Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple Berhampur (History, Timings, Photos, Thakurani Jatra)

Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is one of the most revered deities in the city of Berhampur, also known as Silk City. The city has a long history and a rich cultural heritage, and the worship of Maa Budhi Thakurani is an integral part of its culture.

According to legend, Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple was originally worshipped by the Dera people, who were a weaver community from Rajmuhendry. They set up their community in Brahmapur in its early days and established the Thakurani temple. Over time, the worship of Maa Budhi Thakurani spread to other communities in the city, and she became the primary deity of the city.

The Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is located near the Big Bazaar area of old Brahmapur, and it attracts a large number of devotees. The temple is unique in that it shows the close association between lower-caste people and mainstream Hinduism. The priests in the temple are from the barber caste, while the devotees come from different castes.

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Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple Timings

Entry Fees: No Charge

History of Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is known as the Istadevi (primary deity) of Berhampur, also known as Silk City. The locals feel secure and protected under the blessings of Maa Budhi Thakurani, just like a child feels safe in their mother’s lap. The people of the city worship the goddess with deep reverence, devotion, love, and affection, and they strongly believe that she is their protector.

The Maa Budhi Thakurani temple is located near the Big Bazaar area of old Brahmapur, and it attracts a large number of devotees. The deity inside the shrine is a rough-cut stone that is covered in sindoor (vermilion powder).

Originally, the Dera people, who were a weaver community from Rajmuhendry, worshipped the goddess. The temple is unique in that it shows the close association between lower-caste people and mainstream Hinduism. The priests in the temple are from the barber caste, while the devotees come from different castes.

Consider visiting: Tara Tarini Temple

Ghata Yatra or Thakurani Yatra at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

Brahmapur Thakurani is famous for its biennial yatra (festival), which is known as Ghata Yatra or Thakurani Yatra. This festival is the main festival of Brahmapur city and southern Orissa. It is celebrated every alternate year during the month of Chaitra (March/April) when the Goddess returns home like a daughter returning to her father’s house after marriage. The festival lasts for a month and is celebrated with great pomp and show.

During the festival, the town is decorated with vibrant colours, and there are giant images of different goddesses and mythological figures displayed on decorated floats called Raths. Folk dance forms and caricatures of different aspects called veshas are also major attractions during the festival.

How to reach Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is located in the heart of Berhampur city, which is well-connected to other parts of Odisha and neighbouring states. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach the temple:

1. By air: The nearest airport to Berhampur is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 170 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Berhampur.
2. By train: Berhampur Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India. There are regular trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore to Berhampur. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
3. By bus: Berhampur has a well-developed road network, and there are regular buses from major cities in Odisha and neighbouring states. The Berhampur bus stand is located in the city centre, and one can easily find a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.

Once you reach Berhampur, the temple is easily accessible by public transport. The temple is located in the old town area, near the Big Bazaar market. You can take a cycle-rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. The temple is open throughout the day, and there is no entry fee. However, it is recommended to visit the temple during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid the crowd.

Festivals celebrated at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple in Berhampur is famous for its festivals, which attract a large number of devotees every year. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are:

1. Thakurani Yatra: Thakurani Yatra, also known as Ghata Yatra, is the most important festival celebrated at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple. It is a biennial festival that takes place during the month of Chaitra (March/April). The festival marks the homecoming of the goddess to her paternal home and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
2. Durga Puja: Durga Puja is a popular festival celebrated in West Bengal and other parts of India. It is celebrated at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple with great pomp and show. The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with the worship of Goddess Durga and other deities.
3. Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great fervour at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights and diyas, and the devotees offer prayers to the goddess for prosperity and happiness.
4. Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra is a festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, and other parts of India. At Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple, the festival is celebrated with the procession of the deities on beautifully decorated chariots.
5. Saraswati Puja: Saraswati Puja is a festival celebrated in honour of the Hindu goddess of learning, music, and art. It is celebrated at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple with the worship of Goddess Saraswati and the distribution of sweets and prasad.

Apart from these major festivals, various other festivals and religious events are also celebrated at Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple throughout the year, making it a hub of spiritual and cultural activities.

Places to visit near Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple

There are several places to visit near Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple in Berhampur. Here are some of the popular options:

1. Gopalpur Beach:: This scenic beach is located around 16 km from the temple and is a popular tourist spot. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and relax on the beach.
2. Tara Tarini Temple: This temple is located around 30 km from Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Tara Tarini. It is situated on top of a hill and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
3. Aryapalli Beach: This beach is located around 25 km from the temple and is known for its tranquil environment. You can take a leisurely stroll on the beach and enjoy the serene surroundings.
4. Mohana: This is a small town located around 30 km from the temple and is known for its beautiful river and forest. You can enjoy a boat ride on the river and explore the forest.
5. Tampara Lake: This lake is located around 35 km from the temple and is a popular picnic spot. You can enjoy boating and fishing here and also explore the nearby wildlife sanctuary.
6. Pati-Sonapur Beach: This beach is located around 30 km from the temple and is known for its beautiful sunset view. You can relax on the beach and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

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