Harishankar Temple, Hindu temple in Balangir district, India

Harishankar Temple stands on forested slopes in Balangir district and shows stonework on walls, pillars and doorways that depict Hindu deities. The complex holds several smaller shrines around a central main temple, which you reach by stone steps winding through the grounds.

The Harisankar deity was found in the 14th century by a Chauhan king of the Patna kingdom in Odisha, and worship has continued there since. A dancing Ganesha image from the early 12th century was also found at the site. The temple was built on the orders of Queen Durlabha Devi, wife of Maharaja Vaijjal Dev Chauhan.

The name joins two deities, Hari for Vishnu and Shankar for Shiva, which brings pilgrims from different Hindu traditions to this place. You often see worshippers praying before the shrines in the courtyard and offering flowers and coconuts.

The temple lies on the southern slope of the Gandhamardhan hills, about 80 km from Balangir town and 32 km from Harishankar Road railway station, from where taxis run to the site. The stream beside the shrine flows over a smooth granite bed that visitors use for bathing and water play. Meals at the temple are served between 12:30 and 3:00, and you must register in the morning to eat.

Beside the main shrine, water flows over rock formations into small natural pools that visitors use for ritual washing. Some stones show rounded hollows shaped by centuries of flowing water.