Kichakeswari Temple is located at Khiching village in Mayurbhanj and is 145 km distance from Baripada town. Previously it was the capital of the Bhanja dynasty of Mayurbhanja. Goddess Kichakeswari is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple has archaeological remains dating back to the Middle Ages that look beautiful and is built entirely of granite. Nilakanthaswar temple is located beside the Kichakeswari. Khiching Mandir is a famous ancient temple in the Mayurbhanj District.
History of Maa Kichakeswari Temple
The temple’s height is around 100 feet. During the Mahabharata, Khichka’s deity was Khichkeswari, named after him. The height of the khichakeswari temple is 100 feet. The temple was built in the 9th to 10th centuries. It is believed that Panchupandava stayed here during Mahabharata. Ganesha, Kartika, Dasbhuja Durga and Chandrasekhar Mahadev are worshipped in the Khichkeswari temple premises.
Basantika Durgapuja and Mahashiva Ratri are the main festival of this temple. A large number of devotees come here to observe the festival. There is an archaeological Museum where images of Ancient Gods. On the whole, Khiching is a beautiful place of archaeological remains. The museum was built in 1922 by Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanjdeo and is the first museum in Odisha. Khiching temple is the best tourist place in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
Useful Temple Information
- Kichakeshwari Temple in Khiching, Odisha, is a significant attraction for tourists interested in history, spirituality, and architecture.
- Made of black chlorite stone, it stands as a fine example of ancient craftsmanship.
- Khiching Mandir is surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes, making it a peaceful retreat.
- Adjacent to the temple, there is a museum that houses artefacts, sculptures, and relics excavated from the area.
- Items in the museum include ancient idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, terracotta objects, and stone inscriptions.
- The temple is especially vibrant during Durga Puja and Navaratri when thousands of devotees visit to seek blessings.
- The Khiching Temple stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich cultural and artistic heritage and continues to attract history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.
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