The Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda in Ganjam district is a Surya shrine, sometimes called the wooden Konark. Sources credit King Srikara Bhanjadeva with building or renovating it, and give 1777 or 1790 as the year. The temple faces west, unlike the east-facing Sun temple at Konark, and the setting sun is said to fall on the feet of the image. Its roof rests on many pillars, and its walls carry murals of the Ramayana, Krishna Lila and Mahabharata. Locals have asked for better maintenance.
quick facts
- district
Ganjam
- best time to visit
Sunset is of interest because the setting sun is said to fall on the image, but visiting times should be confirmed locally.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Look at the wall murals with care
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Keep the temple premises clean
- Confirm the visiting arrangements locally before travelling
avoid
- Do not touch the murals or the wooden parts
- Do not litter in the temple area
- Do not disturb worshippers during rituals
safety
Several reports describe structural damage and poor maintenance, so visitors should take care inside the building.
how to reach
The temple is in Buguda town in Ganjam district. Road access is the usual route; the sources consulted do not give a station or airport distance.
address: Buguda, Ganjam district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
The temple is described as the second Surya temple of Odisha after Konark.
A local belief holds that its image is the lost image of the Konark temple. This is belief, not an established fact.
history
Sources credit King Srikara Bhanjadeva with building or renovating the temple. Wikipedia says he renovated it in 1790, while an Orissa Post report says it was built in 1777, so the date is uncertain.
According to the account reported, the image was found near Malatigarh by a herder who struck it with his foot, though versions of the discovery vary. A local belief that it is the lost Konark image is not supported by historical evidence in the sources consulted.
what to see
The temple faces west, and the rays of the setting sun are said to fall on the feet of the image. The roof is supported by 46 pillars according to Wikipedia and Orissa Post, which counts 32 small and 14 tall. The walls carry murals showing the Ramayana, Krishna Lila and Mahabharata.
nearby
- Buguda town
questions visitors ask
Why is it called the wooden Konark?
It is also called the wooden Konark. It is described as the second Surya temple of Odisha after Konark.
Which way does the temple face?
It faces west, unlike Konark which faces east, and the setting sun is said to fall on the feet of the image.
Who built it and when?
Sources credit King Srikara Bhanjadeva, with 1777 given as the year of building and 1790 as the year of renovation, so the exact year is uncertain.
