Saptamatruka Temple is an ancient temple located on the southern bank of Baitarani River in Jajpur in the Indian state of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to the Puranic goddesses and Hindu Tantric goddesses. The Sapta Matrikas of the temple comprise of Vaishnavi, Brahmani, Shivaduti or Indrani, Kaumari, Narasimhi, Chamunda and Varahi. The temple was renovated by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Legend of Saptamatruka Temple
According to a legend the seven goddesses originated from Goddess Durga while she was engaged in battle with the two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha. The matrikas symbolise the internal will power of their respective male God.
History of Saptamatruka Temple
The deities of Saptamatruka Temple were installed during the Ashvamedha sacrifice of Yajati Keshari. The Hindu temple in and around Jajpur were invaded during the reign of Kala Chand in Murshidabad. Thus, to protect the idols of Sapta matrikas the Brahmins hid them in a tunnel close to the Baitarani River. Later when the enemies dispersed the idols were re-installed in the temple and worshipped by the Utkala Brahmins of Jajpur.
Saptamatruka Temple is thronged by devotees from different places in the Chaitra month during the Krishna paksha Chaturdasi. Pilgrims can also visit the Budha Ganesha Temple and Dasaswamedh Ghat located in the vicinity of the temple.
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