The Majhighariani Temple in Rayagada town is a shrine of the goddess Majhighariani, regarded as an incarnation of Durga. According to the Odisha District Gazetteer, the 16th century king Vishwanath Dev Gajapati moved his capital to Rayagada and built a fort on the Nagavali river, with a temple of the goddess inside it. The fort is now in ruins and the present temple is of the late 20th century. Durga Puja and the Chaitra Parba are the main festivals.
quick facts
- district
Rayagada
- best time to visit
Durga Puja in autumn and the Chaitra Parba in March to April are the main festival periods.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Check the Dussehra or Chaitra Parba dates before a festival visit
- Follow the guidance of the temple servitors
- Keep the temple premises clean
- Plan for crowds on Wednesdays and Fridays
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
Rayagada is the nearest railhead and the temple is within the town, so local roads and town transport reach it.
address: Majhighariani Temple area, Rayagada town, Rayagada district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
The goddess is regarded as the guardian deity of Rayagada, and her temple is tied to the founding of the town. Odisha Tourism explains the name as the one seated in the central room, because the temple stood in the middle of the palace.
history
According to the Odisha District Gazetteer, as cited by Wikipedia, the 16th century Suryavanshi king Vishwanath Dev Gajapati moved his capital from Nandapur to Rayagada. He built a fort on the Nagavali river and placed a temple of Majhighariani within it. Tradition adds that after the temple was built he conquered a wide territory.
The British are reported to have destroyed the fort and used its stones for a bridge, and the present temple was built in the late 20th century. The Rayagada district history also notes the mud fort and the Sati Kunda as evidence of the area's past.
rituals and festivals
- Durga Puja, in autumn
- Chaitra Parba, in March to April
nearby
- Ruins of the old fort on the Nagavali river
- Sati Kunda
questions visitors ask
Who built the Majhighariani Temple?
According to the district gazetteer, King Vishwanath Dev Gajapati built a temple of the goddess inside his fort in the 16th century. The present temple was built in the late 20th century.
What does the name mean?
Odisha Tourism explains it as the goddess seated in the central room, since the temple stood in the middle of the palace.
Which festivals are celebrated here?
Durga Puja and the Chaitra Parba are the main festivals.
