Cuttack Chandi Temple, Cuttack - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 5 km from Cuttack Railway Station, Cuttack Chandi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located near the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack. It is the oldest and most famous temple to visit as part of Cuttack tour packages.

Cuttack Chandi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of Cuttack. The temple houses an idol of Goddess Chandi with four hands, each holding Ankusha (goad), Paasha (noose), gestures dispelling fear (Abhaya), and granting boon (Vardaan). The people of Cuttack consider Maa Chandi as the Living Goddess and one of the forms of Goddess Durga.

Goddess Chandi is worshipped daily as Bhuvaneshvari Mahavidya (the queen of the universe) by Sevayatas from the Utkala Brahmin community. Legend has it that the land where the temple now stands was barren where Late Sri Hansa Panda, the Purohit of the then King of Kanika, used to graze cattle and sheep there. One day, while resting on a heap of dry mud, Sri Panda had a divine experience. That night, Goddess 'Chandika' appeared in his dream, asking to be unearthed from the land. The following morning, Sri Panda shared his dream with the King, and with the help of the monarch and the local community, they dug the same piece of land, and found the deity of Maa Chandi. The temple was then constructed on that very spot. It is believed that she was the ancestral deity of the Gajapati Kingdom during the medieval era.

The temple's exquisite carvings and sculptures reflect the artistry of Odiya architecture. The tranquil atmosphere of the temple provides a spiritual retreat away from the hustle bustle of the city life. The Chandi Temple provides a serene experience with its melodious chants, aartis, and daily rituals performed by the dedicated priests. Visitors also gain insight into the local culture and traditions deeply intertwined with the temple's worship practices.

Throughout the year, pilgrims from across the country flock to this temple. It is renowned for its annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The Durga Puja celebrations span 16 days, commencing from the dark fortnight of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami to Ashwina shukla navami and Vijayadashami. Maa Chandi is revered in various forms of Durga during the puja.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free