Shyamakali Temple, Puri,
Odisha
Shyamakali Temple is a Hindu Temple
dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in Puri, a famous pilgrimage town in the
state of Odisha, India. Shyamakali is the fearful and ferocious form of the
mother goddess Durga. The temple is considered as the oldest temple of Puri
where Goddess Kali is worshiped. This
Temple is considered as one of the Sakta shrines of Puri.
The Temple is located at about 750 meters from Puri
Jagannatha Temple, 2.5 Kms from Puri Bus Stand and 3.5 Kms from Puri Railway
Station. Devotees
can reach the temple by using the road leading towards Swargadwar from
Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) of Lord Jagannath Temple, there is a diversion to Bali
Sahi. After entering this lane, reach Shyamakali Chowk, the temple is situated
on the right side of the Shyamakali lane, leading from Shyamakali Chowk to
Tiadisahi.
The
Temple
The Temple is facing towards
east. The Temple is constructed using laterite stones. Presiding Deity is
called as Shyamakali. She is housed in the sanctum. She is a four-armed Kali. She
stands in Pratyalidha pose on the chest of Lord Shiva. She holds a sword and
displays Abhaya-mudra in her upper left and right hands respectively while her
lower left hand is holding a severed human head and the lower right displays
Varada-mudra.
She possesses three eyes and is
surrounded by jackals and vultures carved on the side. The height of the image
is around four feet. There are other two images carved on the left side of
Shyamakali. These images are four handed and known as Vimala and Sarbamangala.
The image of Vimala is seen standing and holding a noose, a human figure and a
vase. Likewise, the seated image of Mangala holds a full moon, rosary and
lotus. The significant aspect of this image is that she holds a pestle in her
upper left hand.
Shyamakali has been the official
deity for the Gajapati Maharaja (King) of Puri. The insignia of the royal
family of Puri can be seen over her altar. Till today, according to the royal
custom, the new king after his coronation, first visits this temple and worship
Shyamakali. Originally the temple was under the direct supervision of the
Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, but at present chief priests of the temple are
taking care.
Festivals
Kali Puja, Deepavali, Durga
Puja, Jagatdhatri Puja etc. are the festivals celebrated here.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location
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