The Ladukeswar Temple, known locally as Ladu Baba, is a Shiva shrine at Sarankul in Nayagarh district. Odisha government sources describe it as a 15th century shrine whose presiding deity is seen as a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva, as at Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar. Mahashivaratri, locally called Jagara Yatra, is the main festival, when pilgrims gather from distant places. The Salia waterfall and the Bhandar valley lie close by.
quick facts
- district
Nayagarh
- best time to visit
Mahashivaratri (Falguna Shukla Chaturdashi), locally called Jagara Yatra, is the main festival.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Check the Mahashivaratri date before planning a festival visit
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Keep the temple premises clean
- Plan for large crowds on festival days
avoid
- Do not litter in the temple area
- Do not disturb worshippers during rituals
- Do not touch the lingam or the sanctum without permission
how to reach
Sarankul is about 14 km from Nayagarh, the district headquarters, and about 100 km from Bhubaneswar, on the Nayagarh to Aska road.
address: Sarankul, Nayagarh district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
The temple is the main Shiva shrine of Sarankul and is known locally as Ladu Baba.
The deity is seen as a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva, in the manner of Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar.
history
The Odisha government's Nayagarh tourism page describes the shrine of Sri Ladukeswar as a 15th century structure. One popular account says a king of Nayagarh, Ladukeswar Singh Mandhata, built the temple and gave it his own name. This account is local lore and has not been verified in the sources consulted.
Another source describes a fusion of Kalinga and Dravidian styles in the building. Readers should note that the Wikipedia article titled 'Ladu Baba Temple' describes a different shrine in Bhubaneswar, and the Sarankul temple is covered under 'Laddu Baba Temple'.
what to see
One source describes a fusion of Kalinga and Dravidian temple architecture. The sources consulted give no further detail.
rituals and festivals
- Mahashivaratri, locally called Jagara Yatra, observed on Falguna Shukla Chaturdashi, with pilgrims from far-flung places
nearby
- Salia waterfall, close to Sarankul
- Jhadeswari in the Bhandar valley
- Raghunathjew Temple, Odagaon
other temples nearby1
questions visitors ask
Who is Ladu Baba?
Ladu Baba is the popular local name of Ladukeswar, the presiding deity of the Sarankul temple, seen as a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.
When is the main festival?
Mahashivaratri, called Jagara Yatra locally, falls on Falguna Shukla Chaturdashi and draws pilgrims from far places.
How far is Sarankul from Nayagarh and Bhubaneswar?
Sarankul is about 14 km from Nayagarh and about 100 km from Bhubaneswar.