Nrusinghnath and Harishankar Temple

Nrusinghnath Temple, Bargarh
Sri Nrusinghanath Temple is Located in the sacred Gandhamardan Hills,
which according to legends, Hanuman carried on his shoulders from the
Himalayas as described in the ancient epic Ramayana, the temple at
Nrusinghanath is an important pilgrimage site. It is also an exceedingly
fascinating and beautifully located temple and is worth the journey to
this rather remote spot.
The present temple, located at the source of the Papaharini stream, is a
14th century structure built on a more ancient site. The four pillars within
the Jagmohana suggest that the earlier temple was built in the 9th
century. The beautiful doorframes have been dated to the 11th century.
The site of the temple is unique.
Stone steps wind up the hillside behind the temple, leading past a
waterfall, and eventually curving under the falls to a spot where some
beautiful and very well- preserved relief sculptures are found. The climb
to the carvings and return journey will take about an hour. Since shoes
are not permitted on these sanctified pilgrimage steps, those with tender
feet should take along a pair of heavy socks for the climb.
According to Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveler, this place was a centre of
Buddhist scriptural learning. Lord Nrushinghanath is a much-adored deity
of Odisha and a great fair is held in his honour on the 14th day of bright
fortnight in the month of Vaisakha. According to Odia and Devnagari
inscriptions, the temple was built by Baijal Dev in early 15th century AD.
The temple is constructed in Odishan style of architecture.

Harishankar Temple, Bolangir
The foaming waters sparkle vibrantly, acting as an enjoyable contrast to
the non-melting hardness of the granite bed from which it cascades
through the sun-dappled jungle. Echoing its joyful song, birds and bathers
thronging the pool shaped by the swirling waters seem to give thanks to
'Hari' and 'Shankar', the reigning deities of Harishankar Temple perched
on the southern slope of Gandhamardan hill.
The hillside is well-known for medicinal plants, which stand along Balangir-
Sambalpur border. This 14th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is noted for its charming design and exquisite architecture,
which is different from the more well known Odisha style.
The place is known as Harishankar after Hari Lord Vishnu and Sankara
Lord Shiva, the dual deities of Hindu mythology. The plateau between the
two temples is strewn with ancient Buddhist ruins. Which are considered
to be remnants of the ancient University Parimalgiri.