Religious
Harishankar Temple
13.13 From
Gandhamardhan hills
Harishankar Temple, located on the southern slopes of the scenic Gandhamardan Hills in Balangir district, Odisha, is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site uniquely dedicated to both Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Shankar), symbolizing harmony between Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The temple is set amid dense forests and natural streams, with a continuous flow of water passing over the Shiva Lingam, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Temple timings are 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the site is especially vibrant during Maha Shivaratri, Nrusingha Chaturdashi, and Kartik Purnima. Surrounded by waterfalls, medicinal plants, and trekking paths, Harishankar is also popular among nature lovers and devotees alike. The best time to visit is October to March, when the climate is pleasant. Well-connected by road, the temple is about 81 km from Balangir and 25 km from Khariar, making it a must-visit destination for spiritual tourism, eco-travel, and heritage exploration in western Odisha.