The Markandeshwar Shiva temple sits alongside a holy tank by the same name –
Markanda. It is one of a group pancha-theertham, including Shweta Ganga, Narendra, Indradyumna and parvati Sagar. There are some ancient inscriptions found on the steps nearby Markanda tank and the temple, which are of great importance to historians studying the antiquity of Puri Dham.
Markandeya tank is located behind the Markendesvara Siva Temple across the compound wall, in upara Markandesvara Sahi, Puri. One can approach the site from the right side of the Marandesvara road leading from upara Markandesvara chowk to Brahmagiri.
On the basis of local tradition as well as related evidence with Markandesvara temple, the tank can be dated back to the 12th century AD which is the date of Markandeya siva temple.
Off to the east of Rohini Kunda there still remain the footprints of the great sage Markanda. There is another famous Markandeshwar Shiva temple located in the village of Shahbad Markanda, near Kurukshetera. This one is also associated with the Markanda Rishi.
