Believed to be built somewhere around 12th century, Markandeshwar Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shiva Lingam. It is considered one of the Panch Tirthas in Puri and also one of the 52 sacred Shiva places of the country. Festivals like Janamastami, Shivaraatri, Sakranti, Narasimha Chaturdasi etc. are observed with great devotion at this temple.
According to the mythology, sage Markandeya was saved by Lord Shiva from a great danger. Sage Markandeya erected a Shiva temple out of dedication. This ancient temple is of particular interest to the historians as it is believed to be from Ganga dynasty dating back to 12th century. Markandeya tank is an open structure and it enclosed within a stone wall made of dressed laterite blocks.
Markandeshwar Temple is situated north of Jagannath Temple. It can be approached on the right side of Markandeshwar Road leading from Markandeshwar Chowk to Puri-Brahmagiri Road. The ancient Markandeshwar Shiva Temple is situated in the Markandeswar Street by the side of the Markandeshwar tank.