Birupakhya Temple Chakapad
INTRODUCTION:
The Birupakhya Shiv Temple at Chakapada which is Located on the banks of the Brutanga River, this centuries-old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva as Birupakhya is not only a revered pilgrimage site but also a place of natural wonder a Hidden in the serene hills of Kandhamal district in Odisha lies a sacred gem that blends myth, mystery, and spiritual magnetism
all the trees surrounding the temple mysteriously lean towards the south phenomenon that continues to intrigue both devotees and scientists It is One of its most fascinating feature
In this blog, we explore the spiritual, historical, and cultural richness of the Birupakhyshwar Mahadev Temple, offering insights into its rituals, architecture, and the unique experience it offers to every traveler.
Where the Forest meets Devotion
Sri Birupakhya Shiva temple stands in Chakapad Village in Kandhamal district on 800 ft high plateau.This temple is set on the bank of the Brutanga river and surrounded by thick and teak sal forest.
This temple is set on the bank of the Brutanga river and surrounded by thick and teak sal forest. It is 55 km from the phulbani and 18 km from the tikabali and 38 km from G.Udayagiri and abount 134 km from Berhampur.
Legend and History
The temple’s origins are steeped in fascinating legends.From the Mahabharata era worshiped lord Shiva here by the Pandavas during their exile as per local floklore people
Another Popular belief that one day a tribal hunter whose name was Birupakhya discovered this swayambhu shiva lingama,Overwhelmed by devine energy, he started the worshipping and the place came to be known as Birupakhyeswar.
Other Some local says that the Linga installed by the great sage Kashyapa after sensing an intense southern pull of an divine energy. From that day trees around the ShivaLinga tilt a few degree towards south.
The donations made to Birupakhya Shaiva monasteries during the reign of Bhanja kings are mentioned in the copper plate.
Another temple Anandeswar Shiva temple has been established near the Birupakhya Shiva temple. A temple of Maa Parbati has also been established which is next to the Birupakhya Siva temple. There is a well nearby from which water is taken for some temple work. A ashram built nearby temple by hindu monk swami Laxmanananda saraswati. This ashram imparts social education,spiritual education, and serves as a centre for the narration of tribal culture.
Deity and Daily worship
Here Birupakhyeshwar is worshipped in the form of a black stone Shiva Linga.Uniquely, the linga emerges diagonally from the sanctum floor, mirroring the southward lean. Rituals follow the Shaiva Siddhanta agama with tribal inflections
Tribal dhunguru drum‑wake at dawn, when Kandha priests circle the shrine beating sal‑wood drums.
Brutanga jala‑abhisheka – every Monday and throughout Śrāvaṇa month
Mystical Trees: The most exciting feature is that all the trees surrounding the temple bend to southwards. Local devotees believe that this is a divine sign of nature paying homage to Shiva.
Tribal & Vedic Fusion: The rituals at this temple combine tribal traditions with Vedic practices. Locals offer mahula flowers, bel leaves, and milk, while tribal priests known as Jhankaris perform special pujas.
Night Worship: Unlike most temples, which close by evening, Birupakhya remains open at night. Devotees can offer their prayers under the moonlight.
Architecture
Festivals & celebrations
Festival | Time (Gregorian) | Highlights |
Maha Shivaratri | February to March | All night rudrabhisheka, 40 ft medha (bamboo chariot) ablaze with oil lamps; tribal ghata nṛutya drum dance |
Rasa Purnima | October to November | Recital of Shiva Vivaha, floating lamp ceremony on the Brutanga |
Sitala Shasthi | May to June | Symbolic marriage of Birupakhya with Goddess Parvati from nearby Jageswara shrine |
Bol Bom Mondays | Entire Shrabana(July to August) | Orange clad pilgrims chant “Hara Hara Bol Bom” on foot from Tikabali,Phulbani,G.Udayagiri,Baliguda,many other places. |
Tourists experience & practical tips
Best season:
October–March offers clear skies and 18–26 °C days. Monsoon (July–Sept) turns the forest emerald but roads can be slippery.
How to Reach
By road:
Berhampur to Tikabali then to Chakapad. Bus can available from Tikabali bus stand or you can hire taxi from tikabali.
By rail:
Berhampur is the nearest railway station,Nayagarh is the new railway station
By air:
Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport. From Air port can hire taxi, or there are direct night bus service or morning bus from Baramunda Bus Stand Bhubaneswar to the Tikabali then to Chakapad.
Halt:
Many Hotels and Lodge at Phulbani,G.Udayagiri.
Nearby attractionsPlaces
Dungi Shiva Temple Tikabali-
Panchalingeswar temple situated at Dungi near the Tengnapathar to Kalingia road
Putudi & Urmagada waterfalls –
Pristine picnic spots approximately 60 km
Belghar wildlife sanctuary –
Gaur & hill myna sightings.
Jhula hanging bridge -
Near Balliguda towards Kutikia road.
Etiquette:
Remove leather items, dress modestly, and respect photography restrictions inside the garba gruha
Cultural importance
For the largely tribal Kandhamal hills, Birupakhya is more than a temple and this temple is -
A fascinating natural wonder:
Experts on sacred places mention Chakapad as a living example where natural occurrences, like leaning trees, support religious beliefs and keep oral traditions alive.
A Pilgrim Magnet:
During MahaShivaratri, over 30,000 devotees gather together, supporting the local economy by staying in homes, buying crafts, and purchasing palm-leaf pattachitra souvenirs.
Final thoughts
Whether you arrive seeking Shiva’s blessings, botanical curiosities or the sheer hush of a riverside forest, Birupakhya Mahadev leaves a mark. Stand beneath the slanting sal trees at dawn, when the first conch blares and the linga catches a shaft of golden light—it feels as if the entire landscape has gently inclined southward in the very moment of creation, forever paying homage to the lord of three worlds.
Pack light, keep your heart open, and let the leaning woods guide your steps toward the timeless mystery of Chakapad.
Nearby Tourist Places:
