Bhattarika Temple
The Abode of Maa Bhattarika:Bhattarika Temple is an ancient and highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhattarika, a fierce manifestation of Shakti (Durga). It is considered one of the important Shakti Peethas of Odisha. The temple is situated in the scenic village of Sasanga in the Baramb a area, right on the banks of the mighty Mahanadi River. According to a popular legend from the Puranas, the temple was established and the idol carved by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who prayed to the Goddess for strength after facing defeat by the king Sahastrarjuna. The Goddess appeared here to grant him her divine power. The temple's location offers a breathtaking blend of spirituality and natural beauty, particularly the panoramic view of the river and the surrounding hills. It's a place of deep faith, especially for the local fisherman community who revere the Goddess as their deity of navigation and protection.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Pilgrimage, Temple, Religious, River BankEntry Fees:
Indian Nationals:Entry to the temple complex is generally free for all devotees and visitors. However, a small donation for maintenance is welcomed.
Foreign Tourists:There is no separate entry fee for foreign tourists; the temple is open t...Indian Nationals:Entry to the temple complex is generally free for all devotees and visitors. However, a small donation for maintenance is welcomed.
Foreign Tourists:There is no separate entry fee for foreign tourists; the temple is open to all.
Donation/Worship Fees:Fees for special pujas (worships) or rituals performed by the priests vary and can range from Rs.50 to Rs.500 or more, depending on the complexity of the service requested.
Picnic Site Fees:There may be a nominal fee or charge (around Rs.50 to Rs.100 per group) levied by local management for utilizing the designated picnic spots near the river bank for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
Parking Charges:A small parking fee, typically around Rs.20 to Rs.50, is charged for cars and two-wheelers in the designated parking lot near the temple entrance.Timing:
Regular Timings:The temple is generally open every day from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Morning session) and then from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Evening session). The temple closes during the afternoon for the deity's rest and cleaning.
Ideal Visit Time (Mor...Regular Timings:The temple is generally open every day from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Morning session) and then from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Evening session). The temple closes during the afternoon for the deity's rest and cleaning.
Ideal Visit Time (Morning):The best time to visit for a peaceful darshan and to witness the morning Aarti (worship) is early morning, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This period is less crowded.
Ideal Visit Time (Mid-Day):Avoid the time right before the temple closes at 1:00 PM as it can be crowded with devotees rushing for the final darshan.
Ideal Visit Time (Evening):The late afternoon, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, is ideal for the evening darshan and enjoying the beautiful river view at sunset.Special Events:
Dussehra (Durga Puja):The most significant and grand event is the annual Dussehra (or Durga Puja) festival in October. Devotees rush in thousands, especially on Maha Ashtami, for special worship and to witness the traditional offering rituals.
...Dussehra (Durga Puja):The most significant and grand event is the annual Dussehra (or Durga Puja) festival in October. Devotees rush in thousands, especially on Maha Ashtami, for special worship and to witness the traditional offering rituals.
Pana Sankranti and Akshaya Tritiya:Other major festivals include Pana Sankranti in April (the Odia New Year) and Akshaya Tritiya in May. These occasions involve special pujas (worships) and a festive atmosphere with local fairs and cultural gatherings.
Makar Sankranti:Celebrated in January, this festival draws a large crowd, marked by traditional rituals and offerings to the Goddess, making it a vibrant time to visit.Best Photo Spots:
The Mahanadi River Bank:The wide stretch of the river bank right in front of the temple offers spectacular views of the river's expanse, ideal for capturing the temple structure against the natural backdrop, especially at golden hour.
The Viewpo...The Mahanadi River Bank:The wide stretch of the river bank right in front of the temple offers spectacular views of the river's expanse, ideal for capturing the temple structure against the natural backdrop, especially at golden hour.
The Viewpoint Above the Temple:A slightly elevated point (sometimes a small natural hillock) near the temple offers a panoramic shot of the entire temple complex, the surrounding village, and the wide sweep of the Mahanadi meeting the hills.
Close-up of Temple Carvings:Focus on the architectural details, the unique idol iconography inside the Jagamohana, and the simple beauty of the stone construction for detailed photography.
Sunset over the River:The sunset from the temple bank is highly photogenic, capturing the vibrant colors reflecting on the water, a perfect blend of natural and spiritual atmosphere. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Offering Prayer and Seeking Blessings:The primary activity is to offer prayers to Maa Bhattarika and participate in the daily rituals and Aarti. The temple's spiritual atmosphere is conducive to meditation and seeking divine power.
Enjoying the Mahanadi River View:Spend a considerable amount of time near the river bank. The temple is famous for its beautiful setting. You can relax, sit on the steps, and watch the peaceful flow of the wide Mahanadi River.
Picnicking:The scenic area around the temple and the river bank is a very popular picnic spot, especially during the Winter months. Families and groups come here to spend a full day enjoying food and the natural environment.
Nature Photography:Capture the stunning landscape where the temple, the river, and the h...
Information
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Why Famous:
Shakti Peetha Significance:The temple is famous as a powerful Shakti Peetha, making it a major pilgrimage center for devotees of Goddess Shakti (Durga) from across Odisha and neighboring states. The mythological association with Parashurama adds to its sanctity and historic...Shakti Peetha Significance:The temple is famous as a powerful Shakti Peetha, making it a major pilgrimage center for devotees of Goddess Shakti (Durga) from across Odisha and neighboring states. The mythological association with Parashurama adds to its sanctity and historical reverence.
Riverine Beauty and Picnic Spot:Its location directly on the banks of the Mahanadi River, surrounded by small hills, makes it an exceptionally beautiful and serene spot. It is hugely popular as a picnic spot during the cooler Winter and Spring months, combining religious visit with a scenic day out.
Unique Rituals and Community Link:The temple is famous for its unique rituals, particularly the offering of fish and non-vegetarian food to the Goddess by the non-Brahmin and local fisherman communities, making it an inclusive and distinct place of worship revered as the deity of navigation. -
Architecture:
Kalingan Temple Style:The main temple structure is built in the traditional Kalingan architectural style, although it is believed to have undergone several renovations and reconstructions between the 6th and 16th centuries. The present structure mainly consists of a Vimana ...Kalingan Temple Style:The main temple structure is built in the traditional Kalingan architectural style, although it is believed to have undergone several renovations and reconstructions between the 6th and 16th centuries. The present structure mainly consists of a Vimana (sanctum) and a Jagamohana (assembly hall).
Temple Layout and Materials:Stone is the primary building material, featuring intricate carvings, though the structure is simpler than the grand temples of Bhubaneswar. The temple complex also includes smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, like the Astha Laxmi Temple. The goddess's main idol is uniquely carved on a stone, often associated with the legend of Parashurama carving it with his arrow.
Goddess Iconography:The main deity, Maa Bhattarika, is an eight-armed goddess seated in a specific posture. The interiors also contain eight smaller images of the Goddess in various positions (Lalitasana and Padmasana), with four hands holding symbols like the lotus, bow, arrow, and a mudra, indicating a complex and rich iconographic tradition, possibly linking to Buddhist Yogachara systems as well. -
How To Reach:
By Air:The nearest major airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, approximately 96 KM away. From the airport, one must hire a full-day taxi or a private cab. The journey takes about 2. 5 to 3 hours, traveling via NH55 and then local roads to Sasa... -
Near Tourist Places:
Ansupa Lake (Rs. 40 KM), Charchika Temple (Rs. 40 KM), Singhanath Temple (Rs. 25 KM), Dhabaleswar Temple (Rs. 55 KM), Lalitagiri Buddhist Complex (Rs. 70 KM), Barabati Fort (Rs. 82 KM), Narayana Temple, Baneswarnasi (Rs. 30 KM), Gopinath Temple, Badamba (Rs. 15 KM), Dabarkhola Waterfall (Rs. 20 KM), Chandaka Elephant Reserve Entry (Rs. 90 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:Wear modest attire suitable for a place of worship. Be cautious near the river bank, especially after the monsoon, as the currents can be strong. Carry plenty of drinking water and snacks as food options near the temple are basic.
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