Astashambhu Temple is located at Kualo and is 72 km from Dhenkanal. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of these temples. Lord Kanakeswar, Baidyanath, Paschimeswar, Balunkeswar, and Lord Kapileswar are worshipped in Astashambhu Temple. The Kanakeswar is about 24 meters high and preserves some of the earliest sculptures representing ancient temple-building activities in Odisha. Kualo Astasambhu Temple is a famous Shiva temple in Dhenkanal.
Kualo Astasambhu Temple is a beautiful tourist place near Talcher town. The name of this temple is “ASTASHAMBHU” because eight Shiva Lingas are worshipped here. The main Shiva Lingams in these 8 temples are Kanakeswar, Swapneswar, Aisneswar, Kapileswar, Baidhyanatheswar, Baneswar, Lokanatheswar, and Uttareswara Temple. Locals say the Ashtashambhu temple is a 1,000-year-old temple. Mahashivratri is the main festival of the temple, and a large number of devotees come to celebrate the festival with much fanfare. Kualo Astashambhu Temple is a tourist attraction located in Dhenkanal, Odisha.
- The temples were built in the Kalingan (Odishan) style of architecture, specifically the Rekha Deul style.
- The dry masonry technique was used with grey sandstone blocks.
- Reflects the architectural transition from the Bhaumakara to the Somavamshi periods, showcasing early medieval craftsmanship.
- The site was rediscovered and documented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the mid-20th century.
- The Astasambhu Temple at Kualo is a uniquely serene and historically rich complex of eight 10th‑century Shiva shrines.
- Its architectural finesse, spiritual significance, and cultural legacy make it one of Odisha’s hidden heritage gems—deserving of both exploration and preservation.
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