Kichakeshwari 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.
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