Gouri

Gouri, the fair one, is a name of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, worshipped across the Shaiva and Shakta traditions. In Bhubaneswar she is honoured at the Kedar-Gouri complex near the Mukteswar temple, which holds two separate shrines, one to Kedareswar (Shiva) and one to Goddess Parvati. The Kedareswar temple is counted among the eight Ashtasambhu temples of the city. Her main observance there is Sital Sasthi, when Lord Lingaraj's wedding procession arrives to celebrate his marriage with Parvati.

Gouri is among the names of Parvati in the Puranic tradition, and the Gouri of Bhubaneswar is worshipped together with Kedareswar, the Shiva of the neighbouring temple. A folk legend tells of a couple, Kedar and Gouri, who wished to marry despite opposition. While they were fleeing, Kedar was...