Cuttack Chandi Temple

The Katak Chandi Temple is an old temple of the Goddess Chandi. She is the protector goddess of Cuttack, Orissa. The temple is close to where the Mahanadi River meets the sea. The Chandi temple is one of the best places to visit in Cuttack.

The Goddess, who is famous as Maa Katak Chandi, rules over the old city's centre. The statue of the Goddess has four hands. She is holding a stick, a noose, and two different signs. The local people consider her the "Queen of the universe." 

During the puja, Maa Chandi is worshipped as different forms of Durga. People in Cuttack think that Maa Katak Chandi is "The Living Goddess."

What is Cuttack Chandi Temple famous for?

It is famous for the Durga Puja and Kali Puja events every year. In Maa Katak Chandi temple, the Durga Puja celebrations are significant. They last Sixteen days, starting with the dark weekend of Ashwina Krishna Ashtami and ending with Ashwina Shukla Navami and Vijayadashami. The temple is a must visit during the Cuttack tour package.

What is the history of the temple?

The Temple of Goddess Chandi was once an unused land, once used by Late Shri Hans Panda, the purohit of King Kanika. He experienced unusual feelings while grazing sheep and cattle, and Goddess Chandi appeared in his dream. 

With permission from the king, digging began, revealing forty bullock carts of red Sindoor and the idol of Maa Katak Chandi. Later, the temple was built on the same land. During the Gajapati rule, Maa Katak Chandi was the God of the family.

After the death of Shree Hansa Panda, Sri Lakshmana Panda became the head priest of the temple. He followed the same rituals as his father. He had four daughters and one son. After his death, his son, Sri Dayanidhi Panda, became the head priest of the temple. Later, after his death, his sons performed the same rituals in the temple.