Gupta Kashi
ଗୁପ୍ତେଶ୍ୱର ମନ୍ଦିର
Lord Shiva (Gupteswar) · Jeypore, Odisha
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About the temple
Important pilgrimage site in the Dandakaranya forest region. Relief from chronic ailments and fulfillment of secret wishes.
Temple information
- Darshan timings
- 05:00 – 21:00
- Established
- 17
- Best time to visit
- October to March (Cool weather).
- Entry fee
- Free
Deity
Lord Shiva (Gupteswar) · ଗୁପ୍ତେଶ୍ୱର
- Deity form
- Stalagmite Linga (Natural limestone formation)
- Religious tradition
- Tribal-Vedic Synthesis
- Sanskrit name
- श्री गुप्तेश्वर मन्दिर
- Also known as
- Gupta Kashi, Hidden Lord Shiva, Gupteswar Cave
Darshan hours
- Monday
- 05:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Thursday
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Friday
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Saturday
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Sunday
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Special days
- Open 24 hours during Maha Shivaratri
- Festival timings
- 24-hour access during Shravana Mondays
Aarti & rituals
- Special aarti days
- Mondays of Shravana month
- Ritual schedule
- Jalabhisheka, Rudrabhisheka, Sandhya Alati
- Pooja timings
- 06:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Abhishek timings
- Continuous morning sessions
- Special poojas
- Rudrabhishek, Bol Bam Jal-arpan
- Online pooja booking
- No
History & heritage
- Historical period
- Ancient
- Built by
- Natural Formation (Popularized by Jeypore Kings)
- Architect / builder
- Nature / Geological
- Construction materials
- Natural Limestone Cave
- Historical events
- Found by local tribes; later patronized by King Vikram Dev of Jeypore.
- Renovations
- Steps and railings added recently for easier access.
- Archaeological importance
- Geological and cultural significance.
- Legends
- Lord Rama is said to have worshipped here during his exile.
- Government recognition
- State Endowment
Architecture
- Architectural style
- Dravidian
- Architectural period
- Pre-historic / Geological
- Structure
- Cave Shrine (Approx. 200 steps to reach)
- Floors
- 1
- Mandapa
- Natural cavern acting as a prayer hall.
- Sculptural features
- Naturally formed stone figures resembling deities.
- Construction technique
- N/A (Natural)
- Unique features
- The Linga increases in size over time (local belief/geological growth).
Festivals & events
Maha ShivaratriBol Bam (Shravana Month)
- Festival calendar
- Lunar (Phalguna and Shravana months)
- Special celebration days
- Mondays of the year
- Cultural events
- Local tribal dances during festivals.
- Annual events
- Maha Shivaratri (February/March)
- Peak crowd season
- July - August and February - March
Visitor information
- ✓ Parking
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Drinking water
- ✓ Shoe keeping
- ✓ Prasadam counter
- ✓ Photography allowed
- Entry fee
- Free
- Dress code
- Traditional
- Best time to visit
- October to March (Cool weather).
- Parking capacity
- 100+
- Parking fees
- ₹10 - ₹30
- Donation counters
- Yes
- Donation methods
- Cash/UPI
- Prasadam
- Local forest fruits and sweets
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