Baladevjew Temple stands at Ichhapur, also known as Tulasi Khetra, on the edge of Kendrapara town. Baladevjew, the Odia name of Balarama, is the main deity, and Jagannath and Subhadra are also worshipped on the Ratna Sinhasan. The present temple dates to 1761. The shrine is known for the Besha, or ritual adornment, of the deities on festival days and for its Rath Yatra, where the Brahma Taladhwaja chariot is a famous feature.
quick facts
- district
Kendrapara
- best time to visit
Festival days such as Chaitra Purnima, Kartik Purnima, Tulsi Vivah, Vasant Panchami and Phalguna Purnima, and the Rath Yatra.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Remove footwear before entering the temple precincts
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Take part in the Besha darshan on festival days with patience
avoid
- Do not litter in the precincts
- Do not push in queues on festival days
- Do not disturb rituals in progress
how to reach
The temple is in Ichhapur, about 2 km southwest of Kendrapara town, which is reached by road from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. Check current routes and the nearest railway station with a local source before travel.
address: Ichhapur (Tulasi Khetra), Kendrapara, Kendrapara district, Odisha, PIN 754211
history and significance
why it matters
Kendrapara is known as Tulasi Khetra, and this temple is its chief shrine. The deities are dressed in special Besha on several festival days through the year.
The complex also holds shrines of Lakshmi, Bhairavi, the Navagraha, forms of Shiva, Rama and Ganesha.
history
According to local belief, an earlier temple was demolished in 1661 by a Mughal-era subedar, who built a mosque on the site. Devotees are said to have carried the deities to hidden places before they reached Ichhapur. This account is local tradition and is not independently dated.
The present temple is dated to 1761, during Maratha rule, and was built with the support of local rulers and zamindars. Since then it has served as the main centre of the Baladevjew tradition at Kendrapara.
what to see
The complex covers about two acres and is enclosed by a boundary wall about 46 feet high. The main temple, the Bada Deula or Sri Mandir, is about 75 feet high and 40 feet wide. The complex also includes the Bhoga Mandapa, Jagamohana and the Bata Mandir, along with several subsidiary shrines.
rituals and festivals
Besha, or ritual adornment, is performed on Chaitra Purnima, Kartik Purnima, Tulsi Vivah, Vasant Panchami and Phalguna Purnima.
The Rath Yatra here is known for the Brahma Taladhwaja chariot.
nearby
- Shrines of Lakshmi, Shiva, Rama and Ganesha inside the complex
questions visitors ask
Who is the main deity at Baladevjew Temple?
Baladevjew, the Odia name of Balarama. Jagannath and Subhadra are also worshipped on the Ratna Sinhasan.
When was the present temple built?
In 1761, during Maratha rule. Local tradition says an earlier temple was demolished in 1661.
What is Besha?
The ritual adornment of the deities on festival days such as Chaitra Purnima, Kartik Purnima and Vasant Panchami.
