Bata Mahadeva Temple

The history of the temple is linked to the story when Lord Shiva met EkamraNagari and has rested at his place and due to the location of the temple in the center of the road it has been named as Bata Mahadev. The temple has been declared as the public property rather that it being owned as private owners. The administration of Lingaraja temple is responsible for the smooth functioning and maintenance of the Bata Mahadev temple.

Local legend narrates interesting anecdotes of Lord Shiva who is said to have paid a visit in Ekamra Nagari. He took rest in this place. The temple is known as Bata Mahadeva as it is located in the centre of the road. The maintenance of the temple is looked after by the Lingaraja temple administration. The temple is thought to have been constructed between 15th century -16th century C.E. It houses a Shivalingam with a circular yoni pitha made of sandstone.

Bata Mahadeva Temple has a square sanctum that measures 1.95 square metres. It is pancharatha in design and is separated by a central ratha. Kanika pagas and a pair of anuratha paga can be seen on either side of the ratha. The vimana on elevation is of pidha style having a noticeable height of 1.95 metres. The temple is adorned with bada, gandi and mastaka from its lower to the upper level. The Bada is 1.05 metres in height and has no mouldings. The Gandi having two receding tiers measure 1.30 metres in height while the Mastaka measures 0.60 metres.

The doorjamb of the temple is 0.82 metres tall and 0.53 metres wide. The temple once a cynosure of eyes, has withstood the threats of climatic changes and time and has undergone several repair and renovation work. However, the wall of the gandi in the west is partly broken. During the renovation work marbles and lime wash have been chiefly used.