History:

Bhadrakali Temple in Bhadrak, Odisha is an ancient temple dedicated to the main Goddess in the region- Bhadrakali. The main goddess Bhadrakali is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Legends say that the temple was built during the 12th Century AD, and the main deity Bhadrakali was installed by King Bhaskar Varman. It is believed that the temple was constructed to commemorate a great battle between the Raja of Bhadrak and the Kaljut Asura Demon. The temple is built in the shape of a cross and consists of four subsidiary shrines in the central courtyard. The main shrine is dedicated to Bhadrakali, and other shrines are dedicated to Shiva, Kali, and other Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is renowned for hosting the annual fair, “Jagaddhatri Puja”, which celebrates the goddess's victory over the demon. Other festivals celebrated here include Mahaparba (Holi), Kartik Purnima, Diwali, Kaital Puja, Ram Navami, and Hanuman Jayanti. Devotees from all over India and abroad make their pilgrimage to visit the temple and seek the blessings of the Goddess. The Bhadrakali Temple is managed and maintained by the State's Board of Endowments Trust. This trust is responsible for taking care of the temple’s maintenance, providing financial aid to devotees, and organizing various religious ceremonies. The temple has since become an important religious destination in Odisha and is visited by thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. It is one of the best temple in Odisha which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Bhadrakali Temple is located in Bhadrak Town, Odisha, India. 2. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of the Goddess Durga. 3. It is believed to be around 400 to 500 years old and is said to have been built by a king named Mahendra Keshari. 4. The temple complex is spread over an area of about 5 acres and contains a Mandapam or Hall, temple tower, Sabha Mandapam or Assembly Hall, and a Yajnashala. 5. The idol of the Goddess is made from black stone and is about 4.5 feet tall. 6. The Goddess is accompanied by two female figures known as Jaya and Vijaya. 7. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, particularly during the occasion of Mahashivaratri, which is celebrated every year in the month of Phalguna (February/March). 8. The temple has inscriptions in Oriya on its walls, which gives details about its history. Here are some facts about the Odisha temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Odisha

Worship Method:

The Bhadrakali Temple in Odisha is known for its elaborate worship practice. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali and is held in high reverence by devotees. The primary worship practice at the temple is the daily performance of abhishekam or bathing ritual. During abhishekam, devotees use various substances such as milk, honey, bell-metal, and ghee to bath the idol of Bhadrakali. This ritual is accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras and offering of flowers. Another important ritual at this temple is the special offering of a head-dressed statue of Bhadrakali made out of mud. Devotees also perform various other rituals such as japa (chanting), homa (fire ritual), and panchagavya (five milk products) offering. The special puja of the goddess is performed on days of religious importance such as Dussehra, Navaratri, Sharad Purnima, and Mahashivaratri. Devotees offer special prayers and perform the puja with great solemnity. The temple also provides facilities for organizing various festivals throughout the year. These festivals attract large crowds of devotees who participate in religious activities such as singing devotional songs and offering prayers. On the day of the festival, devotees also carry small idols of the goddess and perform a ceremonial procession. The temple is also known for its unique practice of offering Coconuts as prasad. Devotees come to the temple with offerings of coconuts (in their thousands)during special festivals. These coconuts are then shared among the devotees as a reminder of the goddess’ grace and blessings. This most visited temple in Odisha

Opening Timing:

The Bhadrakali Temple in Bhadrak, Odisha opens daily at 4:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm. top temples in Odisha

How to reach:

Bhadrakali Temple - Bhadrak is situated in Bhadrak town in Odisha and is easily accessible by all means of transportation. By Air: The closest domestic airport from Bhadrak is Bhubaneswar Airport at a distance of about 135 km. The airport is well connected with major cities of India. By Road: Bhadrak town has good road connectivity with nearby cities like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Baleshwar, Jajpur etc. There are regular bus services available which can be taken to reach Bhadrak. By Train: Bhadrakh railway station is the nearest train station. It is well connected to major cities of India such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi , Kolkata, Patna, Chennai and many other cities. famous temples in Odisha