Puri Ramachandi Temple, Odisha

Address

Puri Ramachandi Temple, Odisha

Chari Chaka, Puri District,

Badasankha, Odisha 752002  

Moolavar

Ramachandi

Introduction

• Located on the banks of the Kusabhadra River, near its confluence with the Bay of Bengal.
• Situated 5 km from Konark in the Puri District of Odisha, India.
• Dedicated to Goddess Ramachandi, believed to be the presiding deity of Konark.
• Some believe it honors Mayadevi, consort of Surya (Sun God).
• Older than the Sun Temple of Konark.
• Architecturally simple but holds immense religious significance as a Shakti site.

Puranic Significance

• A legend involves Kalapahad, a Brahmin youth who converted to Islam and aimed to destroy Hindu temples in the 17th century.
• After destroying the Sun Temple, Kalapahad approached the Ramachandi Temple.
• Goddess Ramachandi, disguised as a Maluni (maidservant), asked Kalapahad to wait while she fetched water from the river.
• Kalapahad waited but grew impatient; when he entered the temple, the throne was empty.
• He pursued the Maluni to the riverbank and saw Goddess Ramachandi floating in the middle of the river, beyond his reach due to turbulent waters.
• The Goddess appeared in the dream of a local priest (Panda) and instructed him to build a temple on the Kusabhadra River’s bank.
• The site is now known as Ramachandi.

Special Features

• The original temple has collapsed, leaving only ruins of its walls and an empty throne.
• Despite the lack of historical evidence, it is a popular pilgrimage site.
• Visitors come to seek blessings from Goddess Ramachandi and enjoy the scenic beauty.
• The site is surrounded by the tranquil Kusabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal, making it a serene and picturesque destination.
• The combination of spiritual significance and natural beauty makes it a sought-after destination for both pilgrims and tourists.

Century/Period

17th century

Nearest Bus Station

Ramachandi Temple

Nearest Railway Station

Puri Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar

Location on Map

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