Pataneswari Temple stands in Patnagarh, in Balangir district, the old capital of the Patna kingdom. The goddess Pataneswari is the presiding deity of the former Patna kingdom, and the town's name is believed to come from her. A Shiva shrine of Kosaleswar stands within the same complex. Tourism sources describe the shrine as a Tantric seat, and its main festivals are Durga Puja and Danda Jatra.
quick facts
- district
Bolangir
- best time to visit
During Durga Puja and Danda Jatra, the temple's main festivals.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Visit the Kosaleswar Shiva shrine in the same complex
- Take time to see the carved pillars and panels
- Check festival dates locally before a Durga Puja visit
avoid
- Do not confuse this shrine with the Pataneswari temple at Sambalpur when you plan the route
- Do not touch the carved panels
- Do not litter in the complex
how to reach
Patnagarh is about 36 to 40 km from Balangir town, depending on the source. Balangir railway station is the nearest station named in the sources consulted. No airport is named.
address: Garhvitar, Patnagarh, Bolangir district, Odisha 767025
history and significance
why it matters
Pataneswari is worshipped as a form of the goddess, and as the presiding deity of the former Patna kingdom, whose Chauhan rulers governed from Patnagarh. A tourism listing says she is worshipped by priests from the old royal family rather than by Brahmin priests, and calls the shrine the origin of Sabaritantra in Odisha. These points come from tourism sources and have not been verified against scholarly work.
history
Patnagarh was the capital of the Patna kingdom, and Wikipedia records that descendants of the Chauhan line settled here in the 12th century, with Ramai Deo named as the founder of the dynasty in the region.
The age of the temple is not settled. One tourism source says the shrine dates to the 9th century and gained prominence under the Chauhans, another credits Ramai Dev with a 14th-century temple, and some pages claim worship of about 2,000 years, which has no documented support. The present building is described as restored in the 20th century over older carved work. Treat all dates here as tradition until an archaeological source is found.
what to see
One tourism listing describes the style as Chalukyan, which is not confirmed by other sources. Another describes a colourful temple, restored in the 20th century, with carved pillars and intricate art showing Vishnu, Surya, dancers, musicians and yoga scenes, so that Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta imagery appear together.
rituals and festivals
Durga Puja and Danda Jatra are named as the main festivals. Another listing describes a crowded morning prayer and an evening Sandhya arati as the best-known daily events.
nearby
- Kosaleswar Shiva shrine, within the same temple complex
- Ranipur Jharial, home of the Chausathi Yogini Temple, in Bangomunda block of the Titilagarh subdivision
other temples nearby1
questions visitors ask
Who is Pataneswari?
She is the goddess worshipped as the presiding deity of the former Patna kingdom, and the town's name is believed to come from her.
What are the main festivals?
Durga Puja and Danda Jatra are named as the main festivals in tourism sources.
Is there a Shiva shrine in the complex?
Yes. A Shiva temple within the premises houses Kosaleswar Shiva, according to tourism listings.
