Maa Majhighariani Temple, Rayagada: The Spiritual Epicenter of Southern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Southern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the Maa Majhighariani Temple in Rayagada is a beacon of faith and spirituality. Renowned for its divine ambience and rich cultural heritage, this sacred temple attracts many devotees from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and the undivided Koraput District. The unique aspect of this temple is that only the face of Maa Majhighariani, an embodiment of the goddess Durga, is worshipped, resonating with the profound devotion of her followers.
Historical Significance of Maa Majhighariani Temple:
The temple’s history is intermixed with the legacy of the 16th-century Suryavanshi king, Vishwanath Dev Gajapati, who shifted his capital to Rayagada from Nandapur. He erected a fortress on the banks of the Nagavali river, now a relic of the past. He established the original temple of Majhighariani Goddess within its precincts. Although the fort faced destruction at the hands of the British, who repurposed its stones for bridge construction, the sanctity of the place was restored with the construction of the current temple in the late 20th century.
Divine Worship and Festivities:
The goddess, revered as a form of Shakti, is celebrated for her divine protection over the town, with locals believing in the mystical presence of her celestial horse. The echoing sounds of its hooves are said to be heard by residents, symbolizing the goddess’s eternal vigilance against evil. The temple is a hub of spiritual activity, especially on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when the number of devotees surges significantly.
Among the myriad of festivals celebrated at this holy sanctuary, Chaitra-Parba, Durga Pooja, and Shivratri stand out as major religious events, drawing in crowds from far and wide, eager to partake in the sacred rituals and seek blessings from Maa Majhighariani.
Accessibility:
Reaching this divine destination is facilitated by convenient transportation options:
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), approximately 200 km away, offering connectivity to top Indian cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Nagpur.
- By Train: Rayagada’s railway station is well-connected, making it accessible from various parts of India, including cities like Delhi, Chennai, Allepy, Bokaro, Raipur, Gujarat, Nagpur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bilaspur, and Bhubaneswar.
- By Road: The temple is well-connected, thanks to NH-43 passing through Koraput, making it a mere 109 km journey from Rayagada. Additionally, direct express bus services from Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Jeypore, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Phulbani, among others, offer convenient access.
Best Time to Visit:
While the Maa Majhighariani Temple welcomes devotees year-round, the most auspicious time to visit is during the Chaitra-Parba, Durga Pooja, and Shivratri festivals. The spiritual aura during these times is unparalleled, offering a profound experience of devotion and cultural richness.
In conclusion, the Maa Majhighariani Temple is not just a place of worship but a testament to the region’s enduring spiritual and cultural legacy. It beckons devotees and travellers alike to experience its divine ambience and partake in its rich historical heritage. Whether seeking spiritual solace or immersing yourself in cultural festivities, Maa Majhighariani Temple stands as a timeless sanctuary of faith and tradition.
