Situated on the river Mahanadi and Tel, Sonepur otherwise known as Suvarnapur or the city of gold, has a rich antiquity. A number of Kalachuri gold coins and Ganga fold fanams have been collected from the different parts of the town. The soaring pinnacles of various temples adorn the sky line of Sonepur, verily justifying its name as temple town of Western Orissa.

The sacred shrine of Suvarnameru lingam is held high esteem. As legend holds it, on the Occasion of Suvarnameru’s first appearance at Sonepur, there was a shower of gold pieces for more than half of a day. The temple of Nrusinghanath is the tallest among the temples and measures 34.37 meters in height.

Sonepur known as Paschima Lanka enshrines goddess Lankeswari on a hillock in the bed of the river Mahanadi forming the gorge known as Lankeswari darha. Cruising and fishing with local boat-men in this gorge afford a pleasant experience. The doorless temples of Sonepur bespeak the tantric occultism which once flourished in this land.

Attractions of Sonepur

Sonepur, Puja Dunguri, Charada, Papakshyaghat