Kalijai Temple crowns a small hill on an island in Chilika lake and is reached only by boat. The goddess Kalijai is a local deity identified with Kali, and the island is a landmark for boat visitors on the lake. A legend says a newly married girl named Jaai was lost when a cyclone capsized her boat on the lake, and she became the goddess of the island. The temple fair at Makar Sankranti in January draws large crowds of pilgrims and boatloads of visitors.
quick facts
- district
Khordha
- best time to visit
Makar Sankranti in January, when a large fair is held.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Remove footwear before entering the shrine
- Use a licensed boat with life jackets
- Follow the guidance of the temple priests
avoid
- Do not litter on the island or in the lake
- Do not overload boats
- Do not disturb worship in progress
how to reach
The island is reached only by boat across Chilika lake. Travel guides report boat access from Balugaon and from Barkul, where a tourism boat service has been reported. Balugaon is the usual nearest railway station and Bhubaneswar the nearest airport. Boat fares and schedules vary, so check at the jetty.
address: Kalijai island, Chilika lake, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
Kalijai is worshipped as the local goddess of the island in Chilika lake.
Wikipedia identifies her with Kali, the first of the Dasamahavidyas, but the worship here is rooted in the local legend of Jaai.
history
According to the legend, a newly married girl called Jaai died when a cyclone capsized the boat taking her and her father to her in-laws on an island. She is said to have become a local goddess. A poem by Godabarish Mishra gives a similar account but may be the poet's imagination, as Wikipedia notes.
The History of Parikud by Radha Charan Panda (1930) is cited for the temple having been built in 1717 by Jagannath Mansingh, king of Bankad, now Banapur. These are the sources' attributions and the legend is local tradition.
what to see
The temple is a small shrine on the hill of Kalijai. No architectural survey was found, so no dimensions or style details are given.
rituals and festivals
A large fair is held every January on Makar Sankranti, when thousands of pilgrims cross the lake to worship the goddess.
nearby
- Chilika lake and its island bird and dolphin viewing areas
- Balugaon and Barkul boat jetties
other temples nearby1
questions visitors ask
How do you reach Kalijai Temple?
Only by boat across Chilika lake, with services reported from Balugaon and Barkul. Check fares and timings at the jetty.
Who is Kalijai?
A local goddess of the lake, identified with Kali. Legend says she was a newly married girl named Jaai who was lost when her boat capsized in a cyclone.
When is the big fair?
Every January on Makar Sankranti.
