Ugratara Temple stands at Mulajharigarh village near Bhusandapur in Khordha district, about 55 to 65 km from Bhubaneswar. The goddess Ugratara, also known as Ekajata or Neela Saraswati, is described as the tutelary deity of the Eastern Ganga kings of Kalinga, and is counted among the ten Mahavidyas in Tantric tradition. She is shown three-eyed and four-armed, standing on a corpse amid funeral flames. The shrine is also tied to the old Mulajharigarh fort, and Durga Puja is its major festival.
quick facts
- district
Khordha
- best time to visit
Durga Puja, including Sharadiya Durga Puja, and the Dussehra period.
- dress code
Ethnic or traditional dress is customary.
know before you go
do
- Remove footwear before entering the temple precincts
- Follow the guidance of the temple priests
- Ask the priests before taking any offering inside
avoid
- Do not litter in the precincts
- Do not disturb worship in progress
- Do not push in queues on festival days
how to reach
The temple is about 65 km from Bhubaneswar by one account and 55 to 60 km by another. The nearest railway station is Bhusandapur, served by local passenger trains from Bhubaneswar and Balugaon. Confirm road routes locally.
address: Mulajharigarh village, near Bhusandapur, Khordha district, Odisha
history and significance
why it matters
Ugratara is worshipped here with Tantric rites, and the shrine is counted as a Tantrapitha of Odisha. Many families of the Vasishtha gotra are said to worship her as their chosen deity.
The temple is associated with the Mulajharigarh fort, of which the goddess is traditionally the protector.
history
Ugratara is described as the tutelary deity of the Eastern Ganga rulers of Kalinga. The snake motifs of the icon are said to date it to the time of the 11th century Tantric text Sadhanamala. Under the later Gajapati kings, who revered Kali or Shyamakali, her worship received less attention.
The temple is described as ancient but no founding date was found. The site is tied to the historic Mulajharigarh fort, which has faded from history. Both the dating from snake motifs and the dynastic link are scholarly or traditional attributions and are not confirmed by an inscription cited in the sources.
what to see
The icon is three-eyed and four-armed, holding a sword, dagger, blue lotus and drinking cup. She stands on a corpse amid the flames of a funeral pyre, with serpent anklets and a serpent on her crown. One press account describes her as riding a tiger, which differs from this description.
rituals and festivals
Chaitra Parba, Raja Parba and Sharadiya Durga Puja are the main festivals, and annual Dussehra celebrations are important. Basantika Durga Puja is also associated with the temple. According to a priest quoted in the press, Durga Puja rites begin with sixteen days of rituals from Mulastami.
Worship follows the Tantric method, and fish dishes are among the traditional offerings.
nearby
- Remains of the Mulajharigarh fort
other temples nearby1
questions visitors ask
Where is Ugratara Temple?
At Mulajharigarh village near Bhusandapur in Khordha district, about 55 to 65 km from Bhubaneswar.
Who is Ugratara?
A Tantric goddess, one of the ten Mahavidyas, also called Ekajata or Neela Saraswati, described as the tutelary deity of the Eastern Ganga kings.
What is the main festival?
Durga Puja, including Sharadiya Durga Puja, with Dussehra celebrations. Chaitra Parba and Raja Parba are also observed.
