The Markama Temple is at Bissam Cuttack in Rayagada district, and Chatikona is the nearest railhead. It is dedicated to the goddess Markama, and beside it stands the shrine of Karkama, believed to be her sister. Wikipedia describes it as the only shrine in Odisha of these two deities. Local legend ties the goddess to the rulers of the Bissam Cuttack estate. Dussehra and the Chaitra Parba are celebrated here every year. The present building is recent, though worship is said to be old.
quick facts
- district
Rayagada
- best time to visit
Dussehra and the Chaitra Parba, both celebrated every year, 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
- Visit the Karkama shrine beside the temple
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
Chatikona railway station, which serves Bissam Cuttack, is the nearest railhead, about 7 km from the temple. Chatikona is about 48 km from Rayagada town, the district headquarters.
address: Bissam Cuttack, Rayagada district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
The goddess Markama is worshipped with Karkama, believed to be her sister, whose temple stands beside hers.
She is linked in local legend with the rulers of the Bissam Cuttack estate.
history
Local tradition says the goddess has been worshipped for centuries, though the present temple was built in the recent past. According to several legends, Markama helped the king of Bissam Cuttack in a war by mesmerizing the enemy soldiers.
The legends are not documented in sources beyond local and encyclopedic accounts, and no foundation date is given, so they are best read as tradition.
rituals and festivals
- Dussehra, celebrated every year
- Chaitra Parba, celebrated every year
nearby
- Karkama shrine, beside the temple
- Pataleswar Shiva temple and Chatikona Falls, at Chatikona
questions visitors ask
Who are Markama and Karkama?
Markama is the main deity here. Karkama, believed to be her sister, has a temple beside hers.
Which railway station is nearest?
Chatikona, which serves Bissam Cuttack, is the nearest railhead, about 7 km away.
Is the temple building old?
Worship is said to be centuries old, but the present temple was built in the recent past.
