Akhadachandi Temple,
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Akhadachandi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Goddess Durga located in Bhubaneswar, the capital
of Odisha, India. 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
No comments:
Post a Comment