Vidala Nrusimhanath Temple is a beautiful Vaishnava shrine situated at
Nrusimhanath, in
Baragarh District of
Orissa. The temple stands majestically at the foot of the picturesque Gandhamardan Hills. The presiding deity here is Lord Nrusimhanath in his feline incarnation (Marjara Keshari). It is the only temple in the country which enshrines a stone idol of the deity with the head of a cat and the body of a lion.
According to Oriya and Devnagari inscriptions, the temple was built by Baijal Dev in early 15th century AD. The temple is constructed in Chalukyan style of architecture.
An annual big fair held on Nrushimha-chatrurdasi day (in May) attracts thousands of pilgrims from far and near.
Nrusimhanath Temple is about 110 km west of Baragarh and 64 km from Sambalpur. Khariar Road Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
