Maninaga Temples, Raj Ranpur, Odisha

Maninaga Temples, Raj Ranpur, Odisha

Maninaga Temples are group of two temples dedicated to goddess Maninaga located in Raj Ranpur Town in Ranpur Block in Nayagarh District in Odisha, India. These temples are considered as important temples in Odisha for the Shakta sect.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/maninaga-temples-raj-ranpur-legends.html

History

The Mani Nag Temple at the top of the Maninag Hill was built by the King Udhbhava Singh Narendra of Ranpur State in 14^th century CE. It is said that king arranged a tribal priest named Jani for the worship of the deity at the hill top temple. Due to the difficulties in climbing the mountain infested with wild animals, a temple was later built at the foot hills by the then king. The goddess is worshipped by both the Jani and the Brahmin priests at the foot hill temple. It is said, in the month of Magha, a man was offered to the goddess as sacrifice which was discontinued after independence. Maninaga is considered as the tutelary deity of Raj Ranpur and its surrounding region.

The Temples

There are two Maninaga Temples namely Lower Maninaga Temple and Upper Maninaga Temple at Raj Ranpur Town.

Lower Maninaga Temple:

The Lower Maninaga Temple is situated at the foothills of Maninaga Hills.

Location

Upper Maninaga Temple:

The Upper Maninaga Temple is situated at the top of the Maninaga Hills. The temple can be accessed through flight of steps from the motorable road. There is a shrine for Lord Anjaneya on the way from the foot hills to the hill top. The temple consists of rekha vimana. The hill top provides panoramic view of the surrounding region.

Location

Festivals

Raja festival is major festival here when a mela is organized.

Connectivity

The Upper Maninaga Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Raj Ranpur. Ranpur is located at about 13 Kms from Rajsunakhala Railway Station, 16 Kms from Kandhanayagarh, 27 Kms from Jankia, 31 Kms from Nayagarh, 70 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport, 70 Kms from Bhubaneswar and 124 Kms from Brahmapur. The temple is situated at about 16 Kms from Kandhanayagarh on Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur route (NH 16).