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Kichakeswari Temple

Temples, heritage and monuments
Maa Kichakeswari Temple, located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is a significant religious and historical landmark dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. Renowned for its intricate carvings and distinctive Kalinga architecture, this 10th-century shrine was constructed entirely from blocks of chlorite (black stone) and granite. Standing at a height of 100 feet, the temple served as the state deity for the Bhanja dynasty and remains a prominent center for spiritual activities. Maa Kichakeswari, a manifestation of Goddess Kali or Chamunda, was the ancestral deity of the Bhanja rulers.
Kichakeswari Temple

As a premier example of the Rekha style of Kalinga architecture, the temple is notable for its seamless joinery and lack of exterior plaster. Although the original structure dated back to the 9th or 10th century, the current temple was meticulously reconstructed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the early 20th century using the original stone slabs. It is situated approximately 24 km from Karanjia and 150 km from Baripada.


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