Maa Bhattarika temple is one of the 12 Shakti peethas of Odisha and is situated on the bank of Mahanadi River, at Sasanga village in Athgarh, Cuttack district, Odisha.
This temple is dedicated to Hindu goddess Bhattarika who is worshipped as a demonstration of Shakti. The temple is surrounded by beautiful Ratnagiri Mountains and is frequented by picnickers throughout the year as the nature blends perfectly with everything, i.e., the Mahanadi River flowing in front of the temple, birds cooing and the surreal sunsets everyday makes this place more divine.
History:
It is said that the temple was built between the 6th century B.C. to the 16th century B.C. and the peetha was established by Parsuram who carved the image of the goddess in the tip of his arrow. In this peetha Parsuram penanced to gain mercy for killing Bhattas or Kshatriyas. The goddess became pleased and offered him a desired boon.
According to the Oriya Ramaya, Ram, Lakshman and Sita payed their visit to Goddess Bhattarika on their way to Panchvati. The Mankagadia hill is other side of Mahanadi. Its believed that the foot mark of Ram, Lakshman and Sita are worshiped here. This is also quite significant.
Famous Festivals:
The major festivals which are celebrated here are Pana Sankranti in the months of Chatra i.e., April, Akshaya Trutiya in the months of Baisakh i.e., May and Dussehra in the month of October.
Station (Nearest) – Cuttack Railway Station
Airport (Nearest) – Bhubaneswar Airport
COVER PHOTO CREDIT : Pratibha Priyadarshini
