Rest of Odisha · Shiva's hidden lingam in a limestone cave
Gupteswar Cave Temple
A naturally formed limestone cave shrine on the banks of the Kolab river, deep in sal forests near the Chhattisgarh border, holding a Shiva lingam said to be growing in size.
History & legend
Called 'Gupta Kedar' by locals, the lingam is believed to have been worshipped by Lord Rama during his forest exile, and the cave's 'growing' lingam is described in the Skanda Purana. The shrine was hidden and forgotten until a hunter of the Jeypore king rediscovered it in the 17th century; the Maharaja of Jeypore, Vikram Dev, built the first approach in the 19th century. The surrounding Ramgiri hills feature in Kalidasa's Meghaduta.
Timings
6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Best time to visit
Shivratri (Feb–Mar) and October–March
Entry fee
Free
Approx. cab from Puri (one way)
₹14,000 · 560 km × ₹25/km
Don't miss
- Limestone cave with stalactites
- Kolab river valley
- Dense sal forest drive
- Shivratri fair
Local tip: The 200-step climb is slippery in monsoon. Bats and low ceilings inside — carry a torch.
On the map
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