Kapilash Temple, Hindu temple in Dhenkanal, India.

Kapilash Temple, also called Mahadev Chandrashekhar Temple, stands at about 2,239 feet above sea level in Dhenkanal district. Its main tower rises 60 feet, with a wooden jagamohana and a smaller domed pavilion on sculpted brackets. Two low roofs of large grey stone slabs overlap in front, and a surrounding wall runs to the right.

The temple was built in 1246 CE by King Narasinghdeva I of the Ganga Dynasty, as recorded in the Kapilash temple inscription. The site also holds a Vishwanath temple that local accounts consider older than the Chandrasekhar shrine, which is why it is called Budha Linga. Shridhar Swami, who wrote a commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, stayed here.

The name Kapilash comes from the belief that the sage Kapila had his ashram here, and the site is also called the second Kailash of Shiva. Shridhar Swami, who wrote a commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, stayed at this place. Patita Pavana Jagannath is installed as the Parsa Deva, and shrines to Ganesh, Kartikeya, Gangadevi and Vishwanath stand in the complex.

You can reach the temple by climbing stairs or taking a winding road, both passing through the nearby village area. Wear sturdy footwear and plan for a moderate walk, as the path varies depending on which route you choose.

The two pools flanking the temple are named: Payamrta Kunda on the left and Marichi Kunda on the right. Near the summit lies a stone that sounds hollow when struck, tied in legend to King Pratapadeva of Mayurbhanj, who performed penance here after a killing.