Sureswari temple

The Sureswari Temple is a Hindu temple in Sonepur, Odisha, located on the left bank of the Tel River where it meets the Mahanadi. The structure houses multiple deity images, including a ten-armed dancing Durga that surrounds the sanctum.

The temple was constructed by Chauhan ruler Achal Singh Deo, who integrated multiple deity images into its structure. The construction reflects the architectural practices of that era and shows the ruler's influence on religious monuments.

The temple holds a six-armed standing image of Kali in its inner chamber, where daily worship rituals occur and devotees make offerings. The eastward-facing entrance reflects traditional design principles of Hindu temple architecture.

The temple can be reached using local transportation from Sonepur, and the site sits at the confluence of two rivers. Visitors should prepare for the region's humid heat and wear sturdy footwear to navigate the uneven paths around the grounds comfortably.

Seven ponds surround the temple grounds, and scholars believe they served as protective moats during Kalachuri dynasty rule. These water features define the site's character today and create an isolated sanctuary.