Tulasi Kshetra
ବଳଦେବଜୀଉ ମନ୍ଦିର
Lord Balabhadra · Kendrapara, Odisha
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About the temple
One of the five major religious Kshetras of Odisha; seat of Lord Balabhadra. Peace of mind and removal of obstacles (Balabhadra is the symbol of strength).
Temple information
- Darshan timings
- 06:00 – 21:00
- Established
- 17
- Best time to visit
- Morning or during Rath Yatra for the grand spectacle.
- Entry fee
- Free
Deity
Lord Balabhadra · ବଳଦେବଜୀଉ
- Deity form
- Wooden idols (Daru Murti)
- Religious tradition
- Jagannath Culture / Pancharatra
- Sanskrit name
- श्री बलदेवजीउ मन्दिर
- Also known as
- Tulasi Kshetra, Ichhapur Temple
Darshan hours
- Daily
- 06:00 - 21:00
- Break timings
- 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Special days
- Extended during Rath Yatra
- Festival timings
- 24-hour darshan on specific festive nights.
Aarti & rituals
- Special aarti days
- Saturdays and Purnima
- Ritual schedule
- Mangala Alati, Mailam, Abhisheka, Sandhya Alati
- Pooja timings
- 07:00 AM - 12:30 PM
- Abhishek timings
- Early morning
- Special poojas
- Tulasi Archana
- Online pooja booking
- No
History & heritage
- Historical period
- Medieval
- Built by
- Maratha Rulers / Local Zamindars (reconstruction)
- Construction materials
- Stone and Lime Mortar
- Historical events
- The original temple was destroyed during the Mughal era; current site established later.
- Renovations
- Periodic maintenance by the Endowment Commission.
- Archaeological importance
- State Protected
- Legends
- Legend of the demon Kandarasura killed by Lord Balabhadra.
- Government recognition
- State Endowment
Architecture
- Architectural style
- Kalinga
- Architectural period
- 17th Century
- Structure
- Complex (Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandapa, Bhogamandapa)
- Floors
- 1
- Gopuram
- Typical pyramidal spire with religious emblems.
- Mandapa
- Large halls for offerings and gatherings.
- Sculptural features
- Traditional motifs of the Vaishnava tradition.
- Artistic elements
- Detailed woodwork on the chariot stored nearby.
- Construction technique
- Traditional Odia masonry.
- Unique features
- The Brahma Taladhwaja Rath is the tallest chariot in the world (~65 ft).
Festivals & events
Rath YatraMakar SankrantiDevasnana Purnima
- Festival calendar
- Lunar (Ashadha month for Rath Yatra)
- Special celebration days
- Birthday of Lord Balabhadra
- Cultural events
- Local folk music and Bhajan programs.
- Annual events
- Rath Yatra (June/July)
- Peak crowd season
- June - July (Rath Yatra)
Visitor information
- ✓ Parking
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Drinking water
- ✓ Shoe keeping
- ✓ Prasadam counter
- ✓ Annadanam
- Entry fee
- Free
- Dress code
- Traditional
- Best time to visit
- Morning or during Rath Yatra for the grand spectacle.
- Parking capacity
- 100+
- Parking fees
- Nominal
- Donation counters
- Yes
- Donation methods
- Cash/UPI
- Prasadam
- Rasabali (Famous cheese-based sweet), Abada
Gallery
