The month of Srabana (July-August) holds immense significance for Hindus, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. During this auspicious period, a unique and spiritually enriching pilgrimage known as the Bol Bom Yatra takes place. This yatra, synonymous with the chanting of “Bol Bom,” sees thousands of devotees, also called Kawariyas, undertaking a challenging journey to pour holy water on Shiva Lingas across Odisha.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Historically, the Bol Bom Yatra was less crowded, primarily involving male participants. However, in recent times, there has been a notable increase in the number of devotees, with women also joining in significant numbers. This change reflects a broader acceptance and enthusiasm for this ritual among all sections of society.

The Rituals and Journey

Devotees, clad in saffron T-shirts and shorts, embark on their journey barefoot, carrying water from rivers or ponds in pots. This water is considered sacred and is offered to Lord Shiva’s temples across the state. The journey is arduous and demands immense physical and mental strength, symbolizing the devotion and penance of the participants.

Spiritual Atmosphere

One of the most captivating aspects of the Bol Bom Yatra is the devotional singing that accompanies the journey. Kawariyas chant “Bol bom… Har har bom… Jatia baba par karega… Bhola baba par karega… Kailashpati par karega… Parbati pati par karega… Ganesha Father par karega…” These chants create a spiritual atmosphere, infusing energy and devotion into the environment, and encouraging the pilgrims to persevere despite the hardships.

Major Shiva Temples in Odisha for Bol Bom Yatra

Here is a comprehensive list of Shiva temples in Odisha, along with their approximate distances from Bhubaneswar, which are popular destinations for the Bol Bom Yatra:

In Bhubaneswar:

1. Lingaraj Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

2. Mukteshwar Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

3. Rajarani Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

4. Brahmeswara Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

5. Parasurameswara Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

6. Kapilesvara Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

7. Aisanyesvara Siva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

8. Kedar Gouri Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

9. Baitala Deula – Located in Bhubaneswar

10. Vaital Deul Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

11. Uttaresvara Siva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

12. Megheswar Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

13. Talesvara Siva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

14. Chintamanisvara Shiva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

15. Bhaskareswar Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

16. Siddhesvara Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

17. Madneswar Siva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

18. Varunesvara Shiva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

19. Bhimesvara Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

20. Akhadachandi Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

21. Gangesvara Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

22. Ananta Vasudeva Temple – Located in Bhubaneswar

Outside Bhubaneswar:

23. Dhabaleswar Temple – Approximately 27 km from Bhubaneswar (near Cuttack)

24. Kapilash Temple – Approximately 67 km from Bhubaneswar (Dhenkanal)

25. Sri Lokanath Temple, Puri – Approximately 60 km from Bhubaneswar

26. Pataleshwar Temple, Bolangir – Approximately 300 km from Bhubaneswar

27. Akhandalamani Temple, Aradi – Approximately 125 km from Bhubaneswar (Bhadrak)

28. Gupteswar Cave Temple – Approximately 600 km from Bhubaneswar (in Jeypore, Koraput district)

29. Huma Temple – Approximately 300 km from Bhubaneswar (near Sambalpur)

30. Panchalingeswar Temple, Balasore – Approximately 181 km from Bhubaneswar

31. Vaidyanath Temple, Bhawanipatna – Approximately 430 km from Bhubaneswar

32. Budhikomna Temple, Nuapada – Approximately 425 km from Bhubaneswar

33. Singhanath Temple, Baramba – Approximately 95 km from Bhubaneswar

34. Dharma Siva Temple, Boudh – Approximately 240 km from Bhubaneswar

35. Gupteswar Temple, Balangir – Approximately 400 km from Bhubaneswar

36. Chateswar Temple, Bhadrak – Approximately 130 km from Bhubaneswar

37. Maninaga Temple, Nayagarh – Approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar

38. Nilakantheswar Temple, Nayagarh – Approximately 90 km from Bhubaneswar

39. Uttarayani Temple, Puri – Approximately 60 km from Bhubaneswar

40. Gopinath Temple, Ganjam – Approximately 165 km from Bhubaneswar

41. Harishankar Temple – Approximately 300 km from Bhubaneswar (near Balangir)

42. Kantabanji Mahadev Temple – Approximately 370 km from Bhubaneswar

43. Bhattarika Temple, Baramba – Approximately 105 km from Bhubaneswar

44. Balunkeswar Temple, Bhadrak – Approximately 145 km from Bhubaneswar

45. Sobhaneswar Temple, Niali– Approximately 44 km from Bhubaneswar

46. Jaleswar Temple, Jaleswar – Approximately 210 km from Bhubaneswar

47. Bhringeswar Temple, Bhadrak – Approximately 135 km from Bhubaneswar

48. Sitaleswar Temple, Jajpur – Approximately 130 km from Bhubaneswar

49. Paramahansa Nath Temple, Biribati -Approximately 33 km from Bhubaneswar

50. Lokaath Temple, Goda -Approximately 45 km from Bhubaneswar (near Khordha)