The Bhabakundaleswar Temple of Lord Shiva is situated at Manikpatna village, on the left side of National Highway 203 leading from Puri to Satapada. It branches 3.3 km from Dahikhia Chowk and lies about 0.5 km from the Bay of Bengal, making it one of the most scenic coastal temple locations near Puri. The site is approximately 43.7 km from Puri town.
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (enshrined as a Sivalinga within a circular Saktipitha of black chlorite), dates back to the 13th century AD, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
It represents the Kalingan order of architecture — featuring a rekha vimana and pidha jagamohana. The temple is square on plan, saptaratha in style and panchanga-bada in elevation.
Architecturally, the temple showcases rich decorative elements — khakhara-mundi motifs on the lower jangha, pidha-mundi carvings on the upper portion, and intricate sculptures of nayikas, dvarapalas, dikpalas, and even a rare gaja-kranta motif adorning the front façade.
Major festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Kartika Purnima, and Ekadasi are celebrated here with devotion.
The temple also serves as a sacred venue for marriage ceremonies, upanayana (thread ceremonies), and engagement rituals, reflecting its active cultural role in local community life.
The Bhabakundaleswar Temple is a protected monument under the Odisha State Archaeology Department and comes under the care of the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.
Although the temple remains in use, exposure to sea winds and salt vapours has caused erosion of the stonework. Conservation measures are ongoing.
Visitors can enjoy both spiritual serenity and natural beauty, as the site lies close to the Chilika Lake estuary, making it a charming picnic and pilgrimage destination
