Maa Mangala temple, said to be built in the 15th century, has a spiritual and architectural significance. The devotees, especially from the Shakti cult, visit here for the blessings from Maa Mangala. The temple is situated at Kakatpur, which is 21 km from Konark. This temple has its own aura and reflects on the characteristic cultural and traditional life of the locals. Maa Mangala Temple is worth visiting once during festivals like Jhamu Yatra and other festivals.
Maa Mangala Temple’s History is very different and important to know. It shows how God and Goddesses are always thinking about their devotees and helping them with something good. Here we are going to provide brief information about the Mythological and Spiritual significance of Maa Mangala Temple, major festivals, how to reach the temple, best time to visit Maa Mangala temple and stay options near the temple.
The Mythological and Spiritual Significance of Maa Mangala Temple:
The myths of the establishment of Maa Mangala temple are very interesting. According to some legends Goddess Mangala kept herself hidden under the water of the Prachi (Saraswati) river near Mangalapur. Once a boatman got stuck in the river and could not go to the middle of the river or back to the riverside as the river was flooded and over pouring.
He had to spend the whole day and night in the river and before dawn, Goddess Mangala appeared in his dream and informed him to recover her from the water and establish in nearby Mangalapur village. Goddess was found at the bed of the river as a boatman went down in the river, thus bringing the deity to the riverbank.
At the same time, a crow dived into the river exactly at the same place where Goddess was recovered. Even after a very long time the crow did now come up. As per the local language crow is ‘kak’ and’ detained ‘means ‘atka’. Combining both the place was named Kakatpur thereafter. Kakatpur is just 21 km from Konark, so the tourists who visit to see Konark Sun Temple must not miss the chance to visit Maa Mangala Temple nearby.
Maa Mangala Temple was built in the 15th century and is a symbol of ancient Shakti Pithas of Kalinga. Devotees are both Buddhists and Hindus. In the ancient period, Buddhists used to symbolize Goddess Mangala as Goddess Tara and now the deity is worshipped as a manifestation of Hindu deity Durga.
Maa Mangala is revered as the symbol of happiness, purity, love, peace, power, truth, and knowledge. Khilana’ and ‘prabha’, typical types of Odia carvings can be seen at the back of the sitting place of Goddess Mangala.
A bed, made out of stone completely, is said to be the resting place of Maa Mangala after she tours the entire universe every day. The bed appears worn out as if it has been used for many years, such is the simplicity of the temple. While taking the Maa Mangala Temple Tour, the devotees will observe it.
Mythological Significance:
Maa Mangala Temple is of great mythological significance as the Goddess protects the pilgrims and is revered as guardian and guide providing visitors with a safe tour. It is said that during the Nabakalebara festival, the Maa Mangala Goddess guides the main priests of Jagannath temple to find out three divine Daru Brahma (wood) from which new idols are carved.
Spiritual Significance:
A large number of devotees visit the temple as it is the main center for spiritual reflection and worship. Devotees walking over burning embers have the blessings of Maa Mangala till the act is completed. The temples built showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Where to Stay Near Maa Mangala Temple: Hotels and Dharamshalas?
Maa Mangala Temple Tour has to be planned properly and along with the Jagannath Temple visit because of the close association between both. Maa Mangala is also associated with Goddess Durga and is said to provide peace, power, and love to the devotees. As we discussed, it is 21 km from Konark, so tourists have options to stay at Konark or nearby Kakatpur.
There are many options for tourists for accommodation from budget to luxury hotels. Many eco-friendly resorts, and Dharamshala which also range from low to luxury as per visitors’ budget and choice.
Nearby stay options include OTDC Yatri Niwas, Durga Mandap and Lodge, Sun Temple Hotel, Kings Coco Resort, Lotus Eco Resort, Hotel Surya Inn, Eco Retreat Resort, Hotel Patra Palace, Shriman Valley, Hotel Mangal Niketan, Greenland Guest House, Labanya Guest House, WildDunes Konark, Bivaan Residency Lodge, Lodge Madhumagna, Sand Castle, Hotel Konark, and many more.
The rate ranges from Rs 700 to Rs 4000 per day. It depends on visitors which option they choose for staying at Kakatpur or Konark.
Sacred Rituals and Festivities at Maa Mangala Temple:
Jhamu Yatra is one of the most common festivals celebrated at Maa Mangala Temple. Mangala Temple Rituals are religiously followed during all the festivals and usual times. One of the most popular and sacred Maa Mangala Temple Rituals is Jhamu Yatra. Many other festivals such as the Annual Chaitra Mela, Nabakalebara, Saradiya Durga Puja, Basanti Durga Puja, Shri Durga Sayana Utsav, etc.
Nabakalebara:
During the Nabakalebara festival, Maa Mangala Temple is connected very uniquely with the Jagannath Temple. This festival is very auspicious and is celebrated very grandly because it occurs only once in 12 to 19 years. Priests from Kakatpur and all over the world seek the blessings of the sacred neem trees (also called Daru Brahma) during this festival.
Chaitra Mela:
As the name suggests, this festival is celebrated in the Chaitra month in Maa Mangala Temple. The duration of this month is from March to April. Throughout the temple, a very sacred and spiritual atmosphere is created and pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings from all over the world in Chaitra Mela also known as Pali Jatra among the locals.
Basanti Durga Puja:
Basanti Durga Puja is a ritual organized in the Chaitra month. This Puja is not celebrated as grandly as the Sharadiya Durga Puja but it still has its own significance in the hearts of many devotees. This Puja is celebrated to observe the power and supremacy of Maa Mangala and all the other women on Earth.
Best Time to Visit Maa Mangala Temple and How to Reach There:
Maa Mangala Temple is open for visitors and devotees all around the year but there still exist some specific peak seasons when the crowd at this temple is huge. According to the experience of previous visitors, the winter season is considered the best time of the year to visit and cherish your tour at this temple. From October to March months, visitors come to Maa Mangala Temple in massive numbers. Numerous Yatras and festivals are organized during this time and that is why it is very fun to explore Maa Mangala Temple during this time.
Taking a Maa Mangala Temple Tour consists of considering the distance, time, and required materials to be carried. The distance and time required to reach Maa Mangala Temple depends on the visitor’s location and the means of transportation that they are going to use. Usually, traveling to the temple can be done by air, by rail, and by road. A comfortable road drive can also be done by visitors if their location makes it possible for them to travel by road.
FAQs:
Where is Maa Mangala Temple located?
Maa Mangala Temple is located at Kakatpur, Odisha, India about 21 km from Konark.
What is the legend behind the temple?
According to the stories, Maa Mangala was hidden in the Prachi River. A boatman had a dream of her, in which she guided him to retrieve her from the water and reside in nearby Magalapur village. The boatman did as he was directed by the Goddess Mangala in his dream.
What is the significance of the temple?
The temple has architectural and spiritual significance and is a temple for devotees of Shakti cult.
When was the temple built?
The temple is said to be built in the 15th century.
What are the temple’s opening hours?
The temple opens between 8 am to 2 noon and 1 pm to 6 pm every day.
Conclusion:
Maa Mangala Temple is closely associated with Jagannath Temple as the new wood for idols of three deities is guided by Maa Mangala. The main priests of Jagannath Temple seek guidance from Maa Mangala. Thus, there is a direct connection between Jagannath Temple and Maa Mangala Temple. Find the location of Maa Mangala Temple on Map. The temple has a lot of spiritual and cultural beliefs and hence is celebrated widely. Tourists just don’t come here for vacation but to find soulful pieces within them.
