Saturday, December 21, 2019

Akhadachandi Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Akhadachandi Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Akhadachandi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in Bhubaneswar, the capital of OdishaIndia. The Akhadachandi Temple is among the few temples dedicated to Goddess Chandi / Mahisasuramardini / Durga. At present, the temple is taken care by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation. The temple was renovated by the Odisha State Archaeology.



History
The Akhadachandi temple is small temple built in the 10th century AD. The Kings reigning during the 10th century AD were ardent devotee of Mahisasuramardini as she is considered as Goddess of victory and war.
The Temple
Akhadachandi Temple houses the idol of Goddess Durga who is worshipped here in the name of Mahisasuramardini.  The temple is facing towards south while the temple idol is facing towards the east. This temple also features the common Kalinga architecture seen in the temples of Orissa. The temple is built facing the south. The material used to build the temple is coarse grained sandstone. The temple shows a Khakhara plan and is rectangle in shape which measures 1.28 by 1.83 meters.
The main part of the temple is the vimana housing the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum consists of an idol of Mahisasuramardini and is placed facing towards the east. The vimana is 42.94 meters high from the inside. The included Rekha order features bada with a height of 1.74 meters, a gandi comprising of a semicircular roof consisting of tiers and mastaka comprising a Kalasa or a sacred golden vase having gajakranta on each sides of the kalasa.
The bada further has the pabhaga 0.26 meters high, jangha 0.52 meters high, Bandhana 0.08 meters high and the veranda of 0.26 meters. The only piece of decoration in the surface of the temple walls in on the doorjambs with designs of 1.10 metres by 0.65 metres. There are three entrances in the temple. The walls of the temples are devoid of any kind of decorations or carvings.
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.
Offerings
The temple is open for worship to all Hindus and devotes offer their articles such as bangles, vermillion powder, mirror, ear rings, black kajal and many other decorative articles for shringar of the mother. Balabhoga is also performed here because one of the basic ritual while worshipping Goddess Durga is animal sacrifice. These animals are considered as beasts and demons at war with Goddess Durga.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location

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