Objectives

Objective 1: To identify the location, presiding Deity, and spiritual significance of Siddha Mahavira Temple in Puri.

Objective 2: To understand the architectural features, sculptures, and unique iconography of Siddha Mahavira Temple.

Objective 3: To learn about the devotees associated with Siddha Mahavira Temple and the major festivals celebrated there.

Presiding Deity
Objective 1: To identify the location, presiding Deity, and spiritual significance of Siddha Mahavira Temple in Puri.

Siddha Mahavir (Hanuman), the presiding deity of the temple, is about 6 feet in height. He holds gadha (club) in left hand and a massive rock boulder (Gandha-Mardana Mountain) in the right hand. The deity is installed on a decorated pedestal of 2 feet high.

The slab of the presiding deity is carved with a series of Hanuman figures in different postures. They are considered as the Asta Mallas such as Sugriva, Jambavan, Bali, Angada, Susena etc. These figures are also believed to be the eight advisers of Lord Rama during his expedition to Lanka to fight against Ravana for the rescue of Sita Devi.

A brass image of Hanuman (Mahavira) has also been kept on the same pedestal as the Vije Pratima (representative Deity) for ceremonial occasions. The background slab is relieved with scroll works, flower medallions and various scenes from the Ramayana.

Architecture of the temple:

Objective 2: To understand the architectural features, sculptures, and unique iconography of Siddha Mahavira Temple.

The temple of Siddha Mahavir consists of two structures such as Vimana and Jagamohana. There is an open flat mandapa recently erected in front of the Jagamohana. This temple is built in sand stones and faces to the east. The surface of the temple complex is about 4 feet high from the road level. A boundary wall of 10 feet high has enclosed the temple.

The main temple (Vimana) of the Siddha Mahavir Temple is about 35 feet from the road level. The Vimana of Siddha Mahavira is partially adorned with different sculptures and scenes.

The three sides of the main temple are housed with images of Yamaraj, Keshari and Devi Anjana.

The southern side wall of the temple contains the image of Yama Raja. The two-handed image of Lord Yama is installed on the plain pedestal. He is carved in a seated posture on the back of a buffalo, the conventional mount. Lord Yama displays gada (club) in the right hand and kala phasa in the left hand.

The western side wall of the temple contains a statue of a male figure is locally worshipped as Keshari. The two-handed image of Keshari installed on the decorated pedestal. He holds gada(club) in left hand and Aksha mala in right hand. He is also wearing the garland of beads in his body.

The side wall of the temple contains Devi Anjana (Mother of Lord Mahavir). The two-armed image of Devi Anjana installed on the double petalled lotus pedestal. She holds her child (Lord Hanuman) by her two hands. Two female figures are flanked on either side of the devi. All the side wall images of the main temple are made of black chlorite stone.

Six Hanuman figures are finely carved on the pedestal. Two female figures are flanked on either side of the deity. They are displaying flywhisks in their hands.

The Jagamohana of Siddha Mahavir temple is about 30 feet from the road level. The entrance temple (Mukha Sala) of Siddha Mahavira is also adorned with different sculptures and scenes. There is a scene of royal procession with two elephants inserted into a niche of the northern side wall of the Mukha Sala of the temple. The elephants are placed one in front of the other so that only one is visible in this view. The front figure of the near elephant is of royal lineage as suggested by the two parasols hold by attendant figures, one on each elephant.

The left side eastern entrance wall of the Jagamohana contains an image of Panchmukhi (Five faced) Ganesha in its niche. The slab of the deity is exquisitely carved by the artist. The ten-handed image of Ganesha has been installed on the decorative pedestal. His right five hands display chakra(disk), snake, trident, broken tusk, and Varada mudra while the left five hands hold gada(club), Pasa, ankusa, flower and a bell. The slab of the Panchmukhi Ganesha is carved out of black chlorite.

The right-side eastern entrance wall of the Mukha Sala is relieved with the sikshadana scene. It is the teaching scene of Vyasa Deva, who is reciting the Bhagavata Purana among his disciples. The guru is seated in a pavilion with his right leg crossed over his left and his right hand raised as if imparting instructions. Facing him are three rows of two figures each. Both male and female devotees are flanked on either side of the guru. Most of these devotees are carved with folded hands.

Objective 3: To learn about the devotees associated with Siddha Mahavira Temple and the major festivals celebrated there.

Devotee Associated

Tulasi Das, the famous author of Rama Charita Manasa, stayed here for some time when he visited Puri.

Courtyard

There is a beautiful pond in front of the temple. Devotees wash their hands and feet in this pond before entering the temple.

Festivals

People have great faith in Lord Mahavir, and they attend this temple in large numbers every day (especially on Tuesdays) and during various festive seasons.

Festivals like Makara Sankranti, Pana Sankranti, Rama Navami, and Dola Purnima are observed in this temple with great interest. Traditionally, Pana Sankranti is Lord Hanuman’s birth anniversary, and the day is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti.

Location

The temple of Siddha Mahavir is situated about 1 km to the north-east of the Gundicha Temple in Puri. This is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.