Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Kichakeshwari Temple
Kichakeshwari Temple
Kichakeshwari Temple located in Orissa is dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari. It is the largest temple of the town adorned with exquisite architectural work.

Share this Article:

Kichakeshwari Temple, OrissaKichakeshwari Temple is located in Khiching in the in the Mayurbhanj district in north Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari. Khiching earlier served as the ancient capital of the Bhanja rulers. The town is located at a distance of 205 kms from Balasore and 150 km from Baripada.

Architecture of Kichakeshwari Temple
Kichakeshwari Temple is the largest temple of Khiching that houses the idol of Goddess Kichakeswari. The deity is regarded as the family goddess of the chiefs residing in Mayurbhanj. The ancient temple dates back to the 7th or the 8th century. It was later rebuilt in the 20th century. Kichakeshwari Temple is one of the most striking temples of the town built of chlorite. The temple stands as an architectural grandeur. The exterior part of the temple has been beautifully carved and looks quite impressive. The temple also houses a skeletal idol of Chamunda. The deity is ten armed and has prominent ribs, veins and sunken belly. The idol is adorned with a garland of skulls and sits over a dead body. The scroll works, the Chaitya arches, the Parasvadevatas and the amorous couples adorn the beauty of the temple. The architectural style and the structure of the temple resemble the Brahmesvara temple and the Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneshwar.

Museum of Kichakeshwari Temple
Kichakeshwari Temple has a museum in its compound. The temple houses huge images of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, Tara, Parvati, Parsvanatha, Vaishnavi, Kartikeya, Ardhanageswar, Nandi, Dhyani Buddhas, Mahishasuramardini, Avalokiteswar, Uma-Maheswara and others. The museum also displays an array of items such as ornaments, terracotta figurines, iron and copper equipments, stone tools, potteries, seals, coins and others. The courtyard within the museum has been embellished with many sculpted elements of primeval temples.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.