Sri Biranchinarayan Temple is in Palia village, which is located 15 km south of Bhadrak, on the way from Bhadrak to Chandabali. It occupies a significant place in the cultural map of Odisha state of India. Today, the standing Biranchi Narayan Temple stands as evidence of the heritage of Surya Upasana in Odisha. Biranchi Narayan is another name for Lord Surya, the Sun God of light and lustre. The existing temple is dedicated to Biranchinarayan, who is enshrined as a roughly four faced image of the Sun. A square stone slightly tapering towards the top contains four carved images of the Sun god in relief, on the four sides of a slab. The figures hold two lotuses in two hands, as usual, and are depicted standing on chariots drawn by seven horses. Architecturally, the temple can be dated to the 13th century. It was renovated and reconstructed in the beginning of the 20th century by the generosity of a local Zamindar.
How to Reach Biranchinarayan Temple
Paliabindha is 135 km far from Bhubaneswar, Capital city of Odisha. Buses are available from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack bus-stands. Bhubaneswar-Bhadrak/Chandabali and Cuttack-Bhadrak/Chandabali buses are going by the village Paliabindha. Taxis are also available from Charampa (Bhadrak) railway station.
Other attractions nearby Tihidi of Bhadrak
- Patuli Mangala: The village of Shiva Lingas Patuli Mangala Peetha Narendrapur is just nearby Paliabindha
- Chandabali Sea Port: Built on 1930, Odisha’s famous sea port
- Dhamara Sea Port and Wheeler Island: Dhamara is one of the famous ports of Odisha and Wheeler Island is famous for Missile manufacturing and testing center of India.
- Bhitarkanika: The largest crocodile rearing center and sanctuary of Asia
- Akhandalamani: Famous Shiva Peetha at Aradi.