Kataka Chandi Temple Cuttack Odisha

Anonymous

The Katak Chandi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of Cuttack, Orissa. The temple is located nearby the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is famous for the annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The Durga Puja festivities are prominent in Maa Katak Chandi temple which takes place for 16 days stating from dark fortnight of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami till Ashwina shukla navami and Vijayadashami. The goddess popularly called as Maa Katak Chandi, sits and rules on the heart of the ancient city.She has four hands holding Paasha(noose),Ankusha(goad),gestures dispelling fear(Abhaya),and granting boon(Varada). She is worshiped as Bhuvaneshvari (the queen of universe) by Sevayatas belonging to Utkala Brahmins everyday. Maa Chandi is worshipped in various incarnations of Durga during the puja. In Cuttack, people strongly believe Maa Katak Chandi as 'The Living Goddess'
 According to legend, the land where the temple is located once lay fallow. Hansa Panda, the Purohit of the then King of Kanika, used to graze his cattle on the land. One day he felt tired and took rest on a heap of dry soil. While resting, he experienced an unusual feeling within. The same night, Goddess Chandi appeared in his dream and requested him to bring her out of the land. The next day he went to the King and told him about the dream he had. With the help of the king, Hansa Panda dug the land. It is said that forty bullock carts of red sindoor came out while digging after which emerged the Deity of Maa Katak Chandi.The present temple marks the spot. The temple of Maa Katak Chandi, the presiding deity of the city is visited by hundreds of devotees everyday. The image of the deity is older than the temple.