Barunei

Barunei is a Shakta goddess enshrined with her twin Karunei on Barunei Hill, beside Khurda in Khordha district. The two goddesses, shown in battle dress, are regarded as manifestations of Shakti. The kings and paikas of Khurda Garh worshipped them before going to war. Visitors climb 88 steps to reach the temple, and the Swarna Ganga stream flows from the nearby hills. Tradition credits Ramachandra Dev I, founder of the Bhoi dynasty, with the temple, around 1590.

According to one account, the temple was built by Ramachandra Dev I, founder of the Bhoi dynasty, around the year 1590. Another says he made Barunei and Karunei the presiding deities of Khurda Garh. The twin goddesses were worshipped by the kings and paikas whenever they marched to war.