Maa Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake and is 34 km distance from Chilika Lake. Maa Kalijai is the presiding deity of this place. Maa Kalijai is Kali, the source and the first ‘Mahavidya’ of ‘Dasmahavidyas’. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklore and legends. Kalijai Island provides the perfect destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. Every year in January, a huge Gala fair is held during the festival of Makara Sankranti. Maa Kalijai temple is one of the famous temples in Khordha District.
History of Maa Kalijai Temple
Legend has it that a newly married girl (named Jaai) along with her father was going to meet her husband. As her in-law’s house was on an island in Chilika Lake, they had to take a boat to ferry them across the lake. Odisha’s coast is very prone to cyclones, and during this boat trip they encountered a severe cyclone; as a result, their boat capsized in Chilika Lake. All the boatmen and her father survived this event except for the girl Jaai. They searched for her but were unable to locate her. After this accidental death of that newlywed girl, she became the goddess of people residing nearby, and till now, she is worshipped as an Excerpt of Kali. And this is how the place got its name.
According to a poem by Pandit Godabarish Mishra, Jaai was a girl who was going to get married on Parikud Island. The boat capsized in the storm. She met her tragic death and became the deity Kalijai. However, it’s attributed to the imagination of the poet and may not be evidenced. Dr. Radha Charan Panda mentions in The History of Parikud (1930) that this temple was built by Sri Jagannath Mansingh, king of the Bank (currently known as Banapur), in 1717. Kalijai Temple is the best tourist place in Khordha, Odisha. Source
Useful Travel Information
- The Kalijai temple can be reached by boat from various nearby points, the most popular being Balugaon and Barkul.
- The presiding deity is Goddess Kalijai, who is believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Kali and is revered as the protector of the lake and its surrounding areas.
- Kalijai Temple & Island are a tourist attraction in Odisha. The serene beauty of Chilika Lake, combined with the spiritual aura of the temple, makes it a favourite destination for pilgrims and tourists.
- The boat ride to the island is an enjoyable experience offering scenic views of the lake, migratory birds, and dolphins, which are abundant in Chilika.
- The island is accessible throughout the year, though winter is the best time to visit due to the migratory birds and pleasant weather.
- The Kalijai Temple is not only a symbol of devotion but also a beautiful blend of nature and spirituality, making it a must-visit for both pilgrims and nature lovers.
- Ensure that the boat you hire is in good condition and that you are provided with life jackets. It is advisable to travel in larger, more stable boats, especially if the weather seems windy.
- Chilika Lake is prone to sudden changes in weather, especially during the monsoon. Always check weather forecasts before planning your boat trip.
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