The Barunei Temple stands on the northern slope of Barunei Hill in Khordha district, about 150 feet above the plain. It is dedicated to the twin goddesses Barunei and Karunei, regarded as forms of Shakti, whose black granite images are about 18 inches tall. They were the family deities of the Bhoi kings of Khurda, and warriors invoked them before battle. Visitors climb about 88 steps. A perennial stream, Swarna Ganga, flows down the hill, and the hill has caves.
quick facts
- district
Khordha
- best time to visit
Dates for specific festivals were not found in the sources consulted. Cooler months suit the hill climb.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Carry water for the climb
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Keep the hill and the pond clean
- Wear footwear suited to steps and rock
avoid
- Do not litter on the hill or in the stream
- Do not disturb worshippers during rituals
- Do not touch the images or the sanctum without permission
accessibility
Visitors climb about 88 steps, and some reviewers describe the path as steep, so it may be hard for those with limited mobility.
safety
Some visitors describe the path to the top as steep and challenging, so take care on the steps.
how to reach
The temple is about 32 km from Bhubaneswar, near Khurda Fort. Roads lead to the foot of the hill, followed by a climb of about 88 steps.
address: Barunei Hill, near Khurda, Khordha district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
Barunei and Karunei are regarded as manifestations of Shakti and were the family deities of the Bhoi dynasty of Khurda. The kings and paikas of Khurda are said to have worshipped them before going to war.
The hill is also linked in local lore with the Pandavas and Rama.
history
The temple is traditionally attributed to Ramachandra Dev I, the founder of the Bhoi dynasty, around 1590. The goddesses were the family deities of the Bhoi kings, and the temple lies near Khurda Fort.
The hill has caves, the largest called Pandavaguha, and inscriptions, one of which is attributed to a yogi named Makaradhwaja and dated to the tenth century by the heritage site consulted. These dates come from tourism and heritage websites rather than scholarly works, so they should be read as traditional accounts.
what to see
The images of Barunei and Karunei are of black granite and about 18 inches tall. The temple sits on the northern slope of the hill, which is described as about 7 km long. A perennial stream called Swarna Ganga flows down the hilltop into a pond, and its water is said by local accounts to have medicinal qualities.
nearby
- Khurda Fort
- Pandavaguha, the largest cave on the hill
- Swarna Ganga stream and pond
other temples nearby5
questions visitors ask
Who are Barunei and Karunei?
They are twin goddesses regarded as forms of Shakti, worshipped as the family deities of the Bhoi kings of Khurda.
How many steps lead to the temple?
Sources say about 88 steps, though some reviewers describe the path as steep.
What else is on the hill?
The hill has caves, the largest called Pandavaguha, a perennial stream called Swarna Ganga and some inscriptions.
