Bhattarika—the Goddess of Power

Fascinating are the places, which are steeped in history and legendary stories. On first glance, it might seem ordinary, but once you get to know it, you will feel an inexplicable sense of warmth and understanding of the place. Nestled in a small obscure village of Sasanga in Badamba district of Odisha, Bhattarika Temple is one such place on the banks of the longest river of the state, Mahanadi. Surrounded by the magnificent view of the river plains and the beautiful range of Ratnagiri mountains, the place has a rustic charm to it. Perched on the bank of the mighty river Mahanadi, it is believed to be built in between the 6th and 16th century AD. There is no official record of the exact date of construction. Recent renovation of the temple makes it difficult to fathom it as a venerable structure.

Due to various mythological stories associated with this place, it is of great religious significance for the people of Odisha. The major festivals celebrated here are Pana Sankranti in the month of Chaitra (April), Akshaya Trutiya in the month of Baisakh (May) and Dussehra (October). Thousands of pilgrims throng to this auspicious temple during these festive months. There is a crude stairway which leads to the top of the hill. It is like a mini-trek to the highest point with small temples and caves on the way. One particular cave with the picture of Lord Hanuman is worth visiting. The Odisha tourism department has done a wonderful job by creating designated sheds on top of the hill. Gazing at the magnificent vista, one gets the feeling of standing as tall as the surrounding mountains with the river valley rolling beneath one’s feet. It’s hard to pin down what makes the place so endearing. Be it the loud roar of the mighty river reverberating through the valley, the sweeping views of the distant mountain range or the enchanting tales surrounding this place, it is sure to leave an indelible impression on your mind. Getting there: Just 95 km from Bhubaneswar, Bhattarika is located in the Athgarh sub division.
Best time to visit: August to February. Be sure to visit once in either month to see the difference in landscape. Transport: Private cab service is the best option. Packaged tours can also be arranged by the Government of Odisha tourist office (Paryatan Bhavan, Lewis Road, 751014).
Phone: +91-674-2431299
Suggested accommodation: OTDC Panthasala Bhattarika Odisha, Ogalpur, PO Sasanga District - Cuttack Email: otdc@panthanivas.com