Maa Manikeswari Temple is located only 1 km from Bhawanipatna city in the Kalahandi district of Odisha. The main deity here is Goddess Manikeshwari. She is the Ishta Devi of Nagavanshi Khyatriyas. During the Dussehra festival, animal sacrifice is offered at this temple. Every year during Chatar yatra many people who have fulfilled their wishes come and sacrifice animals in the name of the Goddess. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Maa Manikeshwari temple. Deity Manikeswari is the protective goddess of Kalahandi.
The temple of Manikeshwari was built in 1852 by King Fatenarayan Deo. But in 1935, a new temple was built by King Brajamohan Deo. The temple architecture is of the Rekhadeula style. There are three other small Rekha shrine temples of Vaishnavi in the North of the temple, Narasimha in the West and Varahi in the South. The Sharadiya Utsav of Deity Manikeswari starts from Mulastami, and the most important function is Ashtami, Navami and Dashami. After the Sandhi Puja of Mahastami, the Chhatra of the deity is taken to Jenakhal on the outskirts of the town. In the early hours of Mahanavami, the Chhatra makes its return journey to the temple accompanied by Jenabadya, Ghumura, Nishan, and Ghanta. Maa Manikeshwari Temple is a tourist attraction places near Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi.
The chorus creates a thrilling sensation and a sense of awe and wonder to the lakhs of devotees congregating from different parts of the State including neighbouring States. As a mark of the fulfilment of wishes, devotees make offerings. It is an occasion for everybody irrespective of caste, creed and religion to find the Deity amidst them. Adjacent to Temple is Kalahandi King palace, which is very old and famous. Maa Manikeshwari mandir is a famous temple in the Kalahandi District. Source.
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