Charchika Temple

One of the oldest Chamunda Devi temples called Charchika temple is located in Cuttack district of Odisha. The temple is dedicated to goddess Chamunda who has eight arms for various functions. Chamunda Devi is also known in the public as Charchika Maa. Her general posture is on the human body and the wearing is the garland of human skulls. This is the symbol of her violent nature over the demons. In her various hands, different weapons like Khadga, Katari, Kripan, Trident and also her one hand takes the blood cup with one finger dip in blood. This temple is exactly located on the hillock whose name is Ruchika Parvat. The existing temple was renovated or reconstructed in the beginning of 19th century A.D.

It is a general belief that the idol of Maa Charchika was designed by the Lord Parshuram itself. On an evening when he was taking bath in river Mahanadi, he saw a stone was lifting and falling continuously. He approached the stone and found a women face on it. He immediately lifted the stone and kept it with him. Properly established it at a place and worshipped. Maas Charchika dreamt him and ordered to construct her temple. The matter is of 9th or 10th century. Inside the temple, there are various sculptures of animals like Lion, Peacock, Elephant and Ducks etc.

The temple is of not very high architecture. Simple Kalingan traditional style of mandir construction has been adapted to build the temple. Like other temples of Kalinga style, the entrance is kept small at three ends. Small annexes were attached to the temple from three sides. In these annexies Arti and Pooja materials is kept for further proceedings. Dome of the temple has been provided with moldings and layers of bricks and other materials. Basement of the temple is 1ft high and dome is of semicircular shape with Brass Kalash kept on it. Near the temple a large shed is constructed to accommodate the devotees for any celebration held at the temple.