Located at a distance of 14 km from Talcher, Maa hingula is of great religious importance among the people of gopalprasad and its surrounding areas. She is also a centre of devotion for the people of Angul, Deoghar, Dhenkanal, Hindol, Pallahara and Athamallik.
Legends:
‘’In Mahabharata Goddess Hingula is described as the manifestation of Goddess Sarala. It is also said that one can achieve anything they desire if he/she worships on Goddess Hingula and food becomes more delicious with the blessings of Goddess Hingula. King Nala of the Suryavanshi dynasty worshipped Goddess Hingula and because of her grace only he was able to prepare Gouri-Sauri Paka and thus her name is also associated with cooking with perfection.’’
According to a legend, The King of Gundicha was ordered to worship Goddess Hingula in his dreams for the smooth conduct of cooking because Queen of Gundicha was going to introduce the Sixty pautis of Bhoga i.e., daily offerings. So he went to Bidarbha and brought the Goddess with the help of King Nala in his upper garment. After some time when king Gajapati and Nala were taking rest near the Bank of river Sinigdha at Gopal Prasad Gada, Goddess Hingula suddenly disappeared and a voice from far announced Gopal Prasad Gada to be the holy place of Goddess Hingula and along with that her two associates ‘Kuteisuni’ and ‘Karadei’ will also be worshipped. However, Shree Mandir at Puri will be the main place of action.
And till now the Hingula peeth remains at Gopal Prasad Gada and before the sixty pautis bhoga a sacrifice is offered to Goddess Hingula before the fire is lit in the Kitchen.
Interesting Fact:
Goddess Hingula is linked with Agnikona i.e., South-East direction and so to wonder Odisha is also in the South-East direction of India, Puri in the South-East direction of Odisha, Gopal Prasad Gada in the South-East of Talcher, Hingula peeth in South-East of Gopal Prasad Pada, temple of Hingula in South-East of the house of priest.
Isn’t it interesting!!!
No wonder why Odisha has so much importance for religious temples.
How to Reach:
Talcher is just 20kms away from Angul and a regular bus service is available to Angul from different parts of Odisha.
