The World famous Maa Ramachandi Temple is located at the confluence of the Kushabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal. At one end is the Bay of Bengal and at the other is the dense forest of Balukhand Sanctuary. It is here to see the beauty of the environment. The river valleys, greenery, and natural beauty here have the power to captivate your mind.
Maa Ramchandi Temple is one of the famous Shakti Pithas of Odisha. Although not famous for its art and architecture, this temple has gained fame as a prominent Shakti Pitha and tourist destination.
History/Legend of maa Ramachandi Temple:
Legend of Kalapahad:
There is a legend about Maa Ramchandi Temple. In the 17th century, a youth Hindu Brahmin converted to Islam and became a Hindu rebel. His name was Kalapahad. He vowed to destroy all the temples and idols worshipped by the Hindus.
Earlier Maa Ramachandi Temple was the side goddess of the Sun Temple, Konark at the southeast corner. After destroying the Sun Temple of Konark, when Kalapahad came to destroy the maa Ramchandi’s statue. Then she transformed into a maidservant. Maa Ramchandi had asked Kalapahad to go and fetch water from the Kusabhadra river. Kalapahad and his companions waited for her for a long time.
When Maa Ramachandi did not return after waiting for a long time, they opened the temple door. Then they saw that there was no statue on the throne. They searched and searched and reached the banks of the Kushabhadra river. After reaching the river’s bank, Kalapahad saw the statue of Maa Ramchandi floating in the river. As it was late afternoon and there was a lot of water in the river, they went away. That’s why Maa Ramchandi’s statue is the only unblemished Hindu statue in the world.
Folklore before the name of Maa Ramachandi:
According to folklore, Lord Sree Rama worshipped Maa Chandi (Now day Maa Ramachandi) before leaving for Lanka at Kanyakumari(Tamilnadu). After receiving Maa Chandi’s blessing, Shree Rama built a stone bridge to Sri Lanka. Then the whole army of Banar including Lord Rama and his companion reached Shree Lanka. Later, Lord Ram won the battle over the demon Raban. As Lord Rama worshipped Maa Chandi, that’s why Maa Chandi was named Ramachandi.
Famous Events and Festivals:
Many festivals are celebrated in the Maa Ramchandi’s shrine. Among them, the Handibhanga festival is the best. Throughout the year, Maa Ramchandi appears to the audience in many forms. Among them, in the month of Kartika (odia calendar month) the Singhabahini costume is very famous around the world.
Facilities:
Every year many devotees, young couples and environment lovers come to Ramchandi. Especially the tourists who come here in the hope of sea shores, beaches, and picnics.
Location of maa Ramachandi Temple:
On the Puri Konark marine drive road, a little before Chandrabhaga, the Ramchandi temple falls. Click on the image below to know more about road closures.
How to Reach:
By Air
Nearest Airport is Biju Pattnaik International Air Port at Bhubaneswar. Which is 80 Km.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station is Puri Railway Station at Puri. Which is 25 Km.
By Road
Regular Mo Bus, Private Bus, Taxi and Auto Services are available from Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark and Kakatpur.
Gallery:
Nearby Places:
Apart from Maa Ramchandi Temple, it has many tourist attractions. Among them, the Ramchandi estuary and Ramchandi beach attract people. A short distance from here, Chandrabhaga, Konark is one of the famous Sun Temples, Grudeswar Mahadev Temple and the famous Pachamukhi Hanuman Temple.
Jagannath Temple of Puri is 25 Km, Konark Surya Temple is 7 Km, Chandrabhaga is 4 Km, Baba Bali Kapileshwar Temple is 13 Km, Kakatpur Maa Mangala Temple is 27 Km and Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar is Km away from Maa Ramachandi temple.
