Maa Kalijai Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.

• By train

  The nearest railway station is Balugaon.

• By road

  Road access is via Barkul and Balugaon. The temple itself is reached only by boat across the lagoon.

Rules to know

• Boat charges apply to cross the lagoon, although the temple itself has no entry fee.

Why devotees come here

Maa Kalijai Temple stands on an island in Chilika Lake, Khordha district, Odisha. It is considered the abode of Kalijai, who is Kali, and it is one of the lagoon's most revered shrines. Visitors reach it only by boat across the lagoon.

Maa Kalijai Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Chilika Lake. The island is considered the abode of Kalijai, who is Kali, the first of the Dasmahavidyas. Legend says a young bride named Jai was crossing the lagoon with her family when a storm capsized their boat. Her story was told in the poem Kalijai by Godabarish Mishra, and it became part of local folklore. The shrine came to be known by the name of the poem. The bride's story is attributed to the poet's imagination and may not be evidenced.

Legend also says that when the King of Khordha's army reached Chilika's shores to attack Parikud, flocks of flamingos covered the water and looked like a defending force. The Odisha Tourism page says the Kings of Parikud, ardent devotees of Kali, established the temple. A different account says the king of Bankad, now Banapur, is said to have built it in 1717.

Every January, a large fair is held during Makar Sankranti. The Kalijai Makar Mela brings thousands of devotees to the island.

Festivals

• January, during Makar SankrantiKalijai Makar Mela

  A large fair on the island that draws thousands of devotees.

Tips for your visit

• The boat ride across the lagoon is part of the visit, with open water and islands along the way.
• Plan the crossing so you reach the island between 6 AM and 6 PM.

Questions people ask