You will come across a location filled with both time and worship when visiting the outskirts of Bhadrak India. This is where you will also find the temple of Maa Bhadrakali. Prior to entering the temple proper, you will see a large pool of still water; this is known as the temple tank and is adjacent to the Salandi River. The reason for this water? It is believed that the river has been diverted in this area since ancient times as a way of keeping the goddess cool. The locals also say that this tank does not dry up, even during the height of summer when temperatures soar. When the sun rises each morning, the water has an appearance of molten gold, which is an incredible sight in comparison to the power that you will find as you walk through the solid, stone walls of the temple.
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ToggleThe heart of the district is the Bhadrakali temple. The town is named after the goddess itself. The Bhadra kali story tells of her protection and grace. Legend has it that the ancient king Bhadra ruled this land and prayed to the mother goddess at this temple. The statue of the goddess is made of black stone and has four arms, and is in a sitting position with a serene demeanor. Unlike other representations of Kali as being fierce, Bhadrakali has a gentle and soft expression. I remember going there in March on a Tuesday. It was full of the scent of burning ghee and hibiscus flowers. I found it very intimidating to stand in front of this old statue, but her eyes provided me with a sense of safety. Deep in my heart, I knew from what the signs did not say – she has been watching over this land for more than 1,000 years.
Of all Bhadrak tourist places, this one seems to radiate energy more than any other. The geography at Bhadrak Kali Temple is very straightforward, being a flat expanse of land containing ancient banyan trees whose aerial root systems dip far into the reddish-coloured soil, much like the deep-rooted faith of the area’s population. Culturally, the presence of this spiritual space conveys a profound and quiet sense of humility. Near the entrance of the temple, an elderly lady named Sumati was lighting a simple clay diya (lamp). Although she didn’t say much while offering her diya, she did place her forehead on the ground as a sign of respect. When in this place, people live from their hearts. There are no loud voices or aggressive pushes; they all wait calmly in line to receive the blessings of the temple with serene patience. This holy space encourages you to exercise humility and reminds you that we are all children of the same deity.
If you want to have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Bhadrakali temple, I would recommend going in winter, when the weather is much milder and conducive to walking barefoot on stone paths. I would also suggest that you wear simple (cotton) clothing. My personal recommendation would be to attend the evening Sandhya Aarti. When attending this aarti, the sound of the bells and drums resonates off the river, creating a rhythm in your bones that you will remember forever. Take the time to purchase a small basket of PEDA from the shops at the entrance to the temple to offer as bhoga. Spend some time under the Banyan Tree; don’t hurry away. Allow the serenity of the temple to overtake the hustle and bustle of the town.
You will come across a location filled with both time and worship when visiting the outskirts of Bhadrak India. This is where you will also find the temple of Maa Bhadrakali. Prior to entering the temple proper, you will see a large pool of still water; this is known as the temple tank and is adjacent to the Salandi River. The reason for this water? It is believed that the river has been diverted in this area since ancient times as a way of keeping the goddess cool. The locals also say that this tank does not dry up, even during the height of summer when temperatures soar. When the sun rises each morning, the water has an appearance of molten gold, which is an incredible sight in comparison to the power that you will find as you walk through the solid, stone walls of the temple.
The heart of the district is the Bhadrakali temple. The town is named after the goddess itself. The Bhadra kali story tells of her protection and grace. Legend has it that the ancient king Bhadra ruled this land and prayed to the mother goddess at this temple. The statue of the goddess is made of black stone and has four arms, and is in a sitting position with a serene demeanor. Unlike other representations of Kali as being fierce, Bhadrakali has a gentle and soft expression. I remember going there in March on a Tuesday. It was full of the scent of burning ghee and hibiscus flowers. I found it very intimidating to stand in front of this old statue, but her eyes provided me with a sense of safety. Deep in my heart, I knew from what the signs did not say – she has been watching over this land for more than 1,000 years.
Of all Bhadrak tourist places, this one seems to radiate energy more than any other. The geography at Bhadrak Kali Temple is very straightforward, being a flat expanse of land containing ancient banyan trees whose aerial root systems dip far into the reddish-coloured soil, much like the deep-rooted faith of the area’s population. Culturally, the presence of this spiritual space conveys a profound and quiet sense of humility. Near the entrance of the temple, an elderly lady named Sumati was lighting a simple clay diya (lamp). Although she didn’t say much while offering her diya, she did place her forehead on the ground as a sign of respect. When in this place, people live from their hearts. There are no loud voices or aggressive pushes; they all wait calmly in line to receive the blessings of the temple with serene patience. This holy space encourages you to exercise humility and reminds you that we are all children of the same deity.
If you want to have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Bhadrakali temple, I would recommend going in winter, when the weather is much milder and conducive to walking barefoot on stone paths. I would also suggest that you wear simple (cotton) clothing. My personal recommendation would be to attend the evening Sandhya Aarti. When attending this aarti, the sound of the bells and drums resonates off the river, creating a rhythm in your bones that you will remember forever. Take the time to purchase a small basket of PEDA from the shops at the entrance to the temple to offer as bhoga. Spend some time under the Banyan Tree; don’t hurry away. Allow the serenity of the temple to overtake the hustle and bustle of the town.
