Bhubaneswar Akhadachandi Temple, Odisha

Address

Bhubaneswar Akhadachandi Temple, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002

Diety

Amman: Durga

Introduction

The Akhadachandi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is an important religious site located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India.

Puranic Significance

Goddess Worshiped: The primary deity of the Akhadachandi Temple is Goddess Chandi, also known as Mahisasuramardini and Durga. Goddess Chandi is revered as the embodiment of strength, victory, and the divine feminine.
Care and Maintenance: Currently, the temple is under the care and management of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, which oversees its upkeep and administration.
Historical Period: The Akhadachandi Temple is believed to date back to the 10th century AD. This period saw the rise of kings who were devoted to Mahisasuramardini, as she is considered the Goddess of victory and war.
Architectural Style: The temple’s main structure is the vimana (tower) that houses the sanctum sanctorum. The vimana follows the Rekha architectural style, characterized by its distinct features. The vimana is approximately 42.94 meters in height from the inside.
Vimana Elements: The vimana consists of several architectural elements, including:
- Bada: This section has a height of 1.74 meters and forms the lowermost part of the vimana.
- Gandi: The gandi features a semi-circular roof with tiers, adding to the architectural beauty of the temple.
- Mastaka: At the top of the vimana is the mastaka, which typically includes a sacred golden vase known as Kalasa. The mastaka also features gajakranta motifs on each side of the kalasa.
Temple Dimensions: The temple’s architectural dimensions include a pabhaga (platform) that is 0.26 meters high, a jangha (wall) that is 0.52 meters high, a bandhana (frieze) that is 0.08 meters high, and a veranda that is 0.26 meters high.
Decorative Elements: The primary piece of decoration in the temple can be found on the doorjambs, which feature intricate designs measuring 1.10 meters in length.
Entrances: The Akhadachandi Temple has three entrances, providing access to different parts of the temple complex.
Exterior Walls: The exterior walls of the temple are notably devoid of intricate carvings or decorations, maintaining a more simplistic architectural style.

Festivals

Apart from daily puja and rituals, various religious sacraments like Navratri, Durga Pooja, Diwali and Balabhoga are performed in the temple. The most important festival celebrated in the temple is the Durga Puja one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Orissa. The span of Durga Puja is ten days and is called the festival of Dashami. On the tenth day Durga attains victory and hence is celebrated as a day of rejoice, valor and power of Durga.