Baitala Temple, Vaital Deula, Bhubaneswar

Baitla Deula is a unique temple in Ekamra Kshetra. A Tantric Pith, the main deity of the temple is Chamunda, a form of Goddess Durga, locally known as Kapalini. Also known as Tinimundia, the temple is built in khakra order resembling a South Indian Gopuram. According to some, the temple resembles a Boitalu or pumpkin and hence the name. Anthor belief attributes the name to the shape of a sailing boat(Boita in Odia).

However, temple servitors believe that the title is derived from the word’baital’ associated with the tantric rites performed here. The temple is decorated with sculptures of Surya, Natraja, Ganesh, Lakulisa and Mahisamardhini among others. Sisireswara temple located in the same compound strongly resembles the Buddhist monasteries of Lalitgiri. Baitala Temple is one of the oldest temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The Baitala (Vaital deula) temple is famous for its extraordinary shape, and It is a very ordinary temple different from other temples. The deity itself is also different. Instead of Siva, the detached Yogi of Yogis, here one finds. Chamunda, the terrible and bloodthirsty goddess represents the principle of the universe. Its roof is not a tower but a vault, almost looking like an overturned boat, and the roof is plain in contrast to the highly carved-out temple towers of all other temples. The temple stands on the western side of the Bindusagar and is adjacent to the Bisram ghat.

The temple is 38 feet high and is otherwise known as Kapalini temple. According to history, this temple was constructed by Bhauma queen Tribhuvana Mahadevi, who is also known as Katyayani. She worshipped Katini or Durga, so she built this temple here. It is also said that the name of the Baitala outer temple was derived from the word “Vetal” or “Spirit”, which Kapaliks and Tantrics come to attain their siddhis. The temple is open to non-Hindus. Baitala (Vaital deula) Temple is a tourist attraction place near Bhubaneswar, Khordha.