Cuttack Chandi Temple
Cuttack Chandi Temple finds its residence near the bank of Mahanadi River of Cuttack which lies in the state of Orissa. It is a holy place of Hindus. It is worshipped and visited in the honour of Goddess Chandi. Another name of Goddess Chandi is Maa Katak. The worship of Goddess Chandi is done in the form of Bhubaneswari along with the chanting of Bhubaneshwari mantra. It is one of the revered temple of India. The interior of the temple is designed beautifully. The atmosphere prevails in the temple premises is peaceful and makes the heart of the people delightful. Cuttack Chandi Mata is considered as “The Living Goddess”. The temple is characterized by a large number of aficionados who use to offer their prayer to Devi and takes the blessings of her.
Getting There
One can reach Cuttack by mean of three modes: road, rail and air. There is a good bus network which connects the Cuttack to other cities and state of India. There is also a good rail network which connects Cuttack to many other cities and state of India. The airport which is closest to Cuttack is Biju Patnaik Airport. After reaching Cuttack one can reach the temple by hiring bus or taxi.
Security and Some Tips
There is good security arrangements established within the temple premises. CCTV cameras are installed to visualize each and every activity of devotee. Police official are also there for crowd management and safety. Yatris should not carry cash and ornaments with them. They should keep their luggage at safe and secure place.
When To Visit
The best time to visit the Cuttack Chandi Temple is during the month from January to March and from October to December. The timings of visiting this temple are not specific. One can visit the shrine at any time. The duration of visiting the temple is around 1 to 2 hours. It is opened all the days of the week. There is no entry fee to visit the temple.
What To See And Do
The structure of the temple is colourful covered with brown tiles. The statue of lion imprinting elephants on either side guards the entrance of the temple. The shrine’s top is also adorned with two lions and yellow dharam chakra. The shape of the structure of main sanctum is square. It consists of stunning idol of Goddess Chandi. Goddess Chandi has four arms bearing granting boon (Varada), signs showing fright (Abhaya), rod (Ankusha) and a snare (Paasha). The decoration of the presiding deity is done by beautiful garlands and flowers. The head of the deity is covered by golden crown. The deity is placed at silver cataract. Small gulab jamuns are distributed as Prasad which provide mental peace and gratification to devotees.
Where To Stay
There are many dharamshalas and youth hostels at Cuttack which provide stay at reasonable price. These dharamshalas are: Ganeshghat Dharmashala, Mahima Niketan, Dharmashala, Jagannath Sewa Sadan, Swma Atithi Bhawan, Ashutosh Hostel, Rangala Hostel and Thakkar Bapa Hostel etc.
Where Else To Stay
There are many hotels in Cuttack which provide stay to Yartis along with luxury. These hotels are: Blue Lagoon Hotel, Pramod Club Resort, Ashoka Hotel, Akbari Continental Hotel, Bombay Inn Hotel, Panthanivas, Sagarshree Hotel, Silver City Hotel and Jashmine Hotel etc.
Festivals
The glory of this temple is at par due to annual Durga Puja and Kali Puja festivals. The duration of Durga Puja festival is of 16 days. It starts from dark fortnight of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami to Ashwina shukla navami and Vijayadashami. A good number of [people flocked towards this shrine during these festivals.
Side Trips
There are many places to visit around Cuttack Chandi Temple. These places are: Dagarpada Hanuman Mandir, Swarna Devi Mandir, Gadgadia Ghat Mandir, Barabati Fort, Netaji Birth Place and Oriya Baptish Church etc.
Travel Tips
Yatris should take video camera with them so as to trap each and every moment of the trip. Yatris should also take a personal diary for having the written record of the whole visit along with the feelings and emotions at that time. They should also hire a tourist guide who gives the complete knowledge of the temple including its history. They should also take first aid so as to cure frequent injury.
Hence, the holy tour of Cuttack Chandi Temple provides strength and mental peace to its devotees.
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