Nilakantheswar Mahadeva
This is situated in the far east of Jagannatha Puri, on the bank of Indradyumna Sarovara behind Gundicha Temple. The Chandan Yatra and Sitala Sthali festival are both observed here.
Lord Shiva Drinking Poison
Lord Shiva is known by many names and 'Nilakantheswar' is one of them. Nilakantheswar means 'someone whose throat color is blue'. The word 'Nilakantheswar' is derived from two words, 'Nila' and 'Kantha'. In oriya language 'Nila' means 'Blue' and 'Kantha' means 'Throat'. A famous story associated behind the name 'Nilakantheswar'. It is describe in Puranas, During Samudra Manthan, many objects became lost in the ocean, Lord Shiva is said to have drunk the poison that rose out of it to protect the world from its effect. The poison dyed his throat blue and since then He known as Nilakantheswar.
Entrance to Nilakanthesvara Mahadeva
Nilakanthesvara Mahadeva is one of the Pancha Shiva and Asta Sambhu who guard Puri Dham. He is also known as the Pandava brother Sahdeva.
