Maa Bhagabati Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The Khordha district listing names Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, as the nearest airport, 27 km away. The distance is not given for the temple itself.

• By train

  Khordha Road Junction is the nearest railway station listed for Khordha district.

• By road

  Khordha district is linked by National Highway 16 and the East Coast Railway network.

Rules to know

• In October 2010 the Orissa High Court asked the state to ensure that no animal sacrifice takes place at the temple during Dussehra (order dated 5 October).

Why devotees come here

Maa Bhagabati Temple is dedicated to Devi Bhagabati in Banapur, a town in Khordha district, Odisha. It is counted among the famous Shaktipithas of Odisha, and it is a centre of religious activity in the town.

Banapur is named after King Banasura of the Krishna era, as the epic tells it. The temple of Devi Bhagabati stands in the town and is counted among the famous Shaktipithas of Odisha. It is a well-known centre of religious activity in Banapur.

Banapur was once the capital of the Sailodhvaba dynasty, which built the early group of temples at Bhubaneswar. Many Buddhist images found in the town link it to the Vajrayana cult of Buddhism. The story says Jagannath was housed at the Bankada gada fort here for 30 years.

Banapur was an important centre of Shaivism, Shaktism and Buddhism. Hills led by Ghantasila surround the town, with Chilika lake on its fourth side. The town is said to hold 13 festivals in 12 months.

Festivals

• 5th day after Holi or Dola PurnimaPanchudola

  The most famous festival in Banapur town, not a temple-only event. The gathering brings 72 gods and goddesses to a large ground.

Tips for your visit

• The ancient Daksheswar temple stands at the entrance of the town, with fine Odia architecture and sculpture.
• Taxis, cabs and buses run from the Bhubaneswar airport for the onward journey.

Questions people ask