Most people around the world have heard about the leaning tower of Pisa. But not many must have heard about such a wonder existing in our very own Odisha!
It’s the Leaning Temple of Huma built on the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is 23 kms South of Sambalpur, built by Baliar Singhdeo, the 5th Chauhan King. Although the pillars tilt towards the river, the top of the temple (shikhara) is perpendicular to the ground.
The mystery however lies not only in the design of the temple but in the sacred fish near it. The fish is known as Kudo fish and is found in the Mahanadi River next to the temple.
What is particularly interesting about it is the legend associated with the fishes near the leaning temple of Huma. The fishes are known for their friendly nature as they are completely harmless. They gather together jumping for the special fish feed given to them by the visitors.
But the legend which revolves around these seemingly harmless creatures is the story of a woman who turned into stone because she once caught and tried to cut one of the fishes.
Local tradition believes that anyone who tries to catch and eat these fishes will turn to stone as they are considered sacred and are under the protection of Lord Bimaleswar (Shiva).
A stone statue near the river is a stark reminder of this legend and is the reason why the population of this variety of fishes keeps increasing because no one dares to challenge this theory.
More details about the Leaning Temple of Huma can be explored here in this article.
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