Maa Majhighariani Temple is located on the banks of the Nagabali River and is 3 km distance from Rayagada town. Majhighariani is the presiding deity of Rayagada District and is famous in the southern division of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Goddess Majhighariani is also known as Majji Gouri. Maa Majhigariani idol is worshipped only On Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Majhi Gouri temple is a popular tourist places in Rayagada district. Majhighariani Temple stands as a sacred place where spirituality, culture, and tradition blend. Its significance transcends its religious role, making it a vital part of the local heritage of Rayagada and Odisha.
History of Maa Majhighariani Temple
According to legend, Maa Majhighariani Temple is believed to have been established in 1528 AD. Nandpur Maharaja Biswanathdev brought the Majhi Gouri idol from Jaipur to Rayagada. she is now known as Majhighariani because he worships the mother in the centre of the city. According to legend, Maa Magalghariani is the eldest among the 9 sisters. Out of the other 8 sisters, Ma Durga is worshiping at Paika Sahi Maa Samleswari Temple in Rayagada city, while the other 7 sisters are staying in Brahman Sahi in Rayagada city. Navratri is celebrated for 9 days on the occasion of Dasahara Puja. On these days, daily Chandipatha, Surya Puja, Sandhi Puja are held in the Majhi garui temple premises.
The origin of the goddess is believed to be in the 4th century A.D. Majhigouri temple is surrounded by beautiful hill which is another attraction point of this temple. The famous festival of this temple is the Chaitra ‘Chaitra Parba‘ festival, which attracts a large number of devotees. The speciality of this temple is that the goddess of Majhi Gouri temple fulfils every wish of the devotees. Maa Majhigariani Mandir is a popular famous temple in Rayagada District, Odisha.
Maa Majhighariani Festival & Puja
Chaitra Parba is the annual festival celebrated at the Majhighairani temple during Chaitra (April). Every tribal village celebrates its annual festival to appease the presiding deity It is also associated with the Glorification of the spring season and the joy of plenty after harvesting is complete. The five-day festival starts on the 11th day of Suklapakhya in the month of Chaitra and ends on Purnima (full moon) day.
During the festival, the sword of the deity is taken out around the town to the presence ward off evil spirits, if any and devotees feel the divine at their doorsteps. They appease the Goddess according to their capacity. Different cultural programs, especially religious in crowds nature – are organized in the evenings, which draws large to the temple. Special ceremonies and homos, as per Vedic rites, anchored by learned Pujari, are performed on these days. On the final day, awesome ceremonies like walking on red-hot charcoal, swinging on spiked boards by the Archakas and the belief that the goddess manifests before the devotees through the Archakas and communicates with them all reinforcing the faith in the deity.
Useful Information of Majhighariani Temple
- Historical Significance: It is believed to be an ancient shrine with deep-rooted local traditions. The temple has been a site of worship for centuries, drawing pilgrims from across Odisha and neighbouring states.
- Architecture: The temple showcases traditional Kalinga-style architecture, characterized by its pyramid-shaped spire (Shikhara) and detailed carvings. The simplicity of the design reflects the rural and tribal influences of the region.
- Festivals and rituals: The major festival celebrated here is Chaitra Purnima, which sees an influx of thousands of devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
- Pilgrimage: Majhighariani Temple is a significant pilgrimage site, and it attracts devotees year-round. It is especially crowded during major Hindu festivals and auspicious days like Purnima and Sankranti, considered sacred for Goddess worship.
- Local Beliefs and Legends: The goddess is deeply revered by the local tribal communities and villagers, who believe in her miraculous powers. Devotees often offer animal sacrifices (especially goats) as part of the rituals, a practice linked to the local tribal culture.
- Accessibility: Rayagada District is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy for pilgrims and visitors to visit the temple.
- Pilgrimage Hub: Majhighariani Temple is a prominent pilgrimage destination for people in southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. It attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during festive seasons.
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