The phallic god Dhabeleswar stands on an islet on the middle of river Mahanadi at a distance of 5km from the Cuttack. Legend says, to save a devotee from disaster, the God had turned a black bullock into white. On the full moon day of the month of Kartika, countless devotees assemble and observe Bada Osa and have a sight of the God. The Shiva Temple, perched on a hillock, is approachable by steps, one from the north and other one from the south.

As a religious center, Dhavaleswar throngs with religious activities throughout the year. It is 37 km by road from Cuttack and 5 km through water.