Maa Nija Bankeswari Temple, Ganjam

Post category:Ganjam / Temples

Maa Nija Bankeswari temple is a well-known Shakti shrine in the Ganjam district of Odisha, situated on the Kerandimala hill range in the Eastern Ghats, near Digapahandi and approximately 33 km from Brahmapur town. The temple is dedicated to Maa Bankeswari. The idol is traditionally dressed in red and presented in an energetic form typical of rural Shakti sanctums. The shrine is situated amid the rugged scenery of the Eastern Ghats, lending it both spiritual significance and scenic beauty. Navratri and Dussehra are the main festivals of this temple, and a large number of devotees come to celebrate these festivals. Maa Nija Bankeswari Mandir is one of the Shakti Peetha in Ganjam, Odisha.

Local legends say that Maa Bankeswari manifested herself on the hilltop to protect the surrounding villages from evil forces. In ancient times, the goddess was worshipped by tribal communities, who offered forest produce and animal sacrifices. It is believed that kings and local rulers of the Ghumsar and Bhanja dynasties once supported the temple’s rituals and provided land grants for daily worship.

The place is surrounded by dense forests, and tourists come here to picnic, especially in large numbers during the winter months. While approaching this temple, you will see some waterfalls on the way, which are very exciting. Maa Nijo Bankeswari Temple stands as a living example of Odisha’s age-old Shakti worship, where nature, faith, and local culture unite. With its roots in tribal beliefs and its continued reverence by thousands of devotees, the temple remains a proud symbol of Ganjam’s spiritual heritage. Maa Nijo Bankeswari Temple is a tourist attraction near Berhampur.