Bali Harachandi Temple, Odisha

Address

Harachandi Rd, Narasinghpatana, Sipasurubili,

Odisha 752011

Amman

Goddess Durga

Introduction

“Bali Harachandi – Temple of Goddess Durga” 27 km to the south-west of Puri is the temple of Baliharachandi. Situated on a sandy hill near the sea and adjacent to the mouth of the river Bhargavi, Goddess Durga is worshiped here as Baliharachandi. The temple is located on a large sand dune on the shore in the locality of Baliharchandi at a distance of one km from the village Palanka and 5 kms east of Kathuari chowk on the N.H. – 203 leading from Puri to Satapada.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be built in 8th century, when the Jagannath Temple was constructed in Puri. This temple was built much behind the main Jagannath temple.”The Goddess Bali Harachandi” is considered by people as one of the Asta-saktis of Odisha. Bali Harachandi temple is an important Sakta pitha of the Puri District. This temple has relation with Sri Jagannatha temple of Puri in respect of a ritual on the Mahanavami day in the month of Asvina devotees who visit Lord Alarnath temple of Brahmagiri; most of them also do visit the temple of Goddess Bali-Harachandi.

“Facing towards the eastern direction, the temple houses the presiding deity is Asta-Bhuja (Eight-Armed) Mahisamardini Durga worshipped as Bali Harachandi. The latter is also regarded as goddess of water and navigation and believed to protect the boatmen and fishermen from potential danger in the sea. The temple is a protected monument of Odisha State Archaeology and under the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

Special Features

The place is really beautiful with forest, river, sand and Beach. Any devotee feels here the grace and presence of Goddess Durga. “Some of the devotees of the different parts of India as well as abroad also go to the site of the temple due to its picturesque location between the Lord Jagannatha temple of Puri and the Alarnath temple of Brahmagiri. Now the site of the temple is one of the important spots of Odisha.

Festivals

“Raja is one of the main festivals of Goddess Bali Harachandi, the festival continues here for 4 days. The first day of Raja festival, Goddess Balli Harachandi worshiped & dressed as Kumari, the second Day as Devi Mahalaxmi, and the Third day as Devi Saraswati and the fourth day as Devi Mahakali.

“The Raja Festival is celebrated for 3 Days across Odisha, but in Bali Harachadi Pitha of Brahmagiri the festival is observed for four days.