Banki Charchika Temple, Cuttack - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 51 km from Cuttack, Charchika Temple is a Hindu temple located in the small town of Banki in the Cuttack district of Orissa. Situated on the banks of the river Renuka, it is one of the oldest Shakti places in Odisha, and among the most prominent places of pilgrimage near Cuttack.

One of the most revered Shaktipithas of Orissa, Charchika Temple is dedicated to Goddess Charchika who is a manifestation of Maa Durga. The temple is exactly located on the hillock whose name is Ruchika Parvat. The existing temple was renovated or reconstructed in the beginning of 19th century AD. However, it is believed that the Charchika idol was created by Lord Parashurama.

Built in Kalingan architectural style, the temple has a pidha vimana, jagamohana and a wooden mandapa known as sunyavahini mandapa. Stone is used for the construction of the temple and the entire surface is thickly lime plastered and white washed. The wooden ceiling of the mandapa is relieved with episodes from Bhagavata Purana with intervening decoration of animals and birds like - elephant, duck, parrot, peacock, along with floral motifs, lotus medallions, scroll and jali works, animal hunting, horse rider, gaja-vidalas, makaramukha, mithuna and maithuna images. Besides, the parsvadevata niches enshrine four-armed Chamunda, four-armed Mahisasuramardini Durga and an eight-armed Chamunda on the north, west and southern side respectively.

The presiding deity of the temple is an eight-armed goddess Chamunda, locally known as Maa Charchika Devi. She is seated on a prostrate human body and wearing a garland of human skulls. She is holding khadga, shula, katari and varadamudra in her four right hands, and a severed head, blood-cup, damru, and leaving a finger of the remaining hand soaked in blood in her four left hands. This is the symbol of her violent nature over the demons. Goddess Chamunda here is worshipped as per the tantric rites.

The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees during Durga Puja in the month of October. Kumar Purnima, a Hindu festival celebrated 5 days after Dusshera, is also very famous here.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free