Saptamatrika Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Saptamatrika Temple, Jajpur, Odisha

Saptamatrika Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to seven mother goddesses namely Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Shivaduti (Indrani), Narasimhi, Chamunda, Kaumari and Varahi, located in Jajpur Town in Jajpur District in Odisha State, India. It is believed that the goddesses are said to be attendants of goddess Viraja and protecting inhabitants of Jajpur. The temple is located on the south bank of Baitarani River  at Dasasvamedhaghata and close to the northern compound wall of Jagannatha temple complex and Siddha Ganesa temple.

History

The idols of Sapta Matrikas were installed during Dasasvamedha sacrifice performed by Somavamshi ruler Yajati Keshari II during 11^th century CE. The idols were originally kept in the Mukti Mandapa, but during the Kalapahad invasion the idols were thrown in to the river bed. Later on, the idols were recovered from river bed and enshrined in the present temple. The present temple was constructed during the last part of the 19^th century CE. The temple is currently under the control of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards north. The temple is a rectangular hall housing idols of Sapta Matrikas namely Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Shivaduti (Indrani), Narasimhi, Chamunda, Kaumari and Varahi. All the idols are larger in size. The rectangular hall is equipped with flat roof. The Chamunda is depicted in maharajalilasana, rest all are depicted in lalitasana. All are seated in lotus pedestals with respective mounts carved in front and babies held in one of their left hands. All the idols are 1.82 metres x 0.91 metres in size.

Festivals

People take a holy dip in Chaitra month during the Krishna paksha Chaturdasi with Satabhisha Nakshatra here.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Jajpur Bus Stand, 30 Kms from Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station, 80 Kms from Cuttack, 103 Kms from Bhubaneshwar and 106 Kms from Bhubaneshwar Airport. Jajpur is well connected to Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar. Regular Buses are available from Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar to Jajpur Town.

Location