Introduction
Bhattarika, Our group’s history with Badamba is an old one. One of our numbers hails from the neighbourhood and there have been trips to the place all through college and beyond. Bhattarika Situated about 100 kms from Bhubaneshwar by road and about 75 km from Nayagarh, this old town is close to quite a number of temples.
Our latest trip began with an invitation to attend the Boita-Bandana (Boat Worship) festival held at Ratapat near Badamba. We decided to attend on the last day of the festival which is held on Kartik Purnima (23rd November 2018). So we started off from Bhubaneshwar on the day before at 8 in the morning. Our route started off Nandankanan Zoo. We travelled north off the new Mundali bridge but decided to return back to take the bridge across the Mahanadi on the Haldia-Talabasta Road. One the way we came across Devi-Dwara.
In earlier days Devi-Dwara used to be the spot for scenic shots of the Mahanadi river for Odia filmmakers but nowadays very few people visit this place, most preferring the nearby Charchika Temple or Anshupa Lake.
From Devi-Dwara we went straight to Kesabareni near Badamba to rest. In the evening we drove up to Bhattarika at the Mahanadi shore to visit the temple there. We took many photos, some of which you can see here.
You can read our another post on Progress of Bee Keeping in Odisha
According to local legends, this temple was established by Parashurama who prayed to the Goddess Durga while facing certain defeat by Saharasjuna. The goddess, pleased with his prayer, appeared on this place to grant him his desired boon. It is said that Parashurama carved the idol of Maa Bhattarika using his arrow point and established this pitha.
In Ramayana, Rama, Sita and Lakshamana prayed to Maa Bhattarika here before continuing to Panchavati. The Mankadagadia hill on the other side of the Mahanadi is a famous pilgrimage spot for the foot marks of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
Bhattarika, A Jewel
As light began to fade we went down the hill and returned to Kesabareni and turned in for the night. Thus ended our first day of the trip. The next day was Kartik Purnima and the last day of the Boita-Bandana festival and there were a lot of places to visit.
Please wait for the next post for the events of the second and third day. Meanwhile feel free to comment and like this post.
“Bhattarika” takes you on an enchanting journey along the banks of the majestic Mahanadi River, weaving together history, mythology, and vibrant culture.
Through vivid storytelling, this book unveils the rich heritage of the region, introducing you to the mythical tales, folklore, and legends surrounding Bhattarika Temple.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Odia culture as you delve into the significance of this sacred place and its deep-rooted connection to the local communities.
“Bhattarika, A Jewel by The Side of The Mahanadi” is a treasure trove of knowledge, allowing you to unravel the mysteries and embrace the splendor of this hidden gem.
Bhattarika” takes us on a captivating journey through time, exploring the rich cultural heritage and legends associated with the sacred region of Bhattarika. This literary gem intricately weaves together tales of divine mysticism, human emotions, and the divine feminine power that resides in nature’s embrace.
The book beautifully depicts the serene and picturesque landscapes, painting a vivid picture of the tranquil village nestled amidst nature’s bounty. It transports readers to a world where spirituality, folklore, and history converge, wherein each leaf breathes life into the legends of Godavari and her divine manifestations.
