About the Temple
An ancient temple of Baitala Deula is located at the Bhubaneswar in Khurda district of Odisha. The temple is consecrated to Goddess Durga. She is worshiped as Chamunda or Kapalini in this temple. The temple is also known as Tini Mundia Mandir. The idol of Goddess Chamunda is seen on a corpse flanked by a jackal and an owl. The deity is adorned with skull garland. She holds a snake, bow, shield, sword, trident and an arrow which is piercing the neck of the demon. The idol of Goddess Chamunda is surrounded by other deities that are carved in the lower parts of the walls within a niche separate by a pilaster.
Temple View
Temple History and Temple Legend
Baitala Deula temple history dates back to the 9th-century. It is a typical Khakara temple. A very ferocious incarnation of Goddess Shakti is worshipped in this temple. She is “God of war” and is considered as Goddess who kills the demons. Goddess Chamunda is one of the seven forms of the Mother Goddess Durga. Goddess Chamunda is seen mounted on a corpse or an owl. The Goddess is worshipped in a grand way during the night of full moon or Amavasya. The temple is also visited by the people who follow tantric tradition.
Some of the legends are inscribed on the temple walls. A legend says that Goddess Durga created Matrikas or various forms of her own self to defeat many powerful and dangerous demons who wanted to rule the universe and eradicate the peace of the universe. Goddess Kali killed all the demons and it was she who acquired the name of Chamunda.
As per another hearsay, Matricas Chamunda is believed to emerge from the foot of the lion- headed Goddess Narshmi, who then killed the demons and devils.
Temple Architecture
Temple Architecture
The temple architecture is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian features. The Gopuram has a series of smaller spires which shows the influence of the Dravidian architecture. The temple has a unique design of the Jagmohana roof which is a semi circular in shape. The entire edifice is oblong and is built of coarse sandstone. The Jagmohana consists of the sanctum sanctorum. The stone pillars in the Jagmohana have two images of Buddha in Dharma Chakra Pravartana Mudra. The calmed images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are seen inscribed on the sanctum window. The carving of Lord Surya in a chariot driven by seven horses and Lord Shiva dancing as Nataraja is also seen in the temple.
Festivals and Celebrations
Kartiki Purnima, Maha Shivratri, Durga Puja and Diwali are some of the major festivals celebrated in the temple.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport which is located at Bhubaneswar.
By Train: The nearest railway head is Bhubaneswar.
By Road: A good road network connects Bhubaneswar with all the major towns of Odisha. Autos, cabs, rickshaws and Odisha state transport buses are available from the town to access the temple.
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