Puri town · Shiva lingam beneath sacred water
Lokanath Temple
An ancient Shiva temple where the lingam stays submerged in water year-round, revealed only on Pankoddhar Ekadashi. Legend says it was installed by Lord Rama.
History & legend
Local legend says Lord Rama installed this Shiva lingam from a lauki (gourd) on his way to Lanka, giving the deity the name Lokanath. The lingam sits in a pit fed by a natural spring so it remains under water except once a year on Pankoddhar Ekadashi (Jan–Feb), when the water is drained and thousands queue for darshan. The temple was patronised by the Ganga kings and is one of the Panch Tirtha (five sacred spots) of Puri that pilgrims traditionally complete before Jagannath darshan.
Timings
5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit
Shivratri or Monday mornings
Entry fee
Free
Approx. cab from Puri (one way)
Walkable / auto-rickshaw ₹50–100
Don't miss
- Submerged Shiva lingam
- Shivratri fair
- Quiet spiritual atmosphere
Local tip: Wear easy-to-remove footwear; the floors can be wet.
On the map
