy the scenic view in winter.
*The temple is well-connected to Cuttack, Athgarh, and Banki. One can also travel from Bhubaneswar by hiring a taxi.

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Buddha Park – Unusual Yet Enchanting

It was hot and humid. One of the key reasons why I did not find many tourists in the Buddha Park (also known as Xieng Khuan), an unusual yet enchanting place, located about 25km outside of the capital Vientiane on the mighty river Mekong.
Before my arrival in Laos, I had already included the park in my itinerary and I was glad I made it.
Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park is home to more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. The park has also numerous flora and fauna.
This park was built in 1958 by an alleged priest-shaman called Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. This park has now become a major tourist attraction in Laos. Many consider it a holy place, which contains statues of bizarre demons, humans, and mythological creatures.
Give at least one hour to this park, which you can visit by bus, tuktuk, or taxi. However, I used a bus from the Talat Sao bus station. The bus will drop you in front of the park and it will cost you only USD3. And you can return to the city by using the same bus. Inside the park, one can find small restaurants. It is advisable to bring a water bottle along with you. If you have any questions related to this park, please feel free to ask me.

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