The Budhi Thakurani Temple stands at Big Bazaar in Berhampur and is one of the most revered shrines of southern Odisha. The goddess is worshipped as the patron deity of the city. Her priests come from the barber community, unlike most temples where Brahmins serve. Her festival, the Thakurani Yatra, is held every two years in spring and is recognised by the Odisha government as a state festival. During the yatra she is treated as a married daughter visiting her father's house.
quick facts
- district
Ganjam
- best time to visit
The Thakurani Yatra, held every two years in spring from about Chaitra, is the main festival period. The 2023 yatra ran from 4 April to 1 May, so confirm the dates before planning a visit.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Check the yatra dates, as sources differ on how often it is held
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Keep the temple premises clean
- Plan for heavy crowds during the yatra
avoid
- Do not litter in the temple area
- Do not disturb worshippers during rituals
- Do not touch the image or the sanctum without permission
how to reach
The temple is in the middle of Berhampur city, which is the nearest railway town. Local roads and city transport reach Big Bazaar.
address: Big Bazaar, Berhampur (Brahmapur), Ganjam district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
Historians link the cult of Budhi Thakurani with the rise of Berhampur town around 1672. The goddess is the guardian deity of the city.
The priests are drawn from the barber community, and the festival brings the weaver and barber communities together in worship.
history
According to historians cited in the press, the cult of Budhi Thakurani began along with the town of Berhampur around 1672. Weavers of the Telugu Dera community, who came to Mahuri at the invitation of its ruler, are said to have begun the Ghata Yatra, a pot festival, in honour of the goddess.
According to the legend, the chief of the Dera community, who offered flowers to the goddess every day, met a young girl weeping on a Chaitra Tuesday night and took her in as his daughter. She later revealed herself as the goddess and asked him to appoint as priest the first person he met on his way home. That was a barber, and barbers have served as priests since. Accounts differ on details, and this is tradition, not recorded history.
rituals and festivals
- Thakurani Yatra, held every two years from about Chaitra, in which the goddess is received at the house of the Desi Behera, the chief of the Dera community, as her father
- The yatra has been recognised by the Odisha government as a state festival, according to press reports
The length of the yatra varies: 28 days in 2023, and a shortened seven-day yatra in 2021 under pandemic rules.
nearby
- Siddha Bhairavi Temple, Mantridi
other temples nearby2
questions visitors ask
Who are the priests of the temple?
According to tradition, priests come from the barber community, following the legend of the goddess and the chief of the Dera community.
What is the Thakurani Yatra?
It is the festival of the goddess held every two years, beginning around Chaitra, in which she visits her father's house. It has been recognised as a state festival of Odisha.
Is this the same as the Budhi Thakurani temple at Talcher?
No. This is the Berhampur temple in Ganjam district. A separate temple of the same name stands in Talcher, Angul district.
