Dadhibaman Temple stands in the town of Bhatli in Bargarh district, in western Odisha, and is dedicated to Dadhibaman, regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu. Its rituals follow those of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and its annual Ratha Jatra is among the major festivals of the region. Bhatli is sometimes called the Srikhetra of western Odisha for that reason. The town is about 18 km by road from Bargarh, the district headquarters, and is on a state highway. Pilgrims also travel from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for the car festival.
quick facts
- district
Bargarh
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
how to reach
Bhatli is about 18 km by road from Bargarh, the district headquarters, and is connected by state highway. Railway station and airport distances were not given in the sources consulted. Bargarh is the usual base for travellers.
address: Bhatli, Bargarh district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
The temple makes Bhatli the Srikhetra of western Odisha. Devotees believe that seeing Dadhibaman on top of the chariot grants moksha.
history
One account in the press says the temple was founded in 1912, but the source does not name its own authority, so the date should be checked. The temple follows the rituals of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and its car festival is modelled on the Puri Ratha Jatra. The founding date is the only dated claim found, and no inscription or builder is named in the sources consulted. Note that other shrines of Dadhibaman exist in Odisha, including a 9th to 10th century state protected temple at Khariar in Nuapada district and one at Koilo in Cuttack district, which are different temples.
rituals and festivals
Ratha Jatra begins on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha. Before the procession, Dadhibaman is brought to the top of the chariot through the pahandi ritual, and lakhs of devotees attend.
- Chhera Pahanra: the Gountia of Bhatli sweeps the chariot floor with scented water, and devotees then pull the chariot.
- Ratha Chhuan: along the route, parents bring newborns to touch the chariot, usually after the first solid food ceremony, a custom believed to purify the child and promote good health.
- The chariot travels to the nearby Mausi Maa Temple. A page based on Wikipedia says the return Bahuda Yatra is held on the tenth day, as at Puri.
questions visitors ask
Who is Dadhibaman?
Dadhibaman is regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu, worshipped here with rituals that follow the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
When is the Ratha Jatra held?
It begins on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, in line with Puri.
What is Ratha Chhuan?
Parents bring newborns to touch the chariot along its route, a custom believed to purify the child and promote good health.
